STRAIT knitted tank top, graphite mélange

Strait – the narrow passage between two larger areas of water. On an archipelago, the straits are vital waterways, which by nature follow every bend of the sinuous coastline. Similarly, the fully fashioned Strait top has got its simple and unadorned shape in the knitting process: every curve and detail has been created in the knitting process. No cutting, just devoted linking. True to nature – just as is life on archipelagos.

The Strait tank top is always in season. When it’s cooler, wear it under a cardigan or use it as a vest. At the front and back of the garment are two unique V-necks with slightly different depths, so you can choose which way to wear it.

Alpaca, the Gold of the Andes

The materials for this garment have been chosen with care. Linen complements alpaca wool with its structure and strength, while the softness of alpaca wool mellows the coarseness of linen. The elasticity of alpaca fibre counters the typical creasing of non-stretch linen fibre. Both alpaca wool and linen are naturally excellent in moisture wicking: on hot days, alpaca-linen helps to regulate body temperature by effectively transferring the moisture away from the skin, making the garment feel dry and comfortable.

Thickness variation is natural to linen and may occur in alpaca-linen yarn.

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.

Finding the right size

You can either use our smart Fitle size advisor or compare the measurements of the chart (below) to your previous garments.

How accurate are the measurements? Will they change over time or after washing?

Some variation may occur in the sizing of a garment made of natural fibres. However, the knitwear has good elasticity and it adapts to your body’s shape during the first days of wear. The product will keep its measurements well.

When in doubt with choosing the right size, please contact us. Our customer service will be happy to help you!

Taking care of alpaca-linen garments is easy. They have the same care and wash instructions as our 100% alpaca knits. Garments made from alpaca and linen significantly soften after the first wash.

Instead of washing continuously, simple airing of the garment outdoors is usually enough since alpaca wool is naturally odour and stain resistant. If you wear an undershirt with your knitwear, there will be even less need for washing.

If your garment does get a stain or needs a wash, gently hand wash it in cool (20–25 °C) water using a wool detergent and squeezing it gently (avoid rubbing). After rinsing, roll the garment 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 & Costs:

EU:

• GLS: 2-7 working days, 10 €
• DHL Express: 2-4 working days, 30 €
• Free Standard Shipping for orders over 200€

UK:

• Deliveries over 135 pounds only due to new VAT rules post-Brexit.
• GLS: 5-6 working days, 10 €
• DHL Express: 2-3 days, 30€

United States, Canada:

• DHL Express 35€

Rest of the World:

• Contact info@alpaknitwear.com for details.

Duties & Taxes:

• When ordering outside the EU, duties/taxes are NOT included in the shipping costs, and value-added tax 24% is deducted from your order total automatically. Refer to local custom officials for these costs.

We strive to make shipping easy and hassle-free! For any questions or more information, please contact our customer service.