The World’s Most Luxurious Fiber: Why We Choose Alpaca Wool

At The Lavender Lobster, every decision begins with a question, how can we create something beautiful that also feels good, does good, and lasts? When it came to choosing the fibers for our knitwear, the answer revealed itself the first time we met the alpacas.

Our alpaca wool comes from a small family-run farm in Somerset, where the animals graze freely on rolling green hills under open skies. We’ve spent time there ourselves — feeding the alpacas by hand, learning their rhythms, and seeing the care and gentleness that defines their lives. Their fleece is sheared just once a year, with patience and respect, and the farmers know each animal by name. That traceability, that human connection, is what makes every skein of yarn feel so special to us.

Beyond its story, alpaca wool is one of the most premium natural fibers in the world. It’s softer than cashmere yet stronger and more durable, making it a true heirloom material. The fibers are hollow, creating a natural insulation that adapts to your body temperature — warm in Winter, cool in Summer. Alpaca wool contains no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, odour-resistant, and incredibly lightweight, so every piece feels like a gentle hug.

But perhaps what makes alpaca wool most remarkable is how gentle it is on the planet. Alpacas have soft, padded feet that don’t damage the earth, and they nibble rather than uproot plants, allowing their pastures to flourish season after season. They thrive in balance with their environment — something we deeply admire and strive to mirror in our own work.

Choosing British alpaca wool means we can oversee the entire process — from the field to the finished knit. It means we know, with certainty, that the animals are treated with love, that the farmers are paid fairly, and that each fiber carries a story of care.

To us, true luxury isn’t just how something looks or feels — it’s how it’s made, who it supports, and the life it represents. Alpaca wool embodies that philosophy perfectly: soft, sustainable, and full of soul.