One of the most common questions we get is simple: "What size should I order?" Alpaca fiber has a soft, natural give that most synthetic blends don't, so our socks and beanies tend to fit a little more forgivingly than you'd expect — but a good fit still makes all the difference in comfort and longevity. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Alpaca Sock Sizing, Made Simple
Our socks — including The Classic Alpaca Sock, The Alpaca Compression Sock, and The Alpaca Ribbed Dress Sock — are unisex and sized using your regular shoe size:
- Small — Men's 5–7
- Medium — Men's 7–9 / Women's 8–10
- Large — Men's 9–11 / Women's 10–12
- Extra Large — Women's 12–14
If your shoe size falls right on the edge between two ranges, we generally recommend sizing up. The blend of baby alpaca, nylon, and Lycra in our socks gives them enough stretch to hug your foot comfortably without feeling tight, and a bit of extra room never hurts with a cushioned footbed.
A Note on Compression and Dress Socks
The same size chart applies to our compression and ribbed dress socks, but fit plays a slightly different role for each. The compression sock uses gentle, graduated support, so choosing your correct size (rather than sizing up) helps that support work the way it's designed to. Our over-the-calf ribbed dress sock, on the other hand, is cut thin enough to layer comfortably under dress shoes, loafers, or boots without ever feeling bulky.
Beanie Fit: One Size, Designed to Move With You
The Allen Paca Alpaca Beanie is one size, designed to fit most adult heads. Like many ribbed-knit beanies, its stretch generally accommodates head circumferences in the roughly 21 to 23.5 inch range — from a petite frame to a generously sized head — while still keeping its shape.
Not sure where you fall? Wrap a soft measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler) around your head about half an inch above your ears and across your mid-forehead. That number is your head circumference. Because our beanie is knit from 100% alpaca fiber, it has natural elasticity that gently contours to your head rather than sitting stiff — snug enough to stay put on a windy day, relaxed enough for all-day wear.
Quick Fit Tips
- Use your actual shoe size, not your dress shoe or sneaker brand size, when choosing a sock size.
- Between two sock sizes? Size up for socks, but choose your true size for compression socks.
- Measure your head circumference before assuming "one size" won't work for you — alpaca's natural stretch fits a wider range than most synthetic beanies.
- If you're gifting, our socks and beanie both make easy no-guess gifts thanks to their forgiving, true-to-size fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I need a small or medium sock?
A: Check your regular shoe size against the chart above. Men's 5–7 is a Small, Men's 7–9 or Women's 8–10 is a Medium. When in doubt, size up.
Q: Are Allen Paca socks unisex?
A: Yes. All of our socks, including the Classic, Compression, and Ribbed Dress styles, use one unisex sizing chart based on shoe size.
Q: Will the one-size beanie fit a smaller or larger head?
A: It's designed to comfortably fit most adult head sizes thanks to its stretchy alpaca knit. If you have a very petite or very large head, measuring your circumference first can help set expectations.
Q: Do alpaca socks stretch out or lose their shape over time?
A: The Lycra and nylon blended into our socks helps them hold their shape wash after wash, while the alpaca fiber keeps them soft. Following the care instructions on each product page helps them last even longer.
Q: What if I'm ordering as a gift and don't know the recipient's size?
A: The beanie is a safe one-size choice for almost anyone. For socks, a Medium is the most universally comfortable starting point if you're unsure.
Ready to find your fit? Shop the full Alpaca Socks collection or browse our Alpaca Hats, including the 100% Alpaca Beanie.