Why Are Peruvian Alpaca Ponchos The Best?

The Alpaca Poncho is a traditional item of Andean dress as well as Peruvian clothing. It is composed of two rectangular pieces of fabric sewn together, leaving an opening in the middle of the seam for the head to pass through. What makes it stand out from other alpaca products is that when worn, the poncho covers most of the upper body, protecting one from the cold, while still allowing free movement of the hands and arms.

But why do we claim that Ponchos made out of Alpaca Fiber are in fact the best alternative?

For starters, alpacas have been prized for their fiber since Pre-Inca times due to the properties and quality of their hair. Hence why the Andean communities have been co-existing with the alpacas for thousands of years. To more than one million small alpaca farmers in the central Andes of South America, alpacas are an important pillar for livelihood. Alpaca is also one of the finest and longest-lasting fibers in the world. In other words, it means purchasing a high-quality alternative that will last over time and has a deeper impact on a community or a cause.

Most of our ponchos are made of 100% Baby Alpaca. It is an especially soft grade of Alpaca that stands out for being as soft as Cashmere, but warmer, lighter, and more durable. The fiber's structure and resistance, make it possible to create garments of exceptionally fine quality, luster, and drape, properties difficult to replicate using any other textile fiber. This natural luster remains and does not disappear even when the wool is dyed.

An Alpaca Poncho stands out for its versatility. You can opt for one with a neutral perhaps undyed color (out of the 22 variants), or maybe do a bold move with a more colorful style and a striking design, depending on the occasion. More than ever, Peruvian textiles can be found on the pages of high fashion magazines worldwide. Contemporary designers from Perú are paying homage to Andean textiles, by replicating their long-established techniques and traditional patterns in their 21-century creations.

Quoting Chiara Macchiavello a Peruvian fashion designer:

“Each piece of clothing has a storyline that can be traced back to the knitter who hand–wove it, the alpaca that gave up its coat, or even centuries back – to when these knitting traditions were born. Within each garment lies a story…and once worn, you become a part of it”

We are also a Peruvian clothing store committed to bringing the best of Peru and the Andean textile heritage to you. So next time you're looking for something unique and luxurious, head over to our Ponchos & Capes section. I'm sure you'll find the one to match your style!

If you have any questions or there's anything we can help you with, don't hesitate to contact us at service@alpacacollections.com.