The Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) are llama-like animals found in South America. They are smaller than llamas and are valued for their fiber. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, much as sheep's wool is. There are sweaters, socks, coats, hats, gloves, ponchos and many more made of alpaca. Alpacas have straight ears and llamas have banana shaped ears. They have to get to know their owner and after that alpacas give their backs and necks to be touched. They don't like to be grabbed though.
The Amerindians of Peru used alpacas fiber to manufacture many styles of fabrics for thousands of years before this knowledge to come in Europe as a commercial product. There were many rituals revolved around the alpaca.
The first alpaca fiber in Europe is imported into Spain. Spain transferred that fiber to Germany and France. Why is Alpaca fiber valuable? People prefered the alpaca because of its lighter weight and better warmth that provides them more comfort in colder weather.
Alpaca fiber is woven together with merino wool to attain even more softness and durability. The preparing, combing, spinning, weaving and finishing process of alpaca and mohair are similar to that of wool since it was based around wool.
The price for American alpacas can be from USD$100 to USD$500,000. Alpaca fiber is classified as a rare specialty fiber. It is five times warmer than sheep wool fiber and more luxurious than cashmere. There are more than 22 natural colors of alpaca fleece. An infinite array of natural colors can be produced by blending these fibers. Alpaca fiber can also be easily worked. Alpaca fiber is strong and resilient and has more thermal capacity than almost any other animal fiber. The fiber actually contains microscopic air pockets that contribute to the creation of lightweight apparel with very high insulation value.
Alpaca fiber does not itch as wool often does because it does not contain lanolin and has a smooth cell structure. Luxurious alpaca wool cardigans are made with one of the finest luxury fibers in the world: 100% Alpaca wool. Perfect for those golf outings or when you want to purchase or wear a garment that is uniquely handsome. For extreme climates one can use alpaca clothes as part of his layering.

And now some good alpaca products I've found in the famous shops:

ML Kessler Alpaca Sweater - Long Sleeve (For Men)Overstock . In ancient Andean society, alpaca wool was reserved for nobility. That's why ML Kessler created this outstanding crew neck sweater. Now you can experience the warm, lightweight comfort of handmade Peruvian alpaca wool. Stretchy knit gives your body a natural, custom fit Ribknit collar, cuff and hem Long sleeves Crew neck 100% alpaca wool Hand wash, hang dry Overstock . Peru. Size: S(34-36) M(38-40) L(42-44) XL(46-48) 2XL(50-52)

M.L. Kessler Alpaca Zip Neck Sweater - Long Sleeve (For Men)CLOSEOUTS . M.L .Kessler's alpaca zip neck sweater is created of fine alpaca wool, a fabric once reserved strictly for nobility in ancient Andean society. Now you too can experience the warm, lightweight comfort of handmade Peruvian alpaca wool. Ribknit collar, cuff and hem Long sleeves Neck zip: 8? 100% alpaca wool Hand wash, hang dry CLOSEOUTS . Peru. Size: S (34-36) M (38-40) L (42-44) XL (46-48) 2XL (50-52)

ML Kessler Alpaca Sweater - Long Sleeve (For Men)Overstock . ML Kessler created this outstanding sweater of fine alpaca wool because in the ancient Andean society, alpaca wool was reserved for nobility. Now you can experience the warm, lightweight comfort of handmade Peruvian alpaca wool. Three-button placket leads up to collar Ribknit collar, cuff and hem Long sleeves Crew neck 100% alpaca wool Hand wash, hang dry Overstock . Peru. Size: S (34-36) M (38-40) L (42-44) XL (46-48) 2XL (50-52)

M.L. Kessler Alpaca Zip Neck Sweater - Long Sleeve (For Men)CLOSEOUTS . M.L .Kessler's alpaca zip neck sweater is created of fine alpaca wool, a fabric once reserved strictly for nobility in ancient Andean society. Now you too can experience the warm, lightweight comfort of handmade Peruvian alpaca wool. Ribknit collar, cuff and hem Long sleeves Neck zip: 8? 100% alpaca wool Hand wash, hang dry CLOSEOUTS . Peru. Size: S (34-36) M (38-40) L (42-44) XL (46-48) 2XL (50-52)

Alpaca wool poncho, 'Snowy Peak'4.72 ' W x 6.20 ' H Weight: 1.50 kg -80% alpaca wool, 20% sheep wool -Dry clean only -All natural dyes Ships from NOVICA Office in Peru NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Pre-Hispanic butterflies adorn a handsome handloomed cloak. Working in luxurious alpaca wool, Faustino Maldonado selects the colors of Huaytapallana, a snowcapped mountain in the province of Huancayo. The warm but lightweight garment is based on the traditional poncho. Buttons crafted from dried mate gourds secure each side. They bear the inscription Tahuantinsuyo, which refers to the Inca empire's geographic division which included Antisuyo, Collasuyo, Chinchaysuyo and Contisuyo. Handmade by Maldonado Family Faustino Maldonado's artistry has been featured in Sunset magazine. Faustino Maldonado was born in Hualhuas. Because his parents and grandparents were artisans, he learned at an eary age to weave on rustic looms, to prepare the warp using the pushca, and spin on the rueca. Since he first started weaving, Maldonado has mastered the art and has immensely improved the quality of his textiles. Maldonado's work is a representation of the art that has been passed down from generation to generation within his family. The family motto has been, "I will never let go of either my grandfather or grandson's hands, for what I have learned from the elders, I will teach to the young." Based on this family philosophy, Maldonado and his relatives have been making large bedspreads in high relief without any stitching. They also proudly craft sheep wool and alpaca tapestries, purses, backpacks, cushions, and vests. The Maldonado family's works have become increasingly popular.

Patagonia Synchila Marsupial (Men's) - Alpaca Brown PolyesterYou can live without a hand-warming pouch but why would you want to, especially when you can have one in toasty, fleecy Synchilla fabric. Made from 7.6-oz double-faced recycled-polyester fleece, with an ample kangaroo-style pouch for stashing necessities and cold hands, and a hidden stash pocket for stuff only you need to know about. Unzip the front for ventilation and easy on/off. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. Available Colors: Black Polyester, Heritage Blue Polyester, Cayenne Polyester, Feather Grey Polyester, Loden Polyester, Alpaca Brown Polyester.

Patagonia Cap 3 Zip Neck (Men's) - Velvet Brown/Alpaca Brown Crossdye PolyesterPair this piece with a lightweight shell for dryness and warmth while tramping the Scottish moors or with running shorts for a more aerobic jaunt deeper into the mountains. Dense interior honeycomb fabric -- brushed for warmth, softness and compressibility -- wicks perspiration away from skin, while a smooth exterior glides beneath layers. Zip or unzip to retain or dump heat as conditions or exertion demand. Flat-seam construction provides a clean, finished look with fine "barely there" seaming. Raglan sleeves and the single-piece shoulder panel merge out of the way of bib, pack or wader straps to eliminate chafe. Side seams are rolled slightly forward for chafe-free mobility. Extra tail length keeps heat in/elements out. Made from 4.8-oz polyester (64% recycled) that's 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. With Gladiodor natural odor control and a slim fit. Available Colors: Arboretum Green/Vine Crossdye Polyester, White Polyester, Classic Navy/Utility Blue Crossdye, Feather Grey/Fog Crossdye Polyester, Mars Red/Real Red Crossdye Polyester, Velvet Brown/Alpaca Brown Crossdye Polyester.

Patagonia Nylon Stand Up Pants (Men's) - Alpaca Brown NylonThese pants are lightweight and highly durable with fast drying nylon canvas, a verison of the original stand up pants. The blend of recycled nylon and abrasion resistant nylon canvas provide durable material for your toughest jobs. The front features two quarter top pockets. The button closure fly and double needle stitching provide durable construction and easy on and off.

Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms (Men's) - Velvet Brown/Alpaca Brown Crossdye PolyesterRainy hikes in the Talkeetnas, hot spring--hopping in Iceland, sneaking in a last lap at the mom-and-pop lift op: Stay dry and warm in our Capilene 3 Bottoms. They're made with a soft honeycomb-backed fabric that's brushed on the inside to boost thermal value and pull moisture away from skin, while their smooth exterior glides readily beneath layers. Flat-seam construction provides a clean, finished look with fine "barely there" seaming to eliminate chafe from hip belt or harness. The exposed elastic waistband is brushed for next-to-skin comfort, and a gusseted crotch allows maximum mobility. Made from 4.8-oz polyester (64% recycled) that's 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. With Gladiodor natural odor control, a functional fly and a Slim fit. Available Colors: Feather Grey/Fog Crossdye Polyester, Velvet Brown/Alpaca Brown Crossdye Polyester.

Men's Aztec Patterned Sweater*100% Baby Alpaca *Crewneck Sweater *Festive Patterns *Standard Fit *Made in Peru Great for anywhere! Made from 70% baby alpaca and 30% wool, this soft lightweight yet warm round neck sweater looks good with jeans or slacks. Available in Purple and Burgundy. Black patterning makes the sweater more interesting!

Alpaca wool poncho, 'Silver Skies'4.56 ' W x 6.00 ' H Weight: 1.50 kg -80% alpaca wool, 20% sheep wool -Dry clean only -All natural dyes Ships from NOVICA Office in Peru NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Bands of stylized butterflies flit across silvery gray clouds. Working in luxurious alpaca wool, Faustino Maldonado creates a cloak with Andean motifs. Based on the traditional poncho, the warm but lightweight garment is woven on the handloom. Buttons crafted from dried mate gourds secure each side. Handmade by Maldonado Family Faustino Maldonado's artistry has been featured in Sunset magazine. Faustino Maldonado was born in Hualhuas. Because his parents and grandparents were artisans, he learned at an eary age to weave on rustic looms, to prepare the warp using the pushca, and spin on the rueca. Since he first started weaving, Maldonado has mastered the art and has immensely improved the quality of his textiles. Maldonado's work is a representation of the art that has been passed down from generation to generation within his family. The family motto has been, "I will never let go of either my grandfather or grandson's hands, for what I have learned from the elders, I will teach to the young." Based on this family philosophy, Maldonado and his relatives have been making large bedspreads in high relief without any stitching. They also proudly craft sheep wool and alpaca tapestries, purses, backpacks, cushions, and vests. The Maldonado family's works have become increasingly popular.

100% alpaca wool men's sweater, 'Blues'Weight: 0.56lb Ships from NOVICA's Andes office. - Dry clean only - Dry clean only - Dry clean only - Dry clean only - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Waves in sky blue, navy and gray flow in smooth rows across a handsome sweater. Transforming alpaca wool into fashion, Dayanna Carbonel designs a finely knitted pullover with a round neck. Solid bands of color at the wrists, hem and collar make a trim finish. Handmade by Dayanna Carbonel "I was born a Peruvian and I'm proud of my roots. This led me to the decision to enter the world of textile arts with my knitting and our Andean culture. "I began working with knitting, crochet and weaving in 2002. I remember that I traveled a lot in the sierra and I enjoyed seeing so much of my homeland. I realized it has so much potential. I loved seeing the techniques used there and the colors fascinated me. I became aware that this was a part of my life, and to this day, I have never left it. Textile arts are so important as I strive to create new things. I learned to knit as well as to design. As time went by, I looked for artisans who could help me with the final finishing of my pieces. And so I was able to offer them work to help their families and support their homes. It's so exciting to know that I can do something for others and that, together, we form a single team. "In this way, we achieve the very best quality in our colors and designs. I'm very demanding with my garments. Crafting my own designs has been my greatest challenge. I hope you like them."

Baby Alpaca V-Neck Pullover Sweater*100% Baby Alpaca *V-Neck Pullover Sweater *Ribbed at Collar, Sleeves and Hem *Standard Fit *Made in Peru Great for anywhere! Made from 100% baby alpaca, this soft lightweight yet warm V-neck sweater looks good with jeans or slacks. Marled colors makes the material more interesting!

100% Baby Alpaca Wool Sweater*100% Baby Alpaca *Crewneck Sweater with gorgeous mix of natural colors *Standard Fit *Made in Peru Gorgeous mix of natural colors on this round neck sweater. Made from 100% baby alpaca. Great for relaxing at home. in the office or on the golf course! Looks great with jeans or slacks.

Men's Striped and Patterned Alpaca Sweater*70% Baby Alpaca 30% Wool *Crewneck Sweater *Festive Patterns *Standard Fit *Made in Peru Great for anywhere! Made from 70% baby alpaca and 30% wool, this soft lightweight yet warm round neck sweater looks good with jeans or slacks. Striped colors makes the material more interesting!

Alpaca wool men's sweater, 'Inca Legacy'Weight: 0.52lb Ships from NOVICA's Andes office. - Dry cleaning recommended - Dry cleaning recommended - Dry cleaning recommended - Dry cleaning recommended - Features a button closure - Features a button closure - Features a button closure - Features a button closure - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state - Textile softness: Coarse -- this item is made with natural fibers that have not been softened in order to preserve the material's natural state NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Combining neutral tonalities with melon, green and blue, Virginia Apaza creates a sweater to combine with everything. She adapts a classic rugby shirt to superbly knitted alpaca wool. A navy waistband, cuffs and placket complement the rich, warm colors. Designed for men, it buttons closed; Apaza includes an extra button. Handmade by Virginia Apaza Ticona Born in the Puno region on November 15, 1972, Virginia Apaza Ticona is the second of six children. Her father raises alpacas and sells their wool. Her mother knits and crochets a variety of clothing articles, and Apaza learned at the age of 15. Aided by her aunts, the artisan sold her designs; in this way she was able to fund her university studies, where she specialized in social work. Today, Apaza works as a consultant for merchandising handicrafts. Over the years, she kept up her knitting hobby and in 2002 Apaza decided to dedicate all her time to textiles. Setting up a workshop in her home, she works with women's groups. She is fluent in the Aymara language. Being able to communicate with women and communities where this is the only language spoken permits her to aid them in selling their work. Apaza works mainly in sheep wool, alpaca wool and alpaca blends, crocheting and knitting by hand and also on knitting machines. "I am an artist who works with her hands, they make real the ideas the come to my mind. Having learnt the textile arts from my mother, I love to use my hands in the creation of a variety of things, because knitting is such a versatile art. "I have knitted traditional dolls for a long time. I love to recreate traditional costumes, though I specialize in Quechua and Aymara styles. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with orders, that I have to ask other people to come in and help me stuff the dolls and put them together. "Nowadays, my product range includes garments, dolls, handbags, and knitted toys shaped like the animals that live in the Andes. "Working with alpaca wool is a family tradition