ZIPPER cardigan, bordeaux

Knitted in a firm gauge from Fine Special Alpaca yarn. The sizing is designed to work both in motion during free time and in more formal settings layered over a collared shirt.

Zipper is a truly versatile cardigan – easy to own in several colours to harmonise with your shirts and trousers. Simple and stylish.

Designed in Finland by Ainomaria Haataja and knitted in Lithuania by our long-standing partner.

Our wool always comes from Peru – the alpaca’s homeland – via a trusted supplier we’ve worked with for over a decade.

Good to know

• A firmly knitted alpaca knit softens with wear
• If your knit is damaged for any reason, our repair service will help
• We also provide matching repair yarn free of charge if you prefer to mend it yourself

Alpaca, the Gold of the Andes

The material of this product – 100% Fine Special alpaca wool – is our most durable fibre quality.

Alpaca wool is one of the most extraordinary and rare natural fibres in the world. It’s not well-known by many, but once you get to know it, you’re hooked! Its exceptional breathability, excellent resistance to pilling, and beautiful, fluffy glow are something you just won’t find in other materials.

Unmatched warmth and breathability

Are you always cold, or alternatively, are you unable to wear knits because they are too hot? Alpaca is the perfect solution for both those problems: alpacas have adapted to different temperatures, as it is hot during the day and chilly at night in the Andean mountains where they graze. Over the millennia, alpaca wool has developed special properties in terms of both warmth and breathability.

Alpaca vs. Merino

We often get questions about the properties of alpaca wool compared to other materials. In comparison to merino wool, alpaca wool stands out especially for its superior moisture transfer qualities. Alpaca fibre is untreated and has a natural ability to absorb and transfer moisture effectively.

Commercial merino wool is treated to make it machine washable, in a so-called superwash treatment: the surface of the wool is coated with resin. The treated fibre loses much of its absorption capacity. The surge in the popularity of merino wool has made it increasingly challenging for a customer to discern between different levels of merino wool quality as there is now a vast array of merino qualities available in the market.

Alpaca wool – it only gets better with use

Most of our knits are densely knitted – we don’t cut corners on material use – so they need some time to soften up. This is necessary in order to make garments that last longer, and as you know, longevity is one of our core values. You can speed up the softening by brushing or steaming the knit, or ease it in by wearing a shirt underneath at first. Over time, the inside of the knit gets a soft, fluffy layer, typical for alpaca wool, making it feel really smooth and lightweight on you.

The secret to the smoothness of alpaca wool is in its fibre: it has fewer and tinier scales on its surface than other wools. Thanks to those smooth and long fibres, alpaca wool doesn’t pill easily, which our customers really appreciate.

• See the detailed measurement chart and body size guide below.
• Fit: regular. We recommend that you choose the size you normally wear.
• The studio model is 184 cm and wears size M.

Choosing the Right Size: Measurement Chart and Body Size Guide

You can estimate your size in three different ways:

1. If you know your actual body measurements, you get the most accurate size recommendation by comparing them to Alpa’s general body size chart below.
2. You can also compare the product’s measurements in the detailed drawing below to similar garments you already own.
3. The Fitle size assistant can help you choose the right size by estimating your body measurements based on the information you provide. You can open the size assistant by clicking the measuring tape icon next to the size options.

Please note that there may be slight variations in the measurements of garments made from natural fibres — this is perfectly normal. Our knitwear has good elasticity and will adjust to your body after a few wears. Our knits will not stretch out or shrink if washed according to instructions.

If you’re unsure about sizing, our customer service is happy to help. Email us at info@alpaknitwear.com and let us know your height and measurements.

Garment Measurement Drawing

Alpa’s Recommended Body Measurement Chart for Men’s Sizing

Taking care of your Alpa® alpaca garment is super easy! You don’t have to wash it a lot. In fact, most times, just letting it air outside is enough to make it fresh again. If you wear another shirt under your knitwear, there will be even less need for washing.

If the garment gets stained or musty and is indeed in need of a wash, we recommend washing it by hand in cold water, using a gentle soap and squeezing it softly (avoid rubbing). After rinsing, roll it in a towel to get rid of extra water, reshape it and let it dry on a flat surface to avoid any unwanted stretching.

The whole washing from start to finish takes about 10 minutes – so it’s really easy to take care of your alpaca garment. Washing it once or twice a year should be enough in normal use.

This Alpa® knitwear piece is responsibly manufactured in Lithuania at the production facilities of our long-term partners. Our partners have decades of experience in manufacturing high-quality knitwear products, and together we have uncovered the secrets of knitting with the rare alpaca wool.

Delivery methods and shipping costs

Free Standard Shipping for orders over 200€. All the orders are shipped from Finland. EU customers are free of any customs or duties.

You will receive a tracking link in your order confirmation email to follow your order.

Denmark, Sweden
PostNord 2-4 working days 5 €
DHL Express 1-4 working days 30 €

Germany, Belgium, Netherlands
GLS, 3-5 working days 5 €
DHL Express 1-4 working days 30 €

Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
GLS, 3-6  working days 10 €
DHL Express, 2-4 working days 30 €

Switzerland, Norway

GLS, 3-5 working days 10 €
DHL Express, 2-3 days 30€

Please note that when ordering outside the EU, you are responsible for possible duties / taxes when receiving the products. 

United States and Canada

DHL Express, 35 € 3-5 business days.

Please note that when ordering outside the EU, you are responsible for possible duties / taxes when receiving the products. 

UK

GLS 5-6 working days 10 €
DHL Express, 2-3 days 30€

Due to recent changes in UK import VAT rules after Brexit we only deliver orders exceeding 135 pounds to UK

Please note that when ordering outside the EU, you are responsible for possible duties / taxes when receiving the products. Duties and taxes are NOT included in the shipping costs. Please refer to your local custom officials to calculate these costs for your order.

Finland

Posti packet delivery 1-2 days – 5 €
Matkahuolto packet delivery 1-2 days – 5 €
Matkahuolto home delivery 1-2 days – 10 €
Pickup from Alpa store (Helsinki, Tampere, Jyväskylä)  – Free

Please note that when ordering outside the EU, you are responsible for possible duties / taxes when receiving the products. Duties and taxes are NOT included in the shipping costs. Please refer to your local custom officials to calculate these costs for your order. Value added tax 25.5% is deducted from your order total automatically.

Rest of the world

Contact customer service info@alpaknitwear.com for shipment details. We are happy to arrange it to you!

Duties & Taxes:

Please note that when ordering outside the EU, your local delivery duties and taxes are NOT included in the shipping costs. Please contact your local custom officials to calculate these costs for your order. Value added tax 25.5% is deducted from your order total automatically.