Types of Llama Wool

Llamas are pack animals that can live in herds or by themselves. Many people around the world use them as pack animals to transport items to a destination. Llamas are also a cash crop for several countries, especially in Central and South America. There are three basic types of wool that llamas produce, and each one has a special purpose. It is important to know what the wool will be used for so you can choose the right one. Llama wool also comes in many different colors, weights and textures.

  1. Heavy Wool

    • Heavy wool is used primarily to make heavy-weight blankets and other warm articles such as ponchos. Heavy wool llamas need to be sheared at least once a year so they don't overheat and possibly die of heat stroke. This type of wool can get to be 30 inches long on some llamas, and it takes a lot of grooming to keep the wool untangled and looking good.

    Medium Wool

    • Medium wool can be used to make blankets or clothing. This wool is much shorter than the heavy wool, and the llamas do not need to be sheared every year unless you want to. This is a hollow wool, which means it is a good insulator that is warmer than some other types of animal wool.

    Light Wool

    • Light wool grows on what is known as the "classic llama," the most common llamas seen in movies and in mass media documentaries. This is the most common llama used for transportation or as a pack animal. The wool is short and does not require a lot of grooming or shearing.

    Texture and Color

    • There are many colors and textures of llama wool, depending on the type of llama. Llama wool will have a coarser top layer that helps protect the animal from dirt and bugs, and underneath the top layer there is a soft, almost downy layer of wool. Llamas can range in color from reds to whites and even from blacks to grays.