Freshen Up Your Wardrobe: Alpaca Jackets & Coats
Are you looking for a soft, insulating, lightweight, water-resistant, and natural fiber that makes luxurious garments and is also hypoallergenic? Then it's time you were introduced to the natural fibers of the alpaca. Jackets and coats made from alpaca wool are becoming increasingly popular in today’s fashion trends. The industry has taken this ancient, homespun textile and turned it into versatile, sophisticated clothing in classic and cutting-edge styles.
More than Sheep Wool’s South American Cousin
By nature, alpaca fiber is incredibly soft, durable, and warm. Depending on breed and weaving techniques, it can make anything from dress fabric to an elegant coat to a rustic, folksy sweater. Because it contains no lanolin, it also won't cause an allergic reaction if you're allergic to wool (i.e. sheep’s wool). As well, alpaca is a more eco-friendly alternative to sheep’s wool, as the animals do less damage to the land and require less pasture space and less food. Processing this wool requires no harsh solvents, just gentle washing. Much of the yarn is still imported from South America, but alpacas are raised almost everywhere.
Learn to Speak Alpaca: Some Terms You Should Know
There are two main breeds of alpaca: Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya produce dense, crimped fleece that is naturally elastic. It is best suited for knitting. Suri have longer hairs that form silky, pencil-like locks; their fleece is prized for woven fabric. Bonus fact: The guanaco and vicuña are the alpaca’s wild cousins who produce very fine wool as well.
How to Wear Alpaca
Alpaca is made into classic overcoats for men and women, as well as elegant wraps, softly draping sweaters, and more casual blazers or jackets. It is made into complementary accessories such as gloves, scarves, and even socks.
If you're looking for one great piece to pull together your spring wardrobe, consider an alpaca jacket. Belted, zippered, or buttoned, alpaca jackets pair equally well with jeans and tailored skirts, and can be adorned with chunky jewelry and pearls. A soft brown shade of alpaca wool will give off the same warmth as a buttery leather or suede garment, but with a smoother, more comfortable drape. Wear it with a fitted white tee and your favorite jeans—the ones that make you feel unstoppable—and let it help you take on the day in classic comfort and style. Or toss it over an airy printed dress to take your style from hippie to bohemian chic.
An alpaca car coat can be worn to work, on dates, and even on vacation. It's a versatile piece and a great investment, whether you go for the high-end designer version or a more classically comfortable model. Alpaca comes in many shades of natural black, brown, tan, and cream, and also takes dye well, elevating your options for pairing it with your wardrobe.
Everyone needs that one warm, versatile piece of clothing they can throw on at a moment’s notice. With an alpaca coat or jacket, you have an all-weather option that’s less dense than a wool coat, but much warmer than a light jacket.
How to Take Care of Your Alpaca Coat or Jacket
Alpaca is very strong, resists pilling, and can last for generations if well cared for. Structured garments such as coats or jackets should always be dry cleaned to maintain their shape and size. Sweaters and other knitted items can be washed by hand in lukewarm water and a very small amount of mild soap. Alpaca fabric is holds dye well and will not fade or bleed. Store your pieces with cedar to keep pests out of them during the off season.
A jacket or coat made from alpaca will very quickly become a wardrobe staple, allowing you to dress up or down with ease and adapt to every season's new look. Once you incorporate it into your daily wear, you won't be sure how you lived without it. Life with an alpaca jacket or coat is warmer, softer, and more stylish than a life without; offering you an all-season option and a versatile piece of fashion to pair with just about any garment imaginable.
