People who own a pair of alpaca woolen socks LOVE THEM, but what can you use 100% alpaca woolen socks for?
Socks that use 100% alpaca wool are great for lounging, sleeping, and Yin Yoga. 100% alpaca wool is very warm and thus perfect for cold weather. It’s also soft on the skin and hypoallergenic. Finally, alpaca wool can help with circulation and doesn’t cause smelly feet.
It is true that 100% alpaca woolen socks may not be fit for hiking and outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean you want to skip using these super comfy socks on your footsies.
When should you use 100% alpaca woolen socks?
There are some specific activities that 100% alpaca woolen socks are perfect for.
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Lounging
The main reason why you want to choose 100% alpaca socks is because they are just so superduper comfortable. Alpaca wool is warm, but breathable. This means that your feet will not overheat. Perfect for cocooning! Nobody likes sweaty feet when they’re trying to be comfortable.
Another reason why alpaca wool is comfortable is because it doesn’t itch. The fiber is soft enough for most people to not feel any itch. That means you can wear your socks without itchy feet.
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Sleeping
Alpaca woolen socks are perfect for sleeping. Again: warm, itch-free and warm, there are few competitors on the market for a great sleepy sock. It helps with circulation and is perfect for those who seem to always have cold feet when they go to bed.
Additionally, socks made with alpaca wool aren’t as tight as socks made from other materials can be. That means you can comfortably sleep, without feeling that your feet don’t get proper circulation.
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My experience: I love sleeping with my alpaca woolen socks because they don't overheat, I don't lose them when I toss and turn, and I stay comfortably (and constantly) warm.
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Yin Yoga and light exercise
Having appropriate socks is important for any type of exercise you do. When it comes to alpaca woolen socks, they are just perfect for light exercise, such as yin yoga and stretching. For those activities you want to make sure that your feet are comfortably warm, especially when you’re in a cold environment. Alpaca wool is perfect for that.
It also helps that the fiber is smooth, so your feet will move easily when changing positions. Obviously, this makes alpaca woolen socks perfect for sock skating, too. But I can’t guarantee the durability of the fiber when you’re sliding around your alpaca socksies.
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Meditation
Did you ever sit down for meditation and get cold feet throughout your practice? With alpaca woolen socks you will prevent that from happening. Alpaca wool is also known for aiding circulation and that means you decrease the chances of getting tingly feet.
Similarly, 100% alpaca woolen socks are perfect for Yoga Nidra, breathing exercises, and other mindfulness activities.
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Travel
Alpaca woolen socks have antibacterial features, which means you don’t need to wash them often. That makes alpaca woolen socks perfect for traveling. The fiber is breathable and thus doesn’t cause smelly feet. That means no smelly socks, either.
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Want to read more about the breathability of alpaca wool? Keep an eye on this page because there will soon be an article about this topic! :)
Plus, alpaca wool can be worn in different temperatures, from hot to extremely cold climates. You can wear them on all types of activities, perfect for when you’re on the road exploring. With one pair of alpaca woolen socks in your luggage, you’ll be ready for anything.
And... On top of that, alpaca wool is lightweight. So if your luggage space and weight is limited, alpaca wool comes to the rescue.
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Cold weather and winter activities
Not surprisingly, alpaca wool is great for cold weather. The fiber helps keep your feet comfortably warm, so when you’re about to sit down for a board game night or family dinner in a cold environment, make sure you put your alpaca socks on. Comfort and coziness guaranteed.
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True Story: At one of my recent markets, I chatted with a customer who had an amazing secret: she always SNOWBOARDS in 100% alpaca wool socks! I had to ask about durability, and she readily admitted they were "horrible" for it. But get this... She has at least twenty pairs because for her, the incredible comfort was SO WORTH IT!
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Being sustainable
Not really an activity, but maybe it IS something you identify with :)
Looking for a way to implement a greener lifestyle? Opt for alpaca wool. When you wear your 100% alpaca woolen socks you can totally turn down the heater. At night, you don’t need your heated blanket to keep you warm. Having cold feet is such a comfort-killer!
There’s more to it, though. Alpaca wool is also a more sustainable option when it comes to materials. It’s natural, doesn’t require much water in the production process, and alpacas barely leave an environmental footprint. Especially if you can find an alpaca store in your neighborhood, you will reduce shipping cost and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions even further.
Alpaca wool should also last you a lot longer than other fibers. At least, with the right care and the right use (hence this article). If you use alpaca woolen socks for activities that involve a lot of friction, then they might tear down faster than synthetic wool blends. However, with the right care, alpaca woolen socks are made to last.
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Camping
Another activity that alpaca woolen socks are great for, is camping. Again: lightweight and versatile, you can reduce the amount of baggage on your camping trip when you choose alpaca wool. At night in your tent, alpaca wool will keep you warm.
And hey, we all get it that you want to wear your alpaca woolen socks in your flipflops. That’s totally fine. You’re camping after all.
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Honest Review: While you can totally go on a day trip wearing your alpaca woolen socks, be careful to avoid too much friction. When it comes to friction, alpaca wool can tear down a little faster than other types of wool.
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Funky Sock Day
Do you love to wear funky socks? Or does your office have Fancy/Funky Sock Friday? Or do you live in a country with a no-shoes-inside policy? Alpaca wool is your friend. They come in 22 natural colors, so there are enough options to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little more funky, alpaca wool takes dyes really well and that means you can choose a vibrant color, too.
Like the ones from my store—which, btw, are also made to empower women (Check them out here!)
Alpaca woolen socks are a perfect gift. It’s the type of thing that you won’t buy quickly for yourself, as alpaca wool can be a tad more expensive than other fibers. But when you get it as a gift, it will be a thoughtful present.
When do you want to avoid wearing alpaca woolen socks?
Let’s be honest, there’s a time for alpaca woolen socks and there’s a time for other socks.
Generally, 100% alpaca wool tears down when it is exposed to too much friction. What is too much? That’s hard to say and probably up to you. However, when you see the fiber thinning, that’s your sign that your socks are coming to an end.
If you choose comfort over budget, you can still wear your alpaca wool socks on those activities full of friction, but you will need to be aware that your socks need replacement more often.
You might want to avoid alpaca wool for these activities:
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High intensity sports and exercise: alpaca wool is just too warm for an intense day in the gym. Despite being moisture wicking and breathable, opt for specialized sport socks instead. Similarly, you don’t want to go running in alpaca woolen socks either.
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Water-based activities: Alpaca wool repels water, but once wet it doesn’t dry fast. Planning on getting wet? Leave your alpaca woolen socks at home and put on your fast-drying socks. The same goes for hiking in a rainy, moist, or wet environment.
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Heavy hiking and mountaineering: Alpaca wool is not as durable and doesn’t provide the same level of cushioning as specialized hiking socks. So, if you’re going on a big or intense trek, save your alpaca socks for sleeping at night.
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Construction work: Alpaca wool is too vulnerable for rough conditions, so you might want to wear something more prone to wear, tear, and other potential damage.
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Formal or dress shoes: If you ask me, alpaca woolen socks look super fancy. But in all fairness, it might be too thick and too warm for a formal event. My advice? Look for an alpaca-silk blend instead.
