Yes — one of alpaca's less celebrated but highly practical qualities is its natural resistance to dirt and odour. The smooth surface of alpaca fibre prevents particles from embedding as easily as they would in coarser, scalier fibres like standard sheep's wool. This means your scarf, blanket, or cushion cover can tolerate regular use for extended periods whilst maintaining its appearance. Frequent washing is not necessary — airing your alpaca pieces regularly is usually sufficient for day-to-day freshness.

Alpaca is notably more hardwearing than many comparable luxury fibres. The smooth, long-staple structure of alpaca fibre resists the friction that causes pilling and wear, and the fibre itself is stronger than sheep's wool of an equivalent fineness. A well-cared-for baby alpaca piece — washed gently and stored correctly — can last many years, often becoming softer and more beautiful with time. Think of it less as a seasonal purchase and more as a considered investment in something you'll still be wearing or using a decade from now.

Alpaca fleece comes in more than 20 natural shades — more than any other animal fibre. These range from bright whites and creams through rose greys, fawns, and mid-browns to rich chocolate and near-black. This remarkable natural palette means less reliance on synthetic dyes and a truer expression of the fibre's origins. Our pieces are available in a curated selection of both natural and dyed colourways, each chosen to work beautifully in contemporary interiors and wardrobes.

All three are considered premium natural fibres, but they differ in meaningful ways. Baby alpaca is the only one that is completely lanolin-free, making it the most reliably hypoallergenic of the three. Its hollow fibre structure gives it superior thermal performance — warmer weight-for-weight than merino, and more durable than cashmere, which is softer but can wear more quickly. Unlike merino, alpaca produces virtually no pilling due to its smooth, long staple length. And unlike cashmere, which comes from a small undercoat yield per animal, alpaca fleece is more generously produced — making it a more sustainable choice at scale. For those who want the silk-like feel of cashmere with the hardwearing qualities of merino and none of the irritation risk, baby alpaca sits in a category of its own.

Genuinely both. Alpacas live at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 metres in the Andes, where temperatures swing from -25°C at night to +25°C during the day. Their fleece has evolved to handle both extremes. The hollow core of each alpaca fibre acts as a natural insulator in cold weather while simultaneously allowing air circulation in warmth — regulating body temperature rather than simply trapping heat. This makes baby alpaca throws, scarves, and blankets genuinely useful across all seasons. Our customers frequently tell us they reach for their alpaca pieces year-round.

Orders placed on Christmas Day or New Year's Day will be delivered by the end of the second week of the new year. You'll receive an email with full parcel tracking details once your order has been dispatched.

Yes — all UK orders are delivered complimentarily. UK goods are dispatched via Royal Mail and delivered the next working day following order dispatch. No minimum order value applies.

Yes. International orders are shipped via UPS or Royal Mail/Parcel Force International scheduled services. We aim for delivery within five working days from dispatch, though please allow up to seven working days as transit times vary by destination. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by local customs or import procedures, and customers are responsible for any import duties or taxes levied in their country.

Yes. All goods are fully insured against loss or damage during transit, for both UK and international orders.

We accept returns within 30 days of receipt. Items must be unworn, in their original packaging, and with all labels and information tags still attached. Upon receipt, goods undergo a quality inspection. If the item is in satisfactory condition, we'll issue a full refund (excluding any delivery charges) to the original payment card, or exchange it for an alternative item of similar value from our range. Please note we do not accept returns or offer refunds on sale items.

Return delivery charges are the sender's responsibility unless the item is faulty. We strongly recommend obtaining proof of postage or shipping for your return. Please contact us at hello@andinoalpaca.com to receive the correct return address before sending anything back.

Refunds are processed within 2 business days of us receiving and inspecting your return. Depending on your bank's processing time, funds may take up to 10 business days to appear in your account. Refunds are returned to the original payment card only.

For international returns, please clearly mark your parcel as "Returned Goods" with Nil Value on the accompanying customs declaration. Do not invoice goods back to Andino Alpaca. Failure to follow these instructions may result in import duty charges, and we reserve the right to refuse delivery or deduct any resulting expenses from your refund.

Moths are particularly active during spring and summer months and are highly attracted to natural protein fibres like alpaca, cashmere, and merino. The most effective protection is a combination of clean storage (moths target soiled fibres first), breathable cotton bags or cedar blocks in wardrobes, and periodic airing of pieces. A natural moth-repellent spray applied before folding pieces away for the season adds an extra layer of defence. If you notice any damage, act quickly — once holes appear, they are very difficult to repair.

Always fold — never hang — alpaca pieces for storage, as hanging can cause stretching and distortion of the weave over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading in any natural fibre. Use a breathable cotton storage bag rather than plastic, which traps moisture. For longer-term seasonal storage, ensure the piece is clean before putting it away — moth larvae are attracted to protein-based fibres like alpaca, and soiled pieces are at greater risk.

Some light pilling may occur with fine natural fibres, particularly in areas of friction. Baby alpaca's long staple length means it is far less prone to pilling than shorter-fibre wools. To minimise it: avoid heavy friction during wear, hand wash gently without rubbing, and store folded rather than hanging. Any surface pills can be removed easily with a fabric comb or cashmere comb — this won't damage the underlying cloth and will restore the original smooth finish.

Far less often than you might think. Unlike synthetic materials, alpaca does not need to be washed frequently. Its natural dirt-repellent and odour-resistant qualities mean regular airing is usually all that's needed between washes. Gentle spot cleaning handles most incidental marks. Over-washing any fine natural fibre shortens its life, so we recommend washing only when truly necessary — perhaps once a season for regularly used pieces.

We recommend gentle hand-washing using a mild detergent suitable for wool or silk, in lukewarm water (maximum 30°C). Never use chlorine bleach. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent, then gently press — never wring or twist — to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry in a natural position to preserve shape. Do not tumble dry. For stubborn stains, professional dry cleaning is a safe option. If ironing is needed, use a cool setting only.

Our socks can be machine washed on a wool or gentle cycle in cool to lukewarm water (maximum 27°C). Turn them inside out or use a mesh laundry bag before washing. Use a mild, wool-friendly detergent — no chlorine bleach. Liquid fabric softener may be used sparingly. We recommend air drying away from direct sunlight rather than tumble drying, to protect the fibres and extend the life of the sock. For hand-washing, soak briefly in cool water with mild detergent, rinse well, and gently press out excess water without wringing.

We accept all major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Diners Club, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna (buy now, pay later). All transactions are processed securely at checkout.

Yes — we offer e-gift cards, which make a thoughtful and flexible gift for anyone who appreciates conscious luxury. Gift cards are available to purchase directly from our website and are delivered digitally. The recipient can redeem them against any item in our collection.

We're always happy to help. You can reach our customer service team at hello@andinoalpaca.com or by telephone on +44 7841 707 848. For bespoke enquiries, write to bespoke@andinoalpaca.com.

Our registered address is

Suite 10019,

219 Walworth Road,

London, SE17 1RL,

United Kingdom.