Skip to content

Reference guides

Peruvian alpaca and traditional textiles, explained

Evergreen, buyer-focused notes on alpaca fiber, Andean knitwear, weaving basics, and textile market context across Peru. Use the guides to compare labels, construction, and common market claims with less guesswork.

Start here

Core guides

Start with the foundational pages.

These preserved `.htm` pages cover the core terms and comparisons most readers want before browsing the full guide archive.

Guide hubs

Browse by buying context, fiber type, or garment type.

Each hub groups related guides, so you can read a topic end-to-end without hunting across the site.

Alpaca

Alpaca Guides

Fiber basics, breed differences, and how alpaca behaves in finished garments.

Open hub

Ponchos

Poncho Guides

How ponchos are built, what to notice in the weave, and how to compare construction.

Open hub

Sweaters

Sweater Guides

Chompas, fit and layering, and what fiber choices change in everyday wear.

Open hub

Hats

Hat Guides

Fit, knit density, and the small construction details that affect warmth.

Open hub

Wool

Wool Guides

Care, dye context, and what fiber structure changes in feel and maintenance.

Open hub

Buying in Peru

Buying in Peru Guides

Buying context, pricing signals, and practical expectations in Peruvian textile markets.

Open hub

Featured guides

Recently updated references across the archive.

A small rotating set of guides that were updated most recently.

Sweaters

Alpaca Sweater Sizing Guide

A practical guide to reading fit, ease, and layering needs when buying alpaca sweaters and chompas.

Updated November 29, 2025 Read