Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater
High in the Peruvian Altiplano, people have been using soft, durable alpaca fiber to make warm yet lightweight garments for centuries. Today, international markets are being developed for this indigenous craft, which helps sustain artisans in their communities. Aymara and Quechua artisans in Peru use an alpaca blend to create this vivid garment that drapes like silk. Made entirely by hand, it is embellished with hand-knit scalloping at the cuffs and hem, and hand-painted ceramic buttons. Light, soft, easily packable, and wrinkle resistant. Handmade in Peru.
Approximately 22 1/2"L.
Hand-wash or dry clean.
Indigenous people in South America have raised alpaca for its fleece for thousands of years before Europeans learned about the animal and exported alpaca fiber to Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today this domesticated animal is bred throughout the world, but its native habitat is the Andean altiplano: Ecuador, southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile.
Descended from the wild vicuña, alpaca resemble a cross between a llama and a sheep. Its fleece is similar to sheep's wool, but is usually softer, less prickly, and has minimal lanolin content, making it virtually hypoallergenic. Its extreme warmth, relatively light weight, and natural resistance to water make alpaca wool an ideal fabric for the frigid winters of the Andean altiplano. These qualities have also led to a rise in the use of alpaca fiber in outdoor gear and active wear, although it is also easily spun into a fine enough yarn for use in suits and other dress wear.
Most alpaca products can be treated as you would an object made of sheep's wool#151;hand wash using a mild soap and lukewarm water, or dry clean—but check the tag or manufacturer's instructions for specific instructions.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
78%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great color (8)
- Soft (6)
- Comfortable (5)
- Flattering (5)
- Lightweight (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Going out (7)
- Layering (5)
- Casual wear (3)
- Travel (3)
- Work (3)
- Chest Size:
Feels too small
Feels true to size
63%
(5 reviews)
Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
Feels too short
Feels true to length
86%
(6 reviews)
Feels too long
- Reviewer Profile:
- Practical (7), Classic style (6), Comfort-oriented (6), Stylish (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soft
Cons
- Thin Fabric
Best Uses
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
Description did not meet reality.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Stylish
Cons
Best Uses
- Going Out
- Layering
- Travel
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
This sweater has great color and style and is very comfortable to wear.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Stylish
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Cold Weather
- Going Out
- Layering
- Travel
- Work
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
This is the first clothing product I have ordered from National Geographic and I am delighted with it.
The colors are gorgeous and I received many compliments when I wear it. I ordered it because it was on sale and am happy with the quality and workmanship. I plan to order more sweaters as time goes on.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Cold Weather
- Going Out
- Layering
- Travel
- Work
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
Looks good, feels good -- I love it!
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Color
Cons
- Not Warm
- Poor Fit
- Small
- Thin Fabric
Best Uses
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
It was very beautiful but only 40% alpaca and not warm. Also a bit itchy.
- Chest Size:
- Feels too small
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Buttery Soft
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Warm
Cons
- Returned For Larger Size
Best Uses
- Going Out
- Layering
- Work
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
Absolutely beautiful sweater lightweight & soft, yet warm. Looks great over a lacy cami. Sizing was off. Normally Med fits perfect to a little loose. I had to return this for a Large; now the sleeves are just a little long.
- Chest Size:
- Feels too small
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels too long
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Color
- Soft
- Stylish
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Fit
Best Uses
- Going Out
- Layering
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
I love this sweater except for one really big flaw, the button that is right on th bust is not aligned correctly and it won't stay buttoned. This is not a matter of it being the wrong size. I can wear the sweater with a tank top and th top three buttons undone which still looks very nice, but it wasn't what I had in mind when I bought it. Also, the advertised price was not what I ended up paying for it, it was about $20 more expensive excluding shipping , tax and handling. However, even with all of those minuses, I still really like the sweater.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels true to length
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Lightweight
- Now my favourite
- Soft
Cons
Best Uses
- Going Out
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
I love clothing that is well designed and in well co-ordinated colours. This is definately one of those items.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Flattering
- Great Color
- Soft
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Wear
- Going Out
Comments about Violet Peruvian Alpaca Sweater:
Great sweater top. The colors are vibrant and I got a ton of compliments on it. I returned the first one I got because it fit's a bit big, I usually take medium but small in this top fit's perfect! The button's are gorgeous!
- Chest Size:
- Feels too big
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-9
From National Geographic:Thank you for sharing your feedback about this product. We regret that it did not meet your expectations. As advertised in our catalogs and online store, this sweater is made of an alpaca blend, not 100% alpaca.