Cashmere and Alpaca Accessories: How to Choose and Care for Them
Hands, neck and feet are where the cold reaches first, so they are where fibre makes the most difference. A pair of gloves or a neckwarmer is a small purchase, but you wear it every day for months. Choosing the right fibre, and looking after it, decides whether it lasts one winter or ten.
Cashmere and alpaca: how they compare
| Cashmere | Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | The soft undercoat of cashmere goats | The fleece of the alpaca, native to the Andes |
| How it feels | Very soft, light, with a gentle halo | Soft and smooth, with a slightly heavier drape |
| Warmth | Warm without bulk | Very warm for its weight |
| Good to know | Some light pilling early on is normal | Some people who find wool scratchy get on well with alpaca |
Both are natural, breathable fibres. Neither is better overall: cashmere suits close-fitting pieces like gloves, while alpaca's warmth and drape suit scarves and hats. For a fuller comparison, read Merino vs Cashmere vs Alpaca.
What to look for when you buy
- The fibre content. "Cashmere blend" can mean a small percentage. If you want the full feel, look for 100% on the label.
- The knit. Hold the piece up to the light. A denser, even knit keeps its shape and wears better than a loose, see-through one.
- The finishing. Check cuffs and edges. Ribbed cuffs on gloves should spring back, and seams should lie flat.
- Where it was made. A brand should be able to tell you. Our cashmere gloves are 100% cashmere, knitted in Scotland, and our alpaca beanie is 100% alpaca, made in Peru.
Which piece for which job
- Gloves for commuting and walking. Cashmere is thin enough to keep some dexterity. Try our Scottish cashmere gloves.
- Wristwarmers if you want warm hands with free fingers for typing or your phone. See our cable knit alpaca wristwarmers.
- A neckwarmer instead of a scarf when you want warmth without ends to manage, under a coat or on a bike. Our Scottish cashmere neckwarmer is 100% cashmere.
- A scarf when you want something to style as well as wear. Choose between the two tone baby alpaca scarf and the undyed alpaca plaid scarf.
- A beanie for the coldest days. The knitted alpaca beanie is soft enough to wear all day.
- Bed socks for evenings and cold bedrooms. Our cashmere bed socks also make an easy gift.
How to care for cashmere and alpaca
- Wash less often. Both fibres resist odour well. Airing between wears is often enough.
- Wash gently. Hand wash in cool water, or use a wool cycle, with a detergent made for wool or cashmere.
- Never wring. Press out water, then roll the piece in a towel to absorb the rest.
- Dry flat, away from radiators and direct sun, reshaping while damp.
- De-pill gently with a cashmere comb if bobbles appear. This is normal, especially at first.
- Store clean. Moths are drawn to natural fibres that have been worn and not washed. Fold pieces into a breathable bag or drawer, and check them through the year. Read our guide to getting rid of moths at home.
As a gift
Cashmere and alpaca accessories are easy to give: one size, no fitting worries, and something most people would not buy for themselves. Add a reusable linen gift bag, or let them choose with a gift card.
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