Frequently asked questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. We hope you find the answer to your question here! However, if you have a question that is not covered, please contact us.

Washing instructions

If the knit garment doesn’t freshen up by hanging it outside to air, and/or local stain removal does not help, it is time to wash it by hand:

  1. Pour cool or cold water (about 20 ° C) into a sink.
  2. Mix a small amount of soap suitable for wool fibers (e.g. white Marseille soap) with the water.
  3. Squeeze the product gently, allowing the water to pass through the knit.
    • Avoid rubbing.
    • Avoid wringing.
  4. Change the water  – make sure the temperature remains the same – and rinse the product by squeezing it carefully in the fresh water.
  5. Drain the water and place the product on a towel. Roll the product inside the towel. For faster drying you can press the roll to get excess water off the product.
  6. Finally, shape the knit and dry it on a flat surface at room temperature – to avoid stretching, do not hang!

In order to keep your valuable alpaca garment in good condition and looking beautiful for years to come, hang it outside to air regularly, gently remove small stains, and wash the garment only when needed following the washing instructions.

I have pre-ordered a product. When will it be delivered?

You can find the schedule for pre-ordered products here.

How can I return / exchange my product?

We offer 30 days right of return to all purchases. Send the product back to us and we will issue full refund to the payment method you used.

For exchange, return your purchase and make a new order.

If the product is faulty or does not match the description, we will refund the cost of return.

You can find the country specific return instructions here.

Where is my order?

You can see the tracking information in the email we sent you.

If you haven’t got an email with tracking information, please contact us here!

Does alpaca wool itch?

Compared to lambswool, alpaca is smoother and softer to skin. Silk-alpaca and 100 % baby alpaca products are generally softer than products made of 100 % fine special alpaca.

Machine-made garments initially feel a little more rough compared to hand-knitted products. In our products we opt for densely knitted garments to ensure longevity and durability to our knitwear, which may make the garment feel a little coarse in the beginning. The feel of the knitwear will soften significantly after it has been worn a couple of times. The garment will adjust to the shape of your body.

You can speed up the softening by steaming or brushing the sweater. Wearing an undershirt in the beginning may help as well.

 

What size to choose?

  1. Generally, we recommend the size you normally wear.
  2. You will find a size chart and the exact measurements of the product by scrolling down on the product page and clicking “Size & Fit”. To help with finding the right size, measure a well-fitting piece of clothing of your own and compare the measurements to our size chart.
  3. You can also use our Fitle size-finder which will recommend you the best size with a couple of questions. In Fitle you can also find sizing chart according to body measurements.

Do Alpa’s products pill?

All wool products pill to some extent, but alpaca wool generally has the best pilling resistance compared to other wool types, thanks to its special fibre.

Alpaca wool fibres are very long, which means that fewer individual fibres rise from the surface of the knit. Because of that, bundles are not formed as easily as with shorter fibre materials.

The surface of the alpaca wool fibre is also very smooth and less scaly than the fibres in other wool types, which means that the fibres do not stick to each other easily. That’s why the alpaca knits tend to look very good and sharp even after a lot of use.

The more tightly knitted the product, the better it will last without pilling. We put focus on the knitting density and knitting structures to ensure long lasting products.

The darkest gray and black coloured knits are slightly less resistant to pilling due to the longer dyeing time of the yarn. However, you can keep the product looking good with some maintenance e.g. with knitwear brush and pill trimming. All the other excellent qualities of alpaca wool still remain in these garments.

Where are Alpa’s products manufactured?

We have searched and found the best and the most experienced professionals to produce our products. Our knitted cardigans, sweaters and dresses are produced in Lithuania. The beanies are made in Finland. Our scarves are made by our yarn supplier in Peru, with whom we have worked since the very beginning of Alpa’s journey in 2012.

The high-quality Marseille soap comes from France and our brushes are made in Germany.

Is your alpaca wool ethical?

Our yarn supplier is committed to responsible business and participates in charitable programs. We have made several visits to our yarn supplier in Peru.

Alpacas are grazing mostly free in the mountains. As alpaca is a very important and respected national animal for Peruvians, they are treated with respect. Alpacas are sheared yearly and it is an important part of their care.

Alpaca wool is always mulesing free.

You can learn more about our sustainability here.