CACHEMIRE CERTIFIÉ HAUTE QUALITÉ | Origine Mongolie Intérieure · Fibre Grade A
Cashmere and alpaca are both positioned as premium natural fibres — softer and warmer than standard sheep's wool, ethically produced from small herds, and significantly more expensive than mass-market alternatives. So when choosing between the two, how do you decide?
The cashmere vs alpaca comparison comes down to measurable fibre properties: diameter, warmth, weight, and durability. Here's a data-driven breakdown.
Cashmere is the undercoat of cashmere goats (Capra hircus), primarily from Inner Mongolia and Mongolia. The finest grades (Grade A) measure under 15.5 microns. Each goat yields 100-200 grams of usable fibre per year.
Alpaca fibre comes from alpacas (Vicugna pacos), predominantly raised in Peru, Bolivia, and increasingly in the US and Australia. Alpaca fibre typically ranges from 18 to 30 microns, with baby alpaca (first shearing) being finest at roughly 18-23 microns. Royal alpaca — the finest commercial grade — can reach as low as 17-18 microns.
Softness is primarily determined by fibre diameter. Thinner fibres bend more easily against skin, creating a softer sensation.
| Fibre Grade | Typical Diameter |
|---|---|
| Grade A cashmere | Under 15.5 microns |
| Grade B cashmere | 15.5-19 microns |
| Baby alpaca | 18-23 microns |
| Royal alpaca | 17-18 microns |
| Standard alpaca | 23-30 microns |
At the finest end, Grade A cashmere (14-15.5 microns) is measurably softer than even the finest alpaca grades. The Alxa cashmere at 14.5 microns is in a fineness range that alpaca fibre rarely reaches.
However, baby alpaca and royal alpaca are significantly softer than Grade B or C cashmere. The comparison is only clearly in cashmere's favour when comparing top-grade to top-grade.
Alpaca fibre is hollow — it contains microscopic air pockets within the fibre shaft that provide excellent insulation. This gives alpaca strong warmth-to-weight ratio, and some textile sources rate alpaca as providing insulation comparable to or exceeding cashmere.
Cashmere also insulates well through air-trapping, but via a different mechanism: the fine, crimped fibres create air pockets between strands rather than within them.
In practice, both fibres are significantly warmer than sheep's wool and dramatically warmer than synthetics. The warmth difference between high-grade cashmere and good alpaca is subtle enough that other factors (garment construction, gauge, layering) matter more.
Cashmere is lighter. A cashmere sweater typically weighs less than a comparable alpaca garment because the fibre is finer and the yarn can be spun thinner while maintaining warmth.
Alpaca has more body and structure. Alpaca garments tend to drape with more weight and hold their shape more rigidly. This can be a positive (structured cardigans, heavier wraps) or a negative (less fluid drape on fine-gauge pieces).
If lightweight warmth is your priority, cashmere has the advantage.
Alpaca fibre has a smoother surface scale structure than cashmere. This means alpaca fibres are less likely to tangle with each other on the fabric surface, resulting in significantly less pilling.
Cashmere pills more — though the degree depends heavily on grade and staple length. Grade A cashmere with long staple fibres pills moderately and settles after the first season. Lower grades pill persistently.
If pilling bothers you and you're not willing to de-pill regularly, alpaca is the lower-maintenance option.
| Care Factor | Cashmere | Alpaca |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Hand-wash in cool water | Hand-wash in cool water |
| Drying | Flat dry | Flat dry |
| Pilling | Moderate (grade-dependent) | Low |
| Moth susceptibility | High (protein fibre) | Lower (less lanolin to attract moths) |
| Shape retention | Good with proper care | Very good — more resilient |
Both fibres require gentle care, but alpaca is slightly more forgiving overall. Alpaca garments hold their shape better through repeated washing and are less susceptible to moth damage.
Grade A cashmere is typically more expensive than comparable alpaca. The scarcity factor is the main driver — a cashmere goat's annual yield (100-200g) is lower than an alpaca's fleece yield, which can reach several kilograms.
For buyers on a budget who want luxury fibre softness, high-grade alpaca offers a genuine alternative at a lower price point. For buyers who prioritise the absolute finest softness and lightest weight, Grade A cashmere remains unmatched.
Cashmere vs alpaca isn't a clear-cut contest. Grade A cashmere wins on softness and lightweight feel. Alpaca wins on pilling resistance and value for money. Both are excellent natural fibres that dramatically outperform synthetics on comfort, warmth, and longevity. The right choice depends on what you value most — and there's a strong argument for having both in your wardrobe.
