Alpaca Sweaters

7 silhouettes — all 100% Baby Alpaca-Wool. The cardigans include the Baby Alpaca-Wool Oversized Cardigan (slouchy, layering-friendly) and the Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Cardigan (vintage-inspired flattering cropped fit). Pullover silhouettes include the Baby Alpaca-Wool Crew, the Baby Alpaca-Wool Diamond Stitch Crew, the Baby Alpaca-Wool Turtleneck, the Baby Alpaca-Wool Waffle Stitch Polo Sweater, and the Baby Alpaca-Wool Quarter Zip.

Alpaca wool — specifically baby alpaca — has a silky, soft hand-feel that's closer to cashmere than to traditional sheep's wool. Alpaca fibers are hollow, which makes them naturally thermoregulating (warmer than wool by weight, but cool enough to wear in milder temperatures). Less itchy than coarser wools. Alpaca is also pill-resistant by nature given the smoother fiber surface. Compared to cashmere: alpaca is more durable and less prone to pilling, but the hand-feel reads slightly different (silkier, with more drape than fluff). Compared to merino: alpaca is silkier and warmer, but less elastic — doesn't bounce back from stretching as quickly.

Baby alpaca is the finest grade of alpaca wool — shorn from the first clipping of a young alpaca, when the fibers are at their thinnest and softest. Quince uses exclusively baby alpaca-wool for the entire 7-style assortment. Compared to standard adult alpaca: baby alpaca has finer fibers, a softer hand-feel, and less prickle (better for skin-contact wear). Standard alpaca is rougher and coarser. The grading is similar to how cashmere is differentiated by fiber diameter.

Hand wash cool with a mild detergent — never hot water. Lay flat to dry. Alpaca holds its shape better than wool or cashmere when washed, but high heat (washing machine on warm/hot, tumble dry) will felt the fibers permanently. Pill management is minimal — alpaca is naturally pill-resistant due to the smoother fiber surface; you'll rarely need a sweater comb. Store folded, not hung. Avoid bleach. The Diamond Stitch and Waffle Stitch styles have textured surfaces — these handle wear well but should be air-dried open (not rolled) to preserve the stitch pattern.