Alpacas were domesticated thousands of years ago by civilizations that populated the Peruvian Andes. During the 150 years of Inca Empire (between 1350 and 1500 DC) its fiber was highly valued and used as a status symbol and commercial exchange article.

This noble animal lives and grazes in altitudes that fluctuate between 3500 and 5000 meters above sea level, tolerating temperatures between 32ºF to 104ºF in a same day. These radical climatic changes and a strange combination of natural circumstances such as a free protein diet based on "ichu" (an andean grass) and fungus, produce in this animal an excellent hair of both incredible softness and resistance that helps it keep a perfect temperature.

Alpaca´s hair comes naturally in more than 40 different tones from ivory to black travelling through all shades of grays and browns and is magnificent to dye in the most beautiful colors.

The first shear called baby alpaca produces such a delicate fiber that is highly appreciated in the textile market. Alpaca fiber is softer, warmer and lighter than the finest wools, yet three times more resistant.

Fiber Care

Hand Wash:
Gently hand wash in cool water (up to 85*F / 29*C) with a mild soap (we recommend Fine Fibres). Never use chlorine bleach. Gently press to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist: handle gently to avoid wrinkles and distortion. Dry flat. Block the garment, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Smooth by hand while wet to remove wrinkles and straighten the seams and facings. Touch up with a cool iron as needed.

Dry Cleaning:
Bring with you any labels or hang tags that contain fiber information or care instructions. Inform the cleaner of any spots or stains, as they will want to treat some stains before the dry cleaning process. We recommend that you request the cleaner use fresh or filtered solvent, and a dry cleaning process that does not involve tumbling of the garment and uses low heat (140*F / 60*C) drying. Knits that have shrunk from the dry cleaning process can be “blocked” (reshaped to original dimensions) by the cleaner. Request this service, if needed.