Consumers are drawn to alpaca sweaters with just one touch. Alpaca is several times stronger and much warmer than sheep’s wool. The fiber itself is semi-hollow and makes very light, thermal garments. Alpaca fiber comes in over 22 natural colors, ranging from white, fawn, through tan, red and brown, to black. Alpaca fiber is also found in several shades of gray. It blends well with other types of natural fibers. Unlike sheep's wool, alpaca fibers have a smooth shaft, a trait that reduces the prickly feel often associated with wool clothing.

Historically, alpaca production has been concentrated in the high Andes Mountains where pasture is limited. The world-wide population of alpaca is barely three million animals. As a result, alpaca is considered a specialty fiber with limited available supply. Alpaca fleece is comparable to cashmere in softness and is often mixed with other fibers, such as mohair or wool, to vary the texture of the yarn produced.