Alpacas & Angora Goats: Meet the Animals Behind the Softest Socks
We believe that socks should offer the perfect blend of comfort, style and durability. And there’s no better way to achieve this, than by choosing natural fibre socks crafted from two of nature’s finest materials: alpaca and mohair.
For thousands of years, these rich, natural fibres, harvested from alpacas and angora goats, have been carefully refined. This means that today, we can offer you the ultimate sock experience! So if you’re looking for beautifully soft socks that are practical and long-lasting, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s introduce you to these magnificent animals…
Alpacas: The Soft, Sustainable Marvels
Native to the high Andes of South America, alpacas are known for their incredibly soft fleece. That’s why their sumptuous fibres have been used to create some of the world’s most luxurious textiles for centuries. Light, yet strong and durable, alpaca fleece has naturally-insulating properties. This means that socks made from this natural fibre will cleverly keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer.
But that’s not the only reason alpacas are so special. Their fleece is hypoallergenic and lanolin-free. This makes our alpaca socks ideal for those looking for indulgent socks that won't irritate their skin.
Alpaca Fleece: A Long History in the Making
Alpacas are gentle, sociable creatures that, along with llamas, were first domesticated around 7,000 years ago. Smaller, lighter and more gentle than their cousins, alpacas have rounder faces and shorter, more pointed ears. Soft footed with padded feet, alpacas leave almost no mark on the grounds on which they tread.
Today, alpaca fleece is as highly valued by the thousands of farmers engaged in its production as it was during the Inca civilisation. In fact, up to 15,000 people living on or near the Peruvian Altiplano depend on alpacas to make a comfortable living.
Life on the Altiplano
Deep in the Andes Mountains lies the Altiplano. This vast, high-altitude plateau stretches north from Bolivia into southern Peru, and life here is harsh. In some areas it reaches up to 3,000 metres above sea level and has a semi-arid climate, with dry, cold winters and rainy, warm summers. It’s a rugged landscape where only the hardiest of wildlife survive. But despite the environment and the poor grazing available, alpacas thrive.
At the Cambridge Sock Company, we use only the finest alpaca fleece, sourced from sustainable farms in Peru, and made here in the UK. This ensures that every pair of alpaca socks delivers the perfect balance of luxury and comfort, whilst being ethical too.
Angora Goats: The “Noble Fibre” Behind Mohair Socks
Angora goats are remarkable animals. With their long, curly coats and gentle nature, they have been selectively bred for their fleece, for centuries. And it’s not surprising why. Often referred to as the "noble fibre," mohair is treasured worldwide for its exceptional strength, lustre, and breathability.
As is the case with silky-soft alpaca fleece, the smooth texture of mohair reduces friction and so makes an excellent choice for walking, hiking, or simply relaxing in comfort.
But mohair isn’t just comfortable, it’s also incredibly strong and resilient, making it a great choice if you’re looking for long-lasting natural fibre socks. And its benefits don’t stop there. Mohair fibres naturally wick away moisture too, keeping your feet dry and fresh throughout the day, whatever the season.
Angora Goats: Thriving in the Karoo
Originating in Turkey, Angora goats have since found a home in various parts of the world, none more so than in the Karoo region of South Africa. As a leading producer of mohair, it’s here where the hot, dry summers and cold winters produce some of the finest mohair in the world.
This vast, semi-arid landscape may seem harsh, but it provides the perfect conditions for these resilient animals. The extreme climate helps to enhance the quality of their fleece, resulting in a fibre that is both strong and incredibly soft.
A Carefully Managed Harvest
The fleece of the Angora goat is carefully clipped twice a year, either by hand or with electric shears. This regular shearing ensures the animals remain comfortable throughout the changing seasons while also providing farmers with a steady supply of mohair. Once collected, the fleece undergoes a meticulous sorting and processing phase before being spun into yarn, ready to be transformed into the luxurious textiles that are cherished worldwide.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing
At the Cambridge Sock Company, we are committed to sustainable sourcing, ensuring both our alpaca and mohair socks are crafted using only the finest, ethically sourced natural fibres.
Why Choose Alpaca and Mohair Natural Fibre Socks?
So, why choose these natural fibre socks over those made from synthetic materials? It's simple. Both alpaca and mohair offer the perfect blend of comfort, style and durability. Naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and incredibly soft, socks made from these materials are ideal for those looking to treat their feet to something truly special.
Explore our Alpaca Sock Collection and Mohair Sock Collection and find your perfect pair today!