Why Alpaca is Nature’s Performance Fibre

When you think of luxury fibres, cashmere and merino often come to mind. But there’s another material that quietly outperforms them both: alpaca.

At half british, alpaca was a natural starting point for our first products — not only because of its comfort, but because of its remarkable versatility. It’s a fibre that has been trusted for centuries, yet feels perfectly suited to modern essentials.

Warmth without the weight

Alpaca fibres are hollow at the core, which makes them incredibly efficient at trapping heat while staying light. The result is socks that keep you warm in winter without feeling bulky — and breathable enough to wear year-round.

Softness, redefined

Alpaca is often compared to cashmere, but with a different character. It has a silky handfeel that makes it luxurious to wear, while being less prone to pilling and maintaining its shape over time.

Naturally hypoallergenic

Unlike wool, alpaca contains no lanolin, making it gentler on the skin. For anyone sensitive to traditional wool fibres, alpaca offers comfort without compromise.

Durability that lasts

Strength is where alpaca truly stands out. The fibre is naturally resilient, resisting wear and tear better than many alternatives. Essentials should endure — and alpaca helps them do exactly that.

Sustainability, by nature

Alpacas are light grazers, leaving minimal impact on their environment. Their fibre is renewable, biodegradable, and produced in far smaller volumes than mass-market cotton or synthetics. In short: it’s a luxury that treads lightly.

Why we chose alpaca

Growing up in Peru, alpaca was part of daily life for me. Later, when I started half british, I knew it was the perfect fibre to begin our story.

It represents what this brand is about: taking the best materials in the world, and creating timeless essentials through a British lens.

Our everyday sock and lounge sock are where that story begins.