How to care for your Lacorine alpaca clothing: A complete guide

With the right care, your new Lacorine alpaca garment can (and will) last a lifetime.

Alpaca yarn is known for its luxurious qualities. It’s soft, warm, and naturally antimicrobial, so bacteria won’t thrive on it. This means less cleaning is needed – just airing it out after wearing is often enough.

But spills and stains happen, and knowing how to care for your alpaca garment is key to making it last. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you with everything from washing to storage, to keep your Lacorine alpaca pieces in pristine condition.

Why does alpaca clothing require special care?

Alpaca wool is a luxury fabric that stands out from other wools. It’s lanolin-free, making it hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. Warmer than sheep’s wool, faster-wicking than merino, and highly breathable, it also boasts natural water resistance, a smooth texture, and impressive durability.

One of its greatest strengths is sustainability. Alpaca wool is biodegradable and doesn’t depend on petroleum like its synthetic counterparts.

However, alpaca is delicate. Rough handling can damage the fibres and shorten the life of your garment. Proper care is essential to preserve its quality.

How to correctly wash and dry your Lacorine alpaca garment

When caring for alpaca wool, choosing the right cleaning method is key to preserving your garment’s quality and lifespan.

Handwashing alpaca wool

We recommend handwashing whenever possible. It’s gentler, and reduces the agitation that can stretch the fibres. You can also control the water temperature to avoid heat damage. This method is especially good for delicate items that need extra care.

However, handwashing takes time and effort. You’ll need to be careful – scrubbing or wringing too harshly can stretch or distort the fabric.

Machine washing alpaca clothing

If you must use a washing machine for your Lacorine item, please place it in a garment bag for extra protection. Machine washing is quicker and more convenient, especially if your machine has a gentle or wool cycle. It provides consistent cleaning and makes washing larger or multiple items easier than by hand.

There’s still a risk. Even on a gentle cycle, the fibres can be damaged, and too much heat may shrink or warp your garment. For delicate or finely crafted alpaca pieces, handwashing is the safer choice to keep them in good condition.

Step-by-step guide to hand washing

Handwashing is the best way to care for alpaca clothing and keep it soft. These simple steps make handwashing your garment easy:

1. Fill a clean sink with cold or lukewarm water (never hot, it can shrink the fibres).
2. Add a small amount of mild or wool detergent (no harsh chemicals or bleach) and swirl to mix.
3. Submerge your alpaca garment, pressing it gently into the water.
4. Let it soak for a few minutes – don’t scrub or twist the fabric.
5. Drain the soapy water, refill with clean cold water, and gently swish the garment to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear.
6. Don’t wring the garment. Press the water out gently or roll it in a towel to absorb moisture.
7. Lay it flat on a towel in its natural shape. Don’t hang it (as this can stretch the fibres) and allow it to air dry fully.

Avoid heat and tumble dryers

We would recommend avoiding heat altogether when drying your Lacorine items, as high temperatures can shrink or misshape the fibres. Excessive heat weakens the wool’s structure, leading to a loss of its softness and elasticity. Tumble drying also causes friction, which can result in pilling. To preserve the quality of your alpaca clothing, always air dry it flat in its natural form.

Remember, alpaca is a natural, breathable, fabric, so simply airing it after each wear will allow most odours and moisture to dissipate. 

Storing your alpaca clothing

Proper storage will help maintain the shape and quality of your alpaca garment, keeping them looking good as new.

Always fold, don’t hang

Hanging an alpaca garment, especially when wet, causes stretching and deformation due to the weight. Even dry, storing them on hangers can stretch the fibres.

Keep your Lacorine alpaca items away from humidity. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place to protect them.

Keep the moths away

To guard against moths, use a breathable or cotton garment bag, and add a natural moth repellent like cedar or lavender. Avoid plastic storage, as it traps moisture, which can lead to fiber damage or mildew.

Dealing with pilling or shedding

Alpaca wool isn’t known for pilling like cashmere. However, if this does happen, gently remove the pills by hand to protect the fabric. Avoid using a fabric shaver, as it’s too harsh for alpaca wool. To minimise shedding, handle your garments gently and steer clear of excessive friction. Keep them away from belts and jewelry to prevent snagging or damage.

Antonia’s top tips for maintaining your alpaca clothing

Lacorine’s founder, Antonia, has these essential tips for caring for your new alpaca pieces:

“Allow your alpaca garments to breathe by regularly airing them out, to preserve their natural freshness. Keep your pieces away from harsh chemicals or perfumes, which can disrupt the delicate fibres and their purity. And remember: for minor spills or marks, gently spot-clean to maintain the integrity and beauty of the fabric! But, most importantly, enjoy your new garment.” 

Looking after your new alpaca garment 

To keep your alpaca clothing looking its best, always handwash with cold water and a mild detergent. Air dry flat to avoid stretching, and store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.

Avoid heat, friction, and harsh chemicals to preserve the softness and durability of its fibres. By following these simple care tips, your alpaca garment will stay beautiful, and last for years to come. 

Now that you know how to properly care for your alpaca clothing, why not add a new piece to your collection? Discover our women’s collection, our luxury alpaca homeware, and gifts.