Is Alpaca Wool Superior to Cashmere? (Spoiler alert, the answer is YES!)

By Lavender Lobster | 

There’s something undeniably luxurious about wrapping yourself in a soft, warm knit — but not all yarns are created equal. For years, cashmere has been the byword for indulgence and luxury knitwear. Yet, as consumers grow more conscious of what their clothes cost the planet, alpaca wool has quietly emerged as the truly sustainable choice for those who care about both comfort and conscience.

At Lavender Lobster, we chose 100% British alpaca yarn for our knits not only because it feels exquisite, but because it represents a gentler, smarter approach to luxury. Here’s why alpaca outshines cashmere, in every sense.

1. A Kinder Footprint on the Earth

Cashmere goats, primarily found in Mongolia and northern China, are notoriously hard on their environment. They graze close to the root, stripping vegetation and contributing to desertification across vast areas. This has become a growing ecological crisis, threatening both wildlife and local livelihoods.

Alpacas, on the other hand, tread lightly — literally. They have soft, padded feet instead of hooves, so they don’t damage fragile terrain. Their grazing habits are gentler too: they nibble the tops of grasses rather than pulling them out by the roots. And because they can thrive in the Andes’ harsh climates, they require far less water and supplemental feed than goats.

The result? A natural fiber that leaves the landscape intact rather than depleted.

2. Fewer Animals, More Yarn

Producing one cashmere sweater often requires the fiber from three to four goats. By contrast, a single alpaca produces enough wool for four to five sweaters each year.

That efficiency means fewer animals, less overgrazing, and less strain on local ecosystems. It’s a simple equation: when a fiber yields more with less, it’s naturally the more sustainable choice.

3. Naturally Ethical and Cruelty-Free

Alpacas are shorn once a year, much like sheep, in a humane process that keeps them comfortable in warmer months. No animals are harmed, and the shearing supports small family farms across Peru, the UK, and South America.

In contrast, parts of the cashmere supply chain have come under scrutiny for animal welfare concerns and exploitative labor practices. By choosing alpaca, you’re supporting a fiber that values the wellbeing of both animals and artisans.

4. Built to Last — and Stay Beautiful

Cashmere is delicate. It pills, stretches, and thins with time — especially when blended with synthetic fibers to cut costs. Alpaca wool, by comparison, is stronger, softer, and more durable, meaning your knit will hold its shape and texture for years.

It’s also naturally hypoallergenic (no lanolin) and thermoregulating, keeping you warm without overheating. That’s true luxury: comfort that endures, without compromise.

5. A Smarter Kind of Luxury

True sustainability isn’t about sacrificing elegance — it’s about redefining it.
Choosing alpaca over cashmere reflects an awareness that the most beautiful things are those made responsibly, thoughtfully, and in harmony with nature.

At Lavender Lobster, every piece is designed with this principle in mind: luxury that lasts, crafted with conscience.

 

About Lavender Lobster
Lavender Lobster is a British slow-fashion label dedicated to whimsical yet timeless design, crafted in small batches from natural fibers and ethical materials. Every collection celebrates heritage craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling — because style should feel as good as it looks.