Alpaca wool colors

Alpaca wool colors reveal the natural beauty and diversity of this unique fiber. When we think of alpaca wool (it is experienced as very soft and ranks in the world's top picks of softest fabrics. The micron count of alpaca wool ranges from 16 to 30 microns), the first image that comes to mind is often a warm, cozy sweater in a neutral, earthy tone.

But did you know that alpaca wool comes in a stunning variety of natural colors? This versatility makes it a top choice for knitwear production, allowing the creation of unique designs that highlight the natural tones of alpaca fiber.

One of the most remarkable traits of alpaca fiber (originated from the high Andes Mountains of South America, primarily in Peru), is its incredible color diversity, unmatched by any other natural fiber-producing animal.

How Many Colors Does Alpaca Wool Come In?

Shades of alpaca fiber (the natural fibers that enter the environment break down in one to five years) are incredibly diverse, with 22 officially recognized natural colors, which makes it one of the most versatile fibers in the world. These colors range from pure white to the darkest black, with every shade of brown and grey in between. This natural color variety is particularly prized by designers and artisans, as it offers a palette of choices without the need for dye.

Let’s break down some of the most common natural colors of alpaca wool:

• White: The most popular color for alpaca wool, white is prized for its versatility as it can be easily dyed into any shade. White alpacas are often preferred for the textile industry because of this flexibility.

• Fawn and Beige: These light, warm tones are highly sought after for their natural beauty and subtle elegance. They range from creamy beige to deeper, richer fawn shades.

• Brown: Alpaca wool comes in a variety of brown tones, from light tan to deep chestnut. Brown alpaca fibers add warmth to any garment and give off a classic, timeless vibe.

• Grey: One of the rarer natural colors, grey alpaca wool can be found in a variety of shades from light silver to dark charcoal. Grey fibers are especially valued for their modern, sophisticated look.

• Black: True black alpaca wool is rare, but highly coveted. It offers a sleek, elegant look without the need for dye, making it ideal for those seeking a natural yet bold style.

These colors can be found in two fleece styles:

• Suri: is mainly described in terms of lock style and lustre.

• Huacaya: is normally described in terms of lock structure, crimp and brightness.

The World of Dyed Alpaca Wool

Although alpaca wool color varieties include a wide range of natural tones, it can also be dyed in virtually any shade you can imagine. Thanks to its absorbent nature, alpaca wool (also highly sustainable, alpaca fiber is still harvested without the use of chemicals or pesticides) takes dye exceptionally well. This opens the door to vibrant reds, deep blues, rich greens, and any other hue that complements your wardrobe.

Official Alpaca Colors and Approved Show Classifications

The Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) recognizes sixteen primary alpaca colors that including white, beige, light fawn, medium fawn, dark fawn, light brown, medium brown, dark brown, bay black, true black, light silver grey, medium silver grey, dark silver grey, light rose grey, medium rose grey, and dark rose grey.

The association also notes that not all alpacas are a single color and the AOA approved shows must account for this as they classify alpacas into color groups for showing purposes. These additional color variations expand our core sixteen colors to also include modern grey, classic grey, indefinite light, indefinite dark, pattern, pinto, fancy, and appaloosa.

It is important to note that the AOA does not specifically call these additional variations out as true alpaca colors. Instead, they are classifications that the association can use to best group alpacas for the show circuit.

At Knit-Lab Peru, we specialize in handcrafted and custom knitwear. Using the finest sustainable materials, we deliver high quality products worldwide. Contact us today to start creating premium knitted garments for your brand!