Peruvian Alpaca: A Practical Guide
A cornerstone guide to Peruvian alpaca, garment context, and how to evaluate alpaca handicrafts with less guesswork.
Read the guidePractical guides to Peruvian alpaca and traditional textiles
Reference notes on alpaca fiber, traditional garments, and common textile types found in Peru. The guides focus on materials, everyday use, and straightforward buying context.
Core guides
Start here for the main references on alpaca fiber, garments, and practical textile comparisons.
Alpaca Wool: Fiber, Feel, and Everyday Use
A practical guide to alpaca wool, blending, knit behavior, and how to compare fiber quality in Peruvian goods.
Read the guideAlpaca Poncho: Drape, Warmth, and Wearability
A cornerstone guide to alpaca ponchos, how they are built, and what to look for before buying one in Peru.
Read the guideAlpaca Hat: Fit, Knit Density, and Utility
A practical guide to alpaca hats, with a focus on warmth, fit, construction quality, and everyday usability.
Read the guideGuide hubs
Alpaca Guides
Fiber basics, breed distinctions, and garment context for readers who want a grounded introduction.
Open hubPoncho Guides
Construction, weave, layering, and practical comparisons for traditional and travel-friendly ponchos.
Open hubSweater Guides
Evergreen references for chompas, knitwear fit, layering, and the product logic behind classic alpaca sweaters.
Open hubHat Guides
Quick, useful references for alpaca hats, sizing, knit density, and cold-weather wear.
Open hubWool Guides
Fiber quality, natural dye context, maintenance, and care for alpaca yarn and finished pieces.
Open hubBuying in Peru Guides
Market context, pricing, packing, and practical expectations when evaluating artisan-made goods.
Open hubFeatured guides
These guides cover travel buying, care, weaving details, and related topics worth reading alongside the core references.
Alpaca vs Llama Fiber: Useful Differences
A neutral comparison of alpaca and llama fiber in finished garments, with a focus on feel, weight, and practical use.
Read the guideHuacaya and Suri: Texture and Drape Differences
A practical guide to the difference between huacaya and suri alpaca, centered on texture, loft, and drape.
Read the guideTraditional Poncho Weaving: What to Notice
A guide to poncho construction, weave balance, and the structural details that shape quality.
Read the guideAlpaca Sweater Sizing Guide
A practical guide to reading fit, ease, and layering needs when buying alpaca sweaters and chompas.
Read the guideLayering with Chompas for Travel and Daily Wear
A guide to using alpaca chompas as practical layers, with attention to loft, jackets, and climate.
Read the guideChoosing Knit Hats: Warmth, Shape, and Packability
A guide to evaluating knit hats by fit, stitch density, warmth, and how well they handle travel.
Read the guide