Buying hats, sweaters and other alpaca products can be complicated, we recommend you do not buy until you know what is authentic.

You will find many clothes and different “alpaca” products everywhere, but many vendors sell fake alpaca fibers to unsuspecting tourists claiming that they are 100% pure.

Find here “The Best Tips for Buying alpaca products”;

Two different types of alpaca

There are two types of alpaca: Huacaya and Suri. Although most sellers won’t know the difference – unless you go to a high-end store – it’s good to know.

The Huacaya produces a fluffier fiber, while the Suri has a silkier and shiny fiber. Either way, it will be soft and comfortable.


Characteristics of Alpaca Products

  • Alpaca, especially baby alpaca, is a very soft material that does not itch or irritate the skin, which is why it is so appreciated. If you try on a sweater or scarf and it rubs against your skin unpleasantly, it’s probably not alpaca: trust your skin.
  • A good way to check if an item is pure alpaca is to see if it feels cold. Pure alpaca and baby alpaca are cold, while synthetic materials are not. Go to a good store and rub the authentic product with your hands – this will give you a better idea of what you are looking for.
  • Baby alpaca is more expensive. If you find an item that only has 50 soles and claims to be pure baby alpaca, it surely is not. It usually costs about 20 dollars more than normal alpaca and you won’t find it in the markets, only in the most elegant stores. Alpaca is soft and baby alpaca is even softer.

Vicuna

The Holy Grail of all fibers, it was more precious than gold to the Incas. It is the softest and best fiber, but it will cost you.

In the United States, vicuña products can cost up to $6,000 for a jumper, while in Peru you can get it for half that. There aren’t many stores that sell them – only high-end ones – and the products are usually locked away.

If you are worried about accidentally buying a fake alpaca sweater or don’t have time to go shopping for it, just pay the money at one of the best stores. This will give you peace of mind and also save you time.

The best way to get an idea of alpaca material is to go to the best stores that sell alpaca items and run your hands over everything;

Don’t worry, they’re used to doing it. Spend time touching everything and remembering the prices. If the baby alpaca costs 300 soles somewhere and you find someone selling it for 50 soles, it is probably fake.