Huacaya (pronounced “hwook-aya”)

Huacaya fleece is dense and grows out perpendicular to the body providing excellent protection from cold and rain. Ideally fleece coverage should be even across the body and starts at the top with a strong ‘top knot’ and cheek growth and continues right down to the bottom of the legs, and exhibits ‘crimp’-a wave along the staple (see photo). Crimp is desirable for two reasons: practically speaking fibre (fleece) that has high crimp is easier to process when weaving, the breeder however may be more interested in crimp as it has a high correlation with fineness (most desirable: see Fibre).

Suri (pronounced “soo-ree”)

Suri fleece does not possess crimp. Its characteristics include curled locks, it is much smoother than huacaya and has greater lustre that is much prized. Easily recognisable in the field as it moves when the alpaca runs or is blown by the wind. Only about 5% of the world’s Alpacas are Suris.