There are numerous fabrics that are sustainable yet durable and comfortable yet practical, ranging from bamboo fabric to alpaca wool. Both of these fabrics are unique yet eco-friendly, as long as they are produced in the right way. But is one superior over the other?
Both bamboo fabric and alpaca wool are soft, breathable, and durable when cared for properly. While alpaca wool is better for heat retention, bamboo is a great option in warm climates or for thermoregulation. Both materials have the potential to be sustainably produced, however they can also be exploited for efficiency and cost.
It can be hard as a consumer to choose between many types of fabrics, let alone to ensure that those fabrics are ethically and sustainably produced. To help, we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of bamboo fabric and alpaca wool to uncover which of these fabrics is better for you and the environment.
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Which fabric is more eco-friendly: bamboo fabric or alpaca wool?
Unlike comparing two plant-based fabrics, such as in our article about bamboo fabric vs linen, comparing bamboo fabric and alpaca wool is not exactly straightforward. For one thing, bamboo fabric is plant-based, while alpaca wool is made from the fleece of alpacas. Figuring out which type of fabric is more eco-friendly depends, in part, on your personal values.
On the other hand, the sustainability of each fabric also depends largely on the production process:
How is bamboo fabric made?
There are two dominant methods of transforming bamboo into thread that can be woven into fabric. The first is the mechanical method. During this process, the “woody” portion of the bamboo culm is shredded and natural enzymes are added to further break down the wood pulp. The resulting natural fibers are then separated and spun into a yarn, which can then be woven into a fabric.
As you can imagine, the mechanical process is cost-intensive. More commonly, manufacturers use a chemical process to extract the cellulose from a plant, in this case bamboo, and regenerate it into fibers, called rayon. While this is the dominant method for creating bamboo fabric, it is very detrimental to the environment due to the toxic chemical waste that is created as a byproduct.
Unfortunately, since bamboo rayon is derived from bamboo, it’s often simply marketed as bamboo. It isn’t lost on manufacturers that plant-based fabrics have become trendy and desirable, so bamboo fabric is often subject to “greenwashing,” where products are labeled with terms like “natural,” “organic,” and “eco-friendly” without certifications to validate those claims.
Fortunately, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has regulated that bamboo rayon be labeled accordingly, so you can identify which type of bamboo fabric you’re dealing with. A better alternative to rayon is lyocell. Though still produced chemically, lyocell is made with non-toxic chemicals that are recycled, greatly reducing the amount of toxic waste released into the environment. Bamboo lyocell is fortunately biodegradable and antibacterial (qualities that are lost in bamboo rayon).
How is alpaca wool made?
Alpaca wool is primarily produced in Peru, the United States, Bolivia, and Chile. Alpaca coats are sheared close to the skin, typically with scissors (a process that requires two people). This “harvesting” of the fleece has to be done regularly (every 1-2 years) as the alpacas do not shed naturally and are otherwise at risk of hyperthermia.
Once harvested, the raw wool is combed to arrange the fibers in a single direction in a process called “carding.” After carding, the thread is ready to be spun into alpaca yarns and then woven or knitted into alpaca textiles. Alpaca wool can be dyed, but it is commonplace for manufacturers to use natural colors (dyes), perhaps largely for aesthetics.
Types of alpacas
There are two different types of alpacas: Huacaya alpacas and Suri alpacas. Huacaya alpacas are more fluffy in appearance. Their fleece is actually a bit more coarse, closer to sheep’s wool. The Suri alpacas have finer fleece that can grow long and can even touch the ground. The resulting wool is silk-like and soft. The Huacaya breed makes up more of the world’s alpaca population, so you’re more likely to encounter alpaca wool from Huacaya alpacas.
Is alpaca wool cruelty-free?
Alpaca breeders are typically very compassionate, so there are very few concerns about animal cruelty. Alpacas are not often farmed in large numbers and typically live free-range, eating grasses. They are sheared annually or every other year, depending on the farmer and climate. It is in the farmer’s best interest to allow their alpacas to live a long and healthy life since their coat regrows.
Unfortunately, there can be instances of animal abuse in any industry. In 2020, a video was released by PETA exposing one farm in Peru that handled its alpacas roughly during the shearing process, upsetting many people. Locals in Peru and alpaca owners in the United States came forward insisting that it is not the norm.
Whether or not alpaca wool is cruelty-free or not depends on the individual farmer. As a consumer, there are two certifications to watch for with alpaca wool: World Fair Trade Organization and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic. These certify that the product is made without harming the environment, animals, or workers.
Bamboo fabric vs alpaca wool: the main criteria
Beyond the manufacturing processes, there are a variety of other factors to consider when it comes to comparing bamboo fabric and alpaca wool. Let’s take a closer look at those different characteristics:
Ecology (which is more sustainable to grow/raise?)
Alpacas graze without damaging root systems, and unlike goats or cattle, alpacas have padded feet with hardened toenails. This means they cause minimal damage to fields. When it comes to their manure and waste, there are mixed opinions. On the one hand, alpaca manure makes an excellent natural fertilizer. On the other hand, like cattle, alpacas contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, as evidenced by this study.
Compared to alpaca wool, bamboo is a vastly different type of resource. Bamboo is a sustainable resource in part because it’s one of the fastest-growing grasses globally. Most bamboo plants grow to mature size within their first year and, when mowed or cut down, will continue to develop new culms since it is a perennial grass. Like all plants, bamboo produces oxygen and captures carbon from the atmosphere.
Furthermore, bamboo is naturally resistant to pests and fungi and requires few if any pesticides or fertilizers to thrive. In the right conditions, bamboo is easy to grow and requires minimal natural resources, and since many bamboo species can grow upwards of 20 feet tall or more, you can yield an abundant harvest per square foot.
Ultimately, while raising alpacas can be considered sustainable (especially when compared to other types of animal agriculture), you can produce a much greater quantity of bamboo than you can alpaca wool in the same amount of time/space.
Biodegradability
In most cases, alpaca wool is more biodegradable than bamboo fabric. Like other wools, alpaca wool will biodegrade in approximately 1-5 years. It is entirely biodegradable unless harmful dyes or bleaches are added.
Bamboo fabric can also be completely biodegradable, but only if it is bamboo linen or lyocell. Bamboo rayon is not biodegradable because it’s made of synthetic fibers and, unfortunately, rayon is very prevalent in the market.
If you compare mechanically manufactured bamboo to organic alpaca wool, they are tied for biodegradability. However, in this case, alpaca wool is the better option because bamboo rayon is more readily available than the biodegradable alternatives.
Breathability
Alpaca wool certainly gives bamboo fabric a run for its money with breathability. Both fabrics have high breathability and wick moisture away from the skin. Suri alpaca wool in particular is very fine, which makes it slightly more breathable than Huacaya wool.
Generally, both alpaca wool and bamboo fabric are highly breathable materials. That said, bamboo fabric is one of the most breathable fabrics out there and is best for items like bedding, underwear, and workout clothes, which all require a high level of breathability.
Antibacterial properties
Bamboo rayon, the most common type of bamboo fabric on the market, is not antibacterial. However, bamboo lyocell and bamboo linen have natural antibacterial properties, a common feature in natural fabrics and especially bamboo.
Alpaca wool is interesting as some research suggests that alpaca wool has naturally antimicrobial properties. However, chemical processing can rid the wool of its natural properties. Alpaca wool requires thorough cleaning, and it’s possible that some producers use harsh chemicals during this process. If having a naturally antibacterial material is your top priority, I’d recommend looking for alpaca wool from producers that use minimal chemicals during processing.
Softness
Bamboo is an incredibly soft fabric, but alpaca wool is a worthy competitor in this category. It can be difficult to judge scientifically how soft a material is, but many people look at the micron count, the diameter of a single fiber of fabric. Basically, the smaller the micron count, the softer the fiber!
Often described as cashmere-soft or even silk-soft, Suri alpaca fibers are undeniably softer than Huacaya alpaca fibers. Baby alpaca fleece is also much softer than adult alpaca fleece, at about 18-23 microns. Standard alpaca fleece can range anywhere from 20-30 microns, which is substantially softer than sheep’s wool, which is typically around 30-40 microns. For an exact micron count, you can try measuring yourself or checking with the label (if you’re buying yarn).
For comparison, bamboo typically comes in at a micron count of 19. While you can find versions of alpaca wool that are softer than this, bamboo fabric is consistently very soft.
Durability
Both alpaca wool and bamboo fabric are considered durable and can last a long time if cared for correctly. Bamboo fabric made mechanically rather than chemically tends to retain much of bamboo’s valued strength. Unfortunately, the chemical process strips the “bamboo” of most of its qualities, so bamboo rayon and bamboo lyocell are not the most durable fabrics.
Alpaca wool is also moderately durable, as long as it’s properly cared for (washed on the gentle cycle and air-dried only). Compared to other types of wool, alpaca wool is considered much more durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to stains and is naturally water-repellent.
However, alpaca wool can develop pilling, which can usually be untangled, combed, or brushed out. Moths are also attracted to alpaca wool, so make sure to keep your items protected in the case of long-term storage.
Wrinkle resistance
Both alpaca wool and bamboo fabric are relatively wrinkle-resistant, but you may still have to contend with some wrinkling depending on how you care for and store your fabrics. Both are considered much more superior to cotton. Fabric from Huacaya alpacas is less prone to wrinkling than the Suri fabric, which is softer. Bamboo fabric, since it is quite soft, can develop some wrinkles over time, so proper care and storage is required for best results.
Hypoallergenic properties
Alpaca wool is said to be hypoallergenic, as there is no lanolin in alpaca wool, unlike sheep wool. As a result, people who react to sheep’s wool may find alpaca wool a better alternative. If alpaca wool feels prickly on your skin, you can try a knitted instead of woven material. If you are one of the few with allergic reactions to alpaca wool, you may find the symptoms similar to a cat allergy, mainly: itchiness, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
By contrast, bamboo fabric is incredibly soft and less likely to cause skin irritation, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Fortunately, both fabrics are breathable and therefore unlikely to harbor dust mites or mold, which are more likely to result in an allergic reaction.
Heat retention/insulation
Bamboo has moderate heat retention and is ideal for thermoregulation. It is a highly breathable fabric that will help prevent sweating if you run hot, making it the perfect choice for bamboo base layers, athletic wear, or bedding.
That said, alpaca wool has a very high heat retention and would be the ideal choice for cold weather. Alpaca wool is ideal for sweaters, mittens, and winter wear because heat retention is fantastic. It is still a very breathable material to prevent excessive sweating, but it traps the heat better to keep you warm.
Bamboo vs alpaca wool: which one is better?
While each category winner has nuances and exceptions, we compiled all of the data in this chart to help you make the best decision when purchasing your next product!
| Category | Bamboo Rating | Alpaca Rating | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | ★★★ | ★★★ | Tied: While alpaca appears to be the most sustainable fabric, there are concerns about greenhouse gas emissions that may concern environmentalists. |
| Biodegradability | ★★★ | ★★★★ | Alpaca: While bamboo linen and lyocell fabrics are biodegradable, rayon bamboo which is currently dominating the market is not biodegradable. Alpaca fabric without the use of chemical dyes or bleaching is 100% biodegradable. |
| Durability | ★★★ | ★★★ | Tied: Both fabrics are quite durable, but readily display wear and tear with time. |
| Softness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | Bamboo: While you can find alpaca fabric that is just as soft if not softer than bamboo, bamboo fabric has a consistently low micron count whereas alpaca wool has a broader range. |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | Bamboo: Since there are two types of alpaca wool, with suri a slightly more breathable material, bamboo wins this category because it is more consistent. |
| Wrinkle Resistance | ★★ | ★★★ | Alpaca: While both fabrics are subject to wrinkling, Alpaca wool is very wrinkle resistant, particularly the Huacaya alpaca wool. |
| Allergies and Sensitive Skin | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Bamboo: While both products are considered hypoallergenic, some may find alpaca wool with a higher micron count a bit coarse for the skin, or experience allergies to the animal itself. |
| Antibacterial | ★★★ | ★★ | Bamboo: Bamboo linen or lyocell naturally has antibacterial qualities, however rayon bamboo does not. There are some studies that suggest that raw alpaca fibers are antibacterial, however more research is needed. |
| Heat Retention | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Alpaca: While bamboo fabric does retain heat and helps thermoregulation, alpaca wool is the superior choice for heat retention and is a popular fabric for mittens, jackets, socks, and winter apparel. |
Which is the winner?
Comparing bamboo fabric, a plant-based fabric, with alpaca wool, an animal-derived fabric, is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, and you can see from our chart that they come in at basically a tie. Which is the winner ultimately depends on what kind of product you are looking for and what you value as a consumer.
Bamboo fabric remains the best choice for undergarments, sportswear, and summer bedding. On the other hand, alpaca wool would be the better choice for heat retention, so they are popular for gloves, socks, and sweaters. Neither fabric seems perfect for every scenario, so it’s reasonable to think that both materials could be used for multiple products. Careful attention to the manufacturing process and farming process is ultimately the best way to tell as a consumer if your purchase aligns with your values and quality expectations.
