Alpaca Wool Throws: The Must-Have Piece This Winter
This time of year, there’s only one thing on our minds at Gilly Nicolson HQ: getting cosy. Whether you’re curling up by the fire with the latest page-turning read, snuggling on the couch for a movie night with the family or simply taking some much-needed ‘me time’ with a steaming cup of coffee on a crisp and cold morning – there’s one winter essential guaranteed to transform your space into a cosy sanctuary you can’t wait to come home to.
Our new collections of luxury alpaca wool throws feel like a warm embrace; silky-smooth, finely woven yet durable and guaranteed to keep you toasty while you’re hunkering down for the winter. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the biggest benefits of alpaca wool and give you a taste of our brand-new pieces – just in time for Christmas. ‘Tis the season to treat yourself, after all.
The Benefits of Alpaca Wool
Run your hand over a simple alpaca wool garment, and you’ll immediately be struck by its softness, especially in comparison with its ever-popular sister, sheep’s wool – but what makes alpaca so temptingly silky? Well, it’s all in the microns.
Wool is measured by microns, which calculates the diameter of its fibres. Typically, the smaller the micron measurement, the finer the yarn. So if you compare a 20-micron merino piece with a 20-micron alpaca piece, the smaller ‘scales’ on the alpaca fibre means you won’t be able to resist going back for a second stroke. You heard it here first; the softness of alpaca wool is officially unrivalled.
Unbeatable Warmth
Alpacas spend their lives in the highest altitudes, grazing mountainous environments and braving the harsh elements of rain, wind and freezing temperatures. Thankfully, their thick, insulating fleece keeps them comfortably dry and warm despite the extreme conditions – advantages we can reap for ourselves by weaving their wool into the cosiest garments.
So, why is alpaca wool so warm? Put simply, there are three reasons our new throws will soon become your winter staple: its unique fibre texture traps heat inside, working like a portable mini heater; its thick, wind-resistant fleece is excellent at keeping the cold at bay, and it’s moisture-wicking properties work like feathers, deflecting rain, sweat (or the occasional spilt drink) from absorbing into the yarn – to keep your piece drier for longer.
We’re not one for hyperbole at Gilly Nicolson, but we’d say you’d be hard-pressed to find a harder-working fabric.
Hypoallergenic (Not to Mention Itch-Free!)
Alpaca wool is lanolin-free (the natural lubricant found on sheep’s wool), making it the perfect alternative for allergy sufferers. As well as irritating sensitive skin, lanolin can cause a host of unwanted symptoms, from itchiness to hay fever-like sneezing, nasal congestion and sore eyes. Not only is alpaca wool luxuriously soft against the skin, but it’s the perfect fabric for those who want melt-in-the-moment suppleness without upsetting their delicate sinuses.
Introducing The New Collection of Alpaca Wool Throws By Gilly Nicolson
So, now that you’re up to speed with (some) of alpaca wool’s many marvellous properties, it’s time to meet our brand-new collections. Trust us, you’re going to love them.

Monsanto Alpaca Throws with Long Fringe
Our gorgeous new Monsanto with Long Fringe collection is made with 100% baby alpaca wool for irresistible softness you’ll want to immediately wrap yourself in. Perfect for draping over your bed on cold nights, curling up on the sofa to watch the latest episode of your favourite show or tastefully draping over that gorgeous antique armchair (waiting patiently for the next time you need a warm embrace) – the luxuriously soft handle of our new opulent blankets offers a beautifully sumptuous surface texture unlike any other.
Choose from five rich colours, Pale Grey, Ochre with Cream, Camel, Azure Blue with Grey or Pink with Orange – all finished with stunning wool fringe for simple elegance.
Monsanto Luxe Alpaca Throws with Eyelash Fringe
Our ultra-luxe Monsanto with Eyelash Fringe features the same silky soft 100% baby alpaca wool as its sibling but sports a thick eyelash fringe for a more boho look. Its soft fibres create an extravagantly soft handle and features a beautiful herringbone pattern and texture. It’s the perfect blanket for enveloping the little ones, layering up your reading nook or creating a fashionably ‘thrown on’ couch look.
Choose from four stunning colours, Duckegg, Blue, Charcoal or Maroon, each combining a range of shades in the warp and weft for a layered look of breathtaking hues.
Turn Your Space Into a Cosy Winter Sanctuary with Luxury Homeware from Gilly Nicolson
This Christmas, celebrate all things comfy with chic and timeless pieces from Gilly Nicolson, the whole-home luxury brand. Explore our throw and blanket collections, or prepare your dining room for the ultimate festive feast with our nature-inspired tableware, handmade by artisans in Portugal. Then, when nights draw in, slip into crisp cotton and totally bespoke bed linen, customised to your unique tastes with our colour library of over 400 shades.