Travelling around Peru, I became very acquainted with the local alpaca population.
The domesticated breed are dotted across the Andes, typically in groups alongside their babies (crias) and llamas – and usually sporting an adorable smile.
Where you find alpacas, you will also find an entrepreneur flogging garments constructed in their prized fibres. After a couple of weeks of window shopping, one thing became clear: I could not leave without investing in alpaca layers.
I filled my suitcase with scarves, jumpers and socks made with the sumptuous softness of the quality material, ready for the British winter to take hold.
In our mercurial islands, the cold is never far off, and an arsenal of thick-knitted apparel is paramount to brave the subzero temperatures. Alpaca is one of the most luxurious choices on the market, once the reserve for the elite and nobility.
Filling your sock drawer with alpaca is as much a practical choice as much as it is a promise of exceptional comfort. The versatile animal’s fleece is an insulator but it is also thermal regulating, meaning it will keep you warm when it’s Arctic outside but has moisture and odour-wicking and breathability if the weather takes a turn for the better.
Alpaca fibres are also hypoallergenic as they are free from lanolin, so those with sensitivities or allergies are unlikely to be irritated by its touch.
Last but certainly not least, the soft feel makes such socks ideal for bedtime wear, so they’ll be the ultimate companion come duvet days or lazy Sundays – but they’re typically lightweight enough to prevent overheating or a suffocating feeling.
Look out for different grades of alpaca fibre: you will find royal alpaca and baby alpaca which are the finest and most premium due to its low micron count. Then there’s the more ubiquitous grade three and four that offer heightened durability. Vicuña wool goes for quadruple figures and is derived from the hair of the rare South American vicuña.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for the cosy connoisseur in your life or you’re on the hunt for soft and slouchy cushioned socks ahead of winter, we have gathered the best alpaca socks to have delivered to your door. A jaunt to the home of Machu Pichu or Pisco sours is highly recommended, but not essential.
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Piglet in Bed Raspberry Alpaca Bed Socks
Not content with dominating bedding, Piglet in Bed also offers superior sleepwear with its super soft linen loungewear and sumptuous socks. Designed for bed, the thick option pictured is made from super soft alpaca wool that is not only kind to your tired tootsies but is an antibacterial, moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating fabric to keep you cool, calm and cosy throughout the night. They come in two sizes and nine colours including raspberry, ecru and grey.
Buy now £25.00, Piglet in Bed
Pairs Scotland Ultra Soft Ribbed Alpaca Socks
For pure comfort, look no further than the Ultra Soft Ribbed Alpaca Socks from Pairs Scotland. Slip onto your feet to experience the ultra-warm and insanely comfortable feeling. They are made from alpaca fibres and come in a range of colours as well as three sizes ranging from UK4 to UK13. The hard-wearing socks are designed to be used in place of slippers.
Buy now £25.00, Pairs Scotland
The Cambridge Sock Company 90% Alpaca Socks
When temperatures drop, you’ll want to reach for these cosy socks from The Cambridge Sock Company. Made almost entirely from alpaca wool, this is a luxury construction that provides warmth and a soft skin feel to shut out the winter weather. The material is also durable yet feels lightweight so you won’t overheat during duvet days at home.
Buy now £25.99, Amazon
Paul James Alpaca Cushion Sole Walking Socks
To elevate your sock drawer, Paul James’ alpaca socks need to be on your radar. The Leicestershire-based brand provides premium foo coverings that are cushioned at the pressure points like at the sole to provide comfort with every step. The knitted design pairs the natural alpaca fibre with nylon for increased breathability.
Buy now, Paul James
Sock Stack 3 Pairs of Women Alpaca Wool Socks
Stock your sock drawer with Sock Stack (say that three times). The brand is offering this three-pack of thermal socks complete with a design that pays homage to the animal from which its fabric is derived. The adorable alpaca knit socks are set alongside vibrant colours. The 5 per cent alpaca is selected as part of a polyester, acrylic and wool blend - hence the affordable price tag.
Buy now £10.95, Amazon
Sock Shop Alpaca Bed Socks
The unisex design from SOCKSHOP is made from 82 per cent pure alpaca that was selected for the sheer warmth that it provides. When temperatures plummet, these bed socks will you cosy. They are made in the UK with the finest attention to quality and come in one natural brown colourway.
Buy now £19.99, Sock Shop
GoWith Men's Alpaca Wool Socks, Pack of 2 pairs
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or braving the British winter, your foot coverings have a crucial task ahead - to keep your tootsies cool without overheating, feel lightweight while providing protection and ideally look good in the process. GoWith’s alpaca wool winter socks tick all the boxes with its fine fibres and longer construction. The hypoallergenic material has good insulation, feels good and will stand the test of time thanks to heel and toe reinforcements. Bonus points for the attractive snowflake design.
Buy now £14.32, Amazon
Warrior Alpaca Ribbed Casual Alpaca Wool Crew Socks
Bring alpaca into your everyday wear with these ribbed casual crew socks from Warrior Alpaca. While the fabric is often reserved for homebound activities, the medium weight of this design means you can slip them into trainers and feel the benefits of the premium fabric - like the soft feel and moisture-wicking properties - all day long. There are 10 colourways available and two sizes.
Buy now £20.94, Amazon
