Alpaca
Alpacas are members of the camelid family that live in Peru and its surrounding areas in South America. They are known for their excellent heat retention and soft, moist feel. Alpacas live in a harsh natural environment at an altitude of 5,000 meters, with extreme temperature fluctuations. To protect themselves from the harsh cold of the Andes, they wear highly insulating fur. Their fur has cavities that trap air, allowing them to retain warmth while dissipating excess heat. For this reason, alpacas are said to feel eight times warmer than wool.
Alpaca produces a unique oil that gives the fibers a soft, waxed feel. This oil not only provides a pleasant feel, but also helps repel water-based stains. Alpaca also emits a unique fragrance that is imperceptible to humans, and is less likely to attract insects than cashmere (though this may vary depending on the environment). Compared to wool, alpaca hair has fewer scales on its surface, making it less likely to tangle or clump. This makes alpaca fabric softer to the touch than wool. Royal Alpaca uses only the first alpaca hair harvested, resulting in fabrics with a superior feel, smoothness, and warmth compared to commonly used alpaca fabrics. Our long history of working with alpaca knitwear in Peru has earned us the trust of farmers, who provide us with higher-quality materials.
Pima Cotton
Royal Alpaca uses 100% Pima cotton, the world's highest-grade "extra-long staple" cotton. We have long-standing contracts with trusted cotton farms and ensure strict quality control. Pima cotton is a highly prized fiber due to its strict growing conditions. Long beloved in Peru, Pima cotton has a smooth, soft texture and beautiful luster. Peruvians call it "gamuza," which means suede in Spanish. Processing it into yarn enhances its smoothness and gives it a silky sheen, creating a distinctive fabric. Furthermore, the cotton grows pure white, almost bleached, creating a beautiful, vibrant color in dyes. Extra-long staple cotton also reduces pilling and retains its shape, even after repeated washing, compared to other cottons.
About Brand
The brand logo features the family crest of CEO Patricia Escalante. The grandfather of the current CEO, who was the first director, first encountered alpaca material and was so captivated by its texture that he emigrated from Spain to Peru. Since then, generations of the company have dealt in alpaca material, and the image of an alpaca is also featured in the family crest.