We’ve just launched our first alpaca blanket collection at The British Blanket Company, and we're already head over heels in love! Woven in Ireland and designed in-house here in the UK, our alpaca blankets bring together everything we adore: natural fibres, incredible softness and traditional craftsmanship.
If you’ve never experienced alpaca before, you’re in for a treat. It’s warm but lightweight, soft but durable, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Here’s a little more about what makes alpaca blankets so special.
Our stunning new Alpaca Blanket Collection has six beautiful colours to choose from, each offering superior softness and lightweight warmth
Above, left to right: 100% Alpaca Blankets in Mocha Brown, Flame Orange, Teal Blue, Berry Purple, Golden Moss and Heather Pink, all from The British Blanket Company
Silky softness that's gentle on sensitive skin
Alpaca fibres are long with a smooth, silky structure that makes these blankets beautifully soft to the touch, without the tickle that some people associate with sheep’s wool. There’s no lanolin in alpaca either, so the blankets are a great choice for anyone who finds wool itchy or needs a hypoallergenic alternative.
We’ve chosen to use 100% pure alpaca fibre in this collection. Many alpaca blankets on the market are actually blended with sheep’s wool, but we didn’t want to compromise. Our pure alpaca blankets give you a lustrous feel and incredible softness that blends just can’t match.
Unlike other options on the market, The British Blanket Company's alpaca blankets are made from 100% pure alpaca fibre, making them hypoallergenic and lanolin-free
Above: 100% Alpaca Blanket in Mocha Brown from The British Blanket Company
Lightweight warmth that regulates temperature
Despite how fine and light it feels, alpaca is surprisingly warm. That’s thanks to the hollow fibres, which trap warmth without adding bulk. These blankets are just the right weight for all-year use, ideal for draping over your knees in winter or wrapping around your shoulders on a cool summer evening.
Alpaca blankets are also naturally breathable, so you won’t overheat. They bring a comforting kind of warmth that adjusts with your body temperature.
Alpaca throw blankets are ideal for layering on your bed as they offer lightweight warmth that adjusts with you, keeping you a comfortable sleeping temperature all year round
Above: 100% Alpaca Blanket in Heather Pink from The British Blanket Company
Strong, long-lasting and easy to care for
Alpaca is known not just for its softness, but for its strength. The long fibres are resistant to shedding and pilling, so your blanket stays looking fresh and smooth for longer, even with regular use. Because they are naturally breathable, alpaca blankets rarely need dry cleaning and can be refreshed simply by airing outdoors.
While alpaca blankets are a more expensive choice, their longevity makes them a smart investment. You won’t need to worry about bobbles or odours after a year or two, and with the right care, your alpaca blanket will be with you for many seasons to come.
While alpaca blankets are an investment, they will last a long time, since the long smooth fibres naturally resist pilling and odours
Above: 100% Alpaca Blankets in Mocha Brown, Flame Orange, Teal Blue, Berry Purple, Golden Moss and Heather Pink, all from The British Blanket Company
Woven in Ireland, designed in Bristol
We’ve partnered with a small specialist mill in Ireland to weave this new collection. They’ve been working with fine fibres for generations and really understand how to get the very best finish from alpaca.
At The British Blanket Company's studio in Bristol, Bethan designed six timeless shades: Heather Pink, Flame Orange, Mocha Brown, Golden Moss, Berry Purple and Teal Blue, all with a timeless white pinstripe detail at the edge. They're made from melange yarns, which contain subtly different hues in each strand, enhancing their rich colour and lustrous look.
Our alpaca blanket collection includes six timeless shades, from rich teal blue, flame orange and berry purple, to more subtle mocha brown, heather pink and golden moss
Above: 100% Alpaca Blanket in Flame Orange from The British Blanket Company
More sustainable than cashmere
If you love the feel of cashmere but want a more sustainable option, alpaca is an excellent alternative. The fibre is comparably soft and silky, but the way it's produced is far gentler on the environment.
Increasing cashmere production can be bad for the environment because cashmere goats have sharp hooves and graze aggressively, which can lead to overgrazing and the desertification of fragile ecosystems. Alpacas, on the other hand, are much lighter on their feet, with soft padded soles that don't harm the ground. Alpaca also nibble grass rather than pulling it up by the roots, allowing pastures to regenerate naturally. This is why alpaca blankets are more sustainable than cashmere, offering the same sense of indulgence as cashmere blankets, but with a lighter environmental footprint.
Furthermore, most cashmere blankets on the market contain just a small percentage of cashmere - often as little as 5-10% - while the majority of the blanket is made from another fibre. Our collection of 100% pure alpaca blankets gives you the very best quality in every strand, so you can experience true luxury without compromise.
Alpaca graze gently, nibbling the grass rather than pulling it up by the roots, as well as having soft padded feet, making alpaca blankets more environmentally friendly than cashmere
Discover the collection
Our beautiful new collection of 100% pure alpaca blankets is now available online at The British Blanket Company. Each one is a little piece of comfort, woven slowly and thoughtfully to become part of your everyday life. Whether you're treating yourself or searching for a gift with meaning, these blankets are made to be cherished.