Merino Sweater vs. Alpaca Sweater: Which is the Better Choice?

We are often asked: "Oh, is it a bit like a merino wool shirt?"

An alpaca sweater is of course a sweater just like a merino sweater, but even small technical differences in the materials make a big difference to the end product itself.

When it comes to sweaters, two popular choices are often merino wool and alpaca. Merino wool is the best-known option for most people, and merino wool shirts are even sold in supermarkets. The Alpaca sweater is not as well known, for the simple reason that Alpaca wool is a material that is not as widely available.

According to my own experience, once you've tried an alpaca sweater made of high-quality alpaca fiber, there's no going back to other knits. In this article, however, I'm not writing about my own opinion, I'm trying to stick to the facts.

Both materials provide warmth and comfort in any case. But the materials also have differences that can affect your choice. So we are comparing the properties of a merino sweater and an alpaca sweater.

1. Weight and Heat

• Merino wool : Merino wool is known for its lightness and warmth. It is made of fine fibers and, thanks to the chemical treatment (Superwash / Ecowash), it is pleasantly soft and easy to wash in the washing machine. This makes it a popular choice for layering.
• Alpaca Wool : Alpaca wool is lighter than merino wool, its thermal value is higher than merino wool, and it does not need any kind of chemical treatment to feel soft against the skin. This makes the alpaca sweater particularly suitable for cold conditions, without feeling heavy on the wearer and without any kind of chemical treatment.

2. Softness and Comfort

• Merino sweater : The merino wool that has gone through the chemical superwash treatment is soft and breathable, and it regulates the body temperature well.
• Alpaca Sweater : Alpaca wool is known for its special softness due to its smooth fiber structure. Alpaca wool is even softer than merino wool and feels downright luxurious against the skin. Alpaca wool is antibacterial and hypoallergenic and does not contain lanolin, which can cause skin irritation. Ruukki Kehräämö's Alpaca Royal sweaters are all 100% naturally produced, no chemicals or dyes have been used.

3. Durability and Maintenance

• Merino wool : Merino wool is a durable material, but may require special care to maintain its shape and softness. It may stretch and lose its shape over time if not cared for properly.
• Alpaca Wool : Alpaca wool is very durable and has a natural ability to return to its shape. This makes an alpaca sweater a long-lasting and easy-care option.

A merino wool shirt is also durable, but does not recover its shape as well as alpaca wool. This is especially evident in skin-hugging sweaters.

4. Temperature Regulation

• Merino wool: Merino wool is known for its excellent ability to regulate body temperature. It keeps you warm in cold weather and cool in warmer conditions. This is due to the air layer between the fibers.
• Alpaca Wool: The temperature-regulating properties of alpaca wool are, however, many times higher than those of merino wool. This is because the alpaca fiber is also full of air pockets inside. Alpaca wool is also unparalleled in its breathability. These features make it a great choice for all kinds of situations and weather conditions.

5. Ethics and Environmental friendliness

• Merino wool: Merino wool production often uses industrial methods that may affect the environment. The production of merino wool can be associated with animal welfare problems and environmental overload.
• Alpakka Wool: Alpakka wool production is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Alpacas are not intensively grazed, they are gentle grazers whose soft sensors do not damage the soil like ungulates. Thus, raising alpaca supports biodiversity. In addition, on often very small farms that produce alpaca wool, the welfare of the alpacas is a priority (RAS - Responsible Alpaca Standard).

Conclusion

Both a merino sweater and an alpaca sweater offer their own unique benefits. Chemically treated merino wool is light, soft and an excellent temperature regulator, but alpaca wool offers even greater softness, lightness and durability without any additives. Its breathability is unmatched. If you are looking for a sweater that is particularly comfortable, durable and environmentally friendly, we think an alpaca sweater is the best choice.

Both materials are excellent choices, but alpaca wool offers advantages that make it an attractive option for those who appreciate luxury and durability, as well as environmental values.

I've had a merino sweater myself for years and I've really liked it. I only got to test the alpaca sweater a few weeks ago, and the difference is incredible. The softness and lightness of an alpaca sweater makes the material pretty incredible.