Suri Alpaca Bats showing a smooth reflective surface

Lustrous Suri Alpaca Fleece

Suri Alpaca fleece is soft for two reasons. Fiber diameter is relatively small, ranging from 19 to 30 microns according to the popular literature of the day, and each individual fiber surface is smooth, much smoother than on other fine fleeced animals.

Luster, shine, and sheen are all attributes of the optical quality specular reflection.  If you recall from high school physical science, the reflection of light at its two extremes are specular and diffuse.  Smooth surfaces, like mirrors, reflect light in a single direction (specular) while rough surfaces cause the light to scatter in many directions (diffuse).

Smoothness of the fiber surface is part of the reason suri alpaca fleece feels soft. So, scratchiness in most natural fibers is caused by their rough surface in addition to their fiber diameter.
Suri Alpaca Fleece For Sale. Skirted $25 per pound, Washed and Picked $50 per pound. Choose from our alpacas. Colors: Shades of White, Fawn, MultiColor, Chocolate, Dark Fawn and True Black. We take PayPal and checks E-mail patricia
Do you own a farm and want to raise alpacas but don't think you can afford it? Maybe we can help. Give us a call or send us an e-mail to start a discussion. E-mail patricia
Suri Alpaca Bats Showing Smooth reflective surface

When I started spinning suri alpaca I realized suri alpaca fleece was not as fine (thin fiber diameter) as some cashmere I had spun.  But I knew when I put my suri alpaca garments on they were as comfortable, if not more comfortable, than cashmere. 

Consider the suri alpaca battings in the two pictures on this page. The aligned fibers in the batting makes a smooth surface. The smooth surface contributes to a soft feel and lustrous appearance.

return to home page.

I want to thank my sister Cathie for making the bats from Darwin's fleece and taking these photographs.

If you'd like to know more about the science of the smoothness of suri alpaca fiber, I refer you to a wonderful article published in Alpacas Magazine in the Spring of 2006* and the seminal papers they reference conducted by the textile industry. 

Best regards.

Patricia Bronson, Ph.D.

*“Surface Scanning Electron Microscopy of Suri Alpaca Fiber and Other Members of the Camel Family”, Andy and Dr. Cheryl Tillman, Alpacas Magazine, Spring 2006 pp 158-171.