Alpaca Sweaters
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
What alpaca sweater styles does Quince offer for women?
What alpaca sweater styles does Quince offer for women?
7 alpaca styles: Crewneck, Turtleneck, Polo, and Quarter-Zip — all in a 100% Baby Alpaca-Wool blend. The Baby Alpaca-Wool blend combines fine baby alpaca fibers with wool for added structure and durability while preserving the softness alpaca is known for. All styles are hypoallergenic, naturally pill-resistant, and warmer than a comparable weight of cashmere or merino. The crewneck and turtleneck are the most popular — both have a relaxed, airy drape characteristic of alpaca fiber.
What's the difference between alpaca wool, cashmere, and merino?
What's the difference between alpaca wool, cashmere, and merino?
Alpaca fiber is hollow — it's an air-filled fiber, making it lighter per ounce of warmth than both cashmere and merino. It has a natural sheen and drape, a warmer feel than its weight suggests, and is naturally hypoallergenic (no lanolin). Cashmere (15.8 micron) is finer and softer to the touch; alpaca fibers typically run 18-25 microns — softer than merino but not as fine as cashmere. Merino is denser, more elastic, and more odor-resistant than alpaca. Alpaca pills less than cashmere or merino by construction. Choose alpaca for lightweight warmth + drape + hypoallergenic properties; choose cashmere for the finest softness; choose merino for durability + active wear.
What is 'baby alpaca' and how does it differ from regular alpaca?
What is 'baby alpaca' and how does it differ from regular alpaca?
Baby alpaca refers to the first shearing of an alpaca — those fibers are the finest the animal will ever produce, typically measuring 18-22 microns. It's not alpaca from baby animals — it's the name for the finest grade of alpaca fiber taken from the first cut. Regular alpaca can run 24-30 microns, which is noticeably coarser. Quince's alpaca styles use a Baby Alpaca-Wool blend — fine-grade alpaca fibers blended with wool for added structure and elasticity, which pure alpaca lacks. The blend improves shape retention while keeping the softness and lightweight warmth of baby alpaca.
How do I care for alpaca sweaters?
How do I care for alpaca sweaters?
Hand wash cold in a mesh bag with mild detergent, or use the wool/delicate machine cycle. Lay flat to dry — alpaca drapes when wet and will stretch if hung. Alpaca is naturally pill-resistant (the hollow fiber structure is less prone to friction). Store folded, not hung. Avoid bleach. The hollow fiber construction means alpaca holds less moisture than cashmere or merino — it dries faster. Do not wring or twist; press water out gently.