Alpaca Apparel Information

Alpaca Apparel FAQs

What is alpaca clothing?

Alpaca clothing is made from the natural fiber of the Peruvian alpaca—prized for its exceptional softness, natural warmth, and breathable comfort. Our pieces are thoughtfully designed in Utah and handcrafted in Peru by skilled artisans, blending modern simplicity with time-honored craftsmanship.

Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic and typically softer than traditional wool, with a smooth feel that’s comfortable against the skin.

Why choose alpaca clothing?

Alpaca clothing offers natural warmth without weight—soft, breathable, and comfortable across seasons. The fiber is naturally hypoallergenic (and typically gentle on sensitive skin), making it a refined alternative to traditional wool.

Our pieces are designed in Utah and handcrafted in Peru by skilled artisans, bringing together modern simplicity and enduring textile tradition. Alpaca is also a thoughtful material choice: alpacas have a lighter footprint on their environment, and alpaca fiber is a natural, long-lasting textile.

What’s the difference between alpaca and baby alpaca?

“Baby alpaca” refers to the fineness of the fiber—not the age of the animal. Baby alpaca is softer and lighter with a smoother hand-feel, making it an excellent choice for next-to-skin pieces.

Is alpaca warmer than wool?

Alpaca is naturally warm while still feeling lightweight and breathable. 100% alpaca pieces typically feel the warmest and most insulating, while 70% alpaca / 30% acrylic blends still offer cozy warmth with a slightly lighter, everyday-wear feel.

How is your alpaca clothing made?

Our alpaca pieces are handcrafted in Peru by artisans using techniques refined over generations. Each item is made with careful attention to detail, from fiber selection to finishing.

Design begins in Utah, where we develop silhouettes and color stories that feel modern and wearable—then partner with our Peruvian artisans to bring each piece to life with exceptional craftsmanship.

Can I wear alpaca clothing if I have sensitive skin?

Yes. Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic and contains no lanolin (a common irritant in sheep’s wool). Many people who find traditional wool itchy find alpaca noticeably smoother and more comfortable against the skin.

Can I wear alpaca year-round?

Yes. Alpaca is naturally breathable and comfortable across seasons. 100% alpaca is ideal for colder months and layering, while 70% alpaca / 30% acrylic blends can feel especially easy for transitional weather and indoor wear.

How do I care for my alpaca clothing?

For the best long-term results (for both 100% alpaca and 70% alpaca / 30% acrylic blends), we recommend hand washing in cold water with a gentle detergent.

  • Do not wring or twist. Gently press out excess water in a towel.
  • Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat.
  • Store folded to help pieces hold their shape.

For knits: avoid hanging (it can stretch). Reshape gently while damp and dry flat.

For wovens (scarves, wraps, shawls): support the fabric when wet and dry flat to preserve the drape and edges.

For set-in stains, structured pieces, or if you prefer, professional dry cleaning is a great option.

Can I machine wash alpaca?

We recommend hand washing cold and laying flat to dry whenever possible.

If you need to machine wash, it’s generally most suitable for 70% alpaca / 30% acrylic pieces:

  • Use cold water + delicate cycle
  • Place the item in a mesh bag
  • Use a gentle detergent
  • Never tumble dry — always lay flat to dry

For 100% alpaca, hand washing is strongly preferred to protect softness and shape.

Does alpaca pill?

All natural fibers can pill, especially in high-friction areas (like underarms or where a bag strap rests). 100% alpaca may show pilling a bit more than blended yarns, while 70% alpaca / 30% acrylic blends are often slightly more resistant.

A fabric shaver or sweater comb used gently will keep pieces looking refined.

How should I store alpaca pieces?

Store alpaca folded in a cool, dry place to help it hold its shape—especially knitwear. For long-term storage, a breathable cotton bag is ideal, along with natural moth deterrents like cedar.

For seasonal storage, we recommend storing items clean.

What makes alpaca fiber environmentally friendly?

Alpaca is often considered a lower-impact natural fiber because alpacas are gentle grazers with soft footpads that reduce damage to the ground, they generally require less water and feed than many other fiber animals, and alpaca fiber is biodegradable and valued for its longevity—supporting fewer, better pieces over time.

Why do some pieces include acrylic?

Some of our pieces are made with a small acrylic blend to support durability, shape retention, and everyday ease, while keeping alpaca as the primary fiber for warmth and softness. We always prioritize comfort and feel—so the fabric still reads as warm, refined, and wearable.