Alpaca Fiber Grades Explained: Royal, Baby and Superfine
By the Alpaca Atlas team · Updated
Alpaca is graded by fiber diameter, measured in microns (µm): the lower the number, the softer the fiber. “Baby alpaca” does not come from baby animals; under Peru's technical standard NTP 231.301 it is fiber of about 23 microns or finer. “Royal alpaca” is a commercial name brands use for their finest selection, typically around 19 microns or less.
Why microns matter
A micron is one thousandth of a millimeter. Finer fibers bend more easily against the skin, which is why they feel softer and less prickly. Coarser fibers, roughly above 30 microns, are the ones most people associate with an itchy sweater.
Alpaca also contains no lanolin, the wax found in sheep's wool, which is one reason many people who find wool uncomfortable are happy wearing alpaca.
Peru's official alpaca fiber classes
Peru, home to most of the world's alpacas, classifies alpaca fiber by average diameter under its technical standard NTP 231.301. The classes below are the reference most Peruvian mills work with.
| Class | Average diameter | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Alpaca Baby | ≤ 23 µm | Sweaters, scarves, anything worn next to the skin |
| Alpaca Fleece | 23.1 – 26.5 µm | Outer layers, blankets, heavier knits |
| Alpaca Medium Fleece | 26.6 – 29 µm | Throws, outerwear |
| Alpaca Huarizo | 29.1 – 31.5 µm | Rugs, sturdy textiles |
| Alpaca Gruesa (coarse) | > 31.5 µm | Industrial and home textiles |
Commercial names: royal, superfine, super baby
Brands also use their own names for their best lots. Royal alpaca is usually the finest, often described as around 19 microns or less; super baby or superfine typically sits around 20 microns. These are marketing grades, not official classes, so each brand defines them slightly differently.
On this site we show the grade exactly as each store states it, and we never invent a micron count a store hasn't published. You can browse royal alpaca or baby alpaca pieces across brands.
Which grade should you buy?
- Next to the skin (sweaters, scarves, turtlenecks): baby alpaca or finer. See baby alpaca sweaters.
- Maximum softness or a special gift: royal alpaca, usually the priciest grade.
- Outer layers and throws: blends and fleece-grade alpaca are warm, durable and better value.
- Blends: silk adds sheen and drape, wool adds structure, nylon adds durability (common in socks).
Frequently asked questions
- Is baby alpaca made from baby alpacas?
- No. “Baby alpaca” is a fiber grade, not the age of the animal. It refers to fiber of about 23 microns or finer, selected from adult alpacas.
- What is the difference between royal alpaca and baby alpaca?
- Both are fine grades, but royal alpaca is the finer, rarer selection (typically around 19 microns or less), while baby alpaca goes up to about 23 microns. Royal alpaca usually costs more.
- Is alpaca itchy?
- Fine alpaca grades such as baby and royal are generally not itchy for most people. Itchiness is mostly caused by coarse fibers (above roughly 30 microns), and alpaca contains no lanolin.