When the first cold mornings roll in, most of us reach for whatever is warmest. Over the years I've learned that what you wear matters just as much as how much you wear. Natural fibers breathe, hold warmth without bulk, and feel better against your skin. Of all of them, alpaca has become my favorite for winter.
This fall we brought a small collection of alpaca pieces into Artisan Grove: hats, fingerless gloves, a vest, sweaters, a knit throw and a few handmade ornaments. Many are made by artisans in Peru. Here's why we love alpaca, and how to make it part of a slower, warmer winter.
What makes alpaca different?
It's warm without the weight. Alpaca fibers have tiny pockets of air inside them, and those trap body heat. A thin alpaca layer can feel as warm as a much heavier wool one, so you stay cozy without feeling bundled.
It's soft, not scratchy. Baby alpaca (which comes from an alpaca's first, finest shearing, not from baby animals) is known for its silky feel. If wool has always felt itchy to you, alpaca is worth a try.
It has no lanolin. Sheep's wool contains lanolin, a natural oil that bothers some people. Alpaca fiber doesn't have it, which is one reason many people with sensitive skin find it comfortable.
It breathes. Like other natural fibers, alpaca lets moisture escape, so you stay warm on a cold walk without feeling clammy once you're back inside.
It lasts. Cared for well, a good alpaca piece can be worn for many seasons, which fits how we try to live: fewer things, better made, kept longer.
How to layer alpaca this winter
Think in three layers: something soft next to your skin, something warm in the middle, and a few small pieces that do a lot of work.
- Start with a base. Our long sleeve tees make an easy first layer. On truly cold days, alpaca blend leggings under jeans or canvas pants work like soft long johns.
- Add warmth in the middle. A flannel, a pearl snap overshirt or the Ridgeport alpaca vest keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free.
- Finish with the small things. Hats and gloves make the biggest difference. Our fingerless alpaca gloves keep your hands warm while you hold your coffee or your phone, and they slip inside heavier gloves as a liner when the wind picks up. Top it off with a hand-embroidered chullo or a playful alpaca beanie.
Building a full outfit? Through December 31, pick any two pieces from our Fall Layering Shop and get 10% off.
Bring it home, too
Alpaca isn't only for wearing. The Aurora knit alpaca throw is the softest thing in our house this season: brushed alpaca in a modern rib knit, crafted one at a time in Peru. Pair it with a pot of fresh coffee on a quiet Sunday and you have our idea of a perfect winter morning. It's also the heart of our Slow Sunday Morning Gift Set.
Caring for alpaca
- Wash less. Natural fibers resist odor, so airing a sweater out overnight is often all it needs.
- Hand wash cool. When it does need a wash, use cool water and a gentle soap (a little baby shampoo works well). Don't wring it; press the water out gently.
- Dry flat. Lay knits flat on a towel to dry so they keep their shape. Skip the dryer unless the care label says otherwise.
- Store folded. Hanging can stretch knits. Fold them and keep them in a breathable cotton bag over the summer.
A gift that keeps someone warm
Alpaca makes a thoughtful holiday gift because it gets used every single day of winter. A few ideas:
- For the walker or hunter: the Cozy Cabin Gift Set (alpaca hat, fingerless gloves and socks)
- For the alpaca lover: the Alpaca Lover's Gift Box with a hoodie, socks and a handmade ornament
- Stocking stuffers: handmade Alpacadorable ornaments and Alpaca Love socks
Browse everything in our Alpaca & Cozy Knits collection, or find more ideas in our Holiday Shop.
Here's to warm hands, slow mornings and more time outside this winter.
Jennifer
Artisan Grove