The Alpaca Beanie

Alpaca fiber is naturally soft, hypoallergenic, and odor-resistant — which means your Allen Paca pieces need less washing than you'd think, and simple care when you do. Below is what we recommend for each piece, along with a few things worth knowing about caring for alpaca wool in general. Curious about the fiber itself? Read why alpaca outperforms other materials.

Socks

Durable enough for a typical cycle. Yes, you can get multiple wears before washing.

• Machine wash cold / cool, normal cycle, with like colors.
• Lay flat to dry to avoid shrinkage, or tumble dry on low / medium heat if you want them to fluff up.
• Avoid hot water and high heat—alpaca doesn't like it.

Keep in mind, we've never had a pair get ruined in the washer or dryer.

Hats

Soft, structured, and best treated gently. Alpaca naturally resists odor and pilling, so airing a hat out between wears goes a long way before it needs an actual wash.

• Hand wash by soaking in cold water with Woolite or a gentle detergent.
• Or, machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with a small load (use a garment bag for extra protection).
• Never put your hat in the dryer. Lay it flat on a towel to dry—cover front and back and press gently; don't wring or twist.
• When in doubt, dry clean (just let them know it's alpaca).

Sweaters

Your alpaca sweater is like a living fiber—breathe with it, and it will reward you. Keep in mind, you don't need to wash your sweater as often as you'd think; alpaca naturally resists odor. If you spill on it, spot treat quickly with a damp towel and a little Dawn dish soap—this will save you trips to the washing machine.

• Machine wash cold on delicate (or hand-wash cycle) using a wool-friendly detergent.
• Wash with like colors and avoid overloading the machine.
• Use a garment bag for extra protection.
• Lay flat on a towel to dry, reshaping it while damp. You can roll gently in a towel to remove excess water—never wring or twist.
• Dry cleaning is always the easier and simpler route, just make sure to tell them it's alpaca.
• Pilling is natural over time—a sweater comb or fabric shaver takes care of it in seconds.
• Store folded, not hung, to help it keep its shape.

General care for alpaca wool

Treat your alpaca garment with care, and it will return the favor—lasting beautifully, season after season.

• Alpaca has no lanolin and is naturally hypoallergenic, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking—so when in doubt, air it out rather than washing it.
• Heat is alpaca's biggest enemy. Whether it's the dryer, an iron, or a steamer, avoid the highest heat setting—an iron can crush the fibers and a steamer can stretch them out. A little goes a long way.
• Always reshape a piece while it's still damp and let it dry flat, away from direct sun or a heat vent.
• When storing alpaca for the season, cedar blocks or a lavender sachet keep moths away without the harsh smell of mothballs.
• A little dish soap and a damp cloth handles most spills—no need to run a whole wash for one spot.

Have a question about caring for a specific piece? Reach out anytime at contact@allenpaca.com.

Returns & Exchanges

We want you to love your Allen Paca pieces. Because many of our items are produced in small batches or are one-of-one vintage finds, we follow the policy below.

Shipping

• Free shipping on U.S. orders of $200 or more.

• Orders under $200 ship at a flat rate of $7.00 within the United States.

• Shipping fees are non-refundable.

Returns

• Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase for unworn, unwashed items with original tags.

• After 30 days, all sales are final.

• Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item arrives damaged or incorrect.
  

• Approved returns may receive store credit and restocking fee's apply.

Exchanges

• Exchanges are accepted within 30 days of purchase for unworn, unwashed items with original tags.

• Exchanges are subject to product availability.

Vintage & One-of-One Items

• All vintage and one-of-one pieces are final sale.

• Due to their unique nature, these items cannot be returned or exchanged.

Natural Fibers Disclaimer

• Our products are made with natural fibers, including alpaca wool.

• While alpaca is known for being soft and hypoallergenic, individual sensitivities can vary.

• We are unable to accept returns or exchanges outside of the guidelines above based on fiber reactions.

Pop-Ups & Market Purchases

• Purchases made at pop-ups, markets, or events follow the same return policy.

• Please retain your receipt or proof of purchase.

Goodwill Exceptions

• At our discretion, we may offer store credit as a one-time courtesy in special circumstances.

• These exceptions are handled case by case and do not override this policy.

If you live outside of the USA, International rates will vary depending on your shipping location and will be calculated at checkout.

Our beanies are one size, with a relaxed fit that shapes to your head over time.

Still not sure? Reach us anytime at contact@allenpaca.com and we'll help you find the right fit.