Alpaca

an Andean inhabitant

Alpacas live high in the Andean altiplano at 3,500–5,000 meters, where they have developed a unique, silky coat similar to human hair. This natural environment gives alpaca fibre its remarkable softness, warmth and durability. Alpacas are gently sheared every two years using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The process is quick, performed by trained farmers, and completely painless for the animals. Once sheared, the alpacas are released back into the highlands they call home. Graceful, calm and irresistibly fluffy — alpacas truly are the treasures of the Andes.

Why 100% Alpaca Wool?

Because nothing feels, performs, or lasts like pure alpaca. 100% alpaca wool is luxuriously soft, naturally warm yet breathable, hypoallergenic, and incredibly durable — without blends or synthetics to dilute its beauty. Every fibre that touches your skin is silky, gentle, and free from scratchiness. Pure alpaca also respects the planet: it’s renewable, fully biodegradable, and produced with a far smaller environmental footprint than cotton or synthetic fibres. Strong by nature, alpaca wool holds its shape, resists pilling, and stays beautiful for years — a material made to wear, repair, and recycle.
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Properties

Very soft

hardly scratchy at all, even on sensitive skin.

Lightweight

noticeably lighter than sheep's wool.

Warmer than sheep's wool

alpaca hollow fibers trap air, providing insulation.

Thermoregulating

keeps you warm without overheating.

Hypoallergenic

contains no lanolin (which can cause allergies in sheep's wool).

Longlasting & Durable

the fiber is more resistant to pilling than cashmere.

What is Babyalpaca?

What “Baby Alpaca” really means

It is a quality designation, not an age indication.It refers to the finest, softest fibers from the coat of an alpaca.The fiber fineness is usually less than 22.5 microns (thinner than human hair).It is obtained from the first shearing or from particularly fine areas (e.g., the neck area).Baby alpaca is very warm. In fact, it can be warmer than merino wool for the same weight. It is ideal for winter clothing, scarves, blankets, or sweaters without feeling heavy.

Care Instructions

Alpaca Garments

Care & Washing

First of all, you need to know that Alpaca fiber is a naturally an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and odor-resistant fiber, so your alpaca items probably don’t need to be cleaned as often as you think. 

Second, the most important thing to know when washing your alpaca garment is that agitation and heat shrink destroy the fiber. 

That said, here is how to care for your alpaca garments to keep them silky and soft for years to come:

  • Handwash
  • Cold water
  • Use shampoo or a special detergent
  • Soak for 2 or 3 minutes
  • Squeeze with care
  • Drying in shadow on a flat surface

Advantages over wool, cashmere, synthetics

Alpaca Wool

more than a fabric

The properties that the alpaca wool offers, make it one of the finest and most expensive wools in the world. Unlike conventional wool and cashmere, Alpaca hair is hollow which allows the air trapped inside to expand and contract with temperature variations, they can withstand variations ranging from 30ºC during the day to -20 °C at night. 

Alpaca wool offers these benefits:

  • Warmth and Insulation
  • Lightweight
  • Great Strenght
  • Silky Texture
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Naturally Anti-bacterial and Anti-microbial
  • Long Durability over time

  • Alpaca vs. sheep's wool

    Alpaca wool is finer and softer than conventional sheep's wool, often even softer than merino. It hardly scratches, keeps you up to 30% warmer and is as light as a feather. As it does not contain lanolin, it is hypoallergenic and also ideal for sensitive skin.

  • Alpaca vs. cashmere

    Alpaca wool offers the same luxurious comfort as cashmere, but is more robust and significantly less prone to pilling. It is easier to care for, more durable, and more attractively priced, while the animals can be kept in a more environmentally friendly manner.

  • Alpaca vs. Synthetics

    Unlike synthetic fibers, alpaca wool is breathable, temperature-regulating, and naturally odor-resistant. It feels pleasantly natural on the skin, is biodegradable, and is a sustainable choice for high-quality clothing.

Sustainability and Regionality

At TINKU, we believe true luxury respects both people and the planet. That’s why our alpaca garments are made with sustainability in mind — using 100% natural fibres that are biodegradable, durable, and require far less water and chemicals than synthetic alternatives. By sourcing and producing locally in Bolivia, we support regional communities, and preserves traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. Every piece you wear is more than clothing: it’s a commitment to fairer trade, lower environmental impact, and a stronger future for Bolivian artisans and their culture.
  • Pink and orange woven fabric with a Tinku tag on a white background
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