Alpaca coat

With the onset of the first cold autumn days, fashionistas in a variety of coats begin to show off on city streets: cashmere, drape, and tweed. But more and more modern models are found from wool, which is still unusual for the majority of Russian inhabitants. It looks like a sheep, but still it's something else. This is a noble and graceful material that literally falls in love with. Alpaca coats are a hot trend this fall. Therefore, let's rather figure out what kind of material it is.

Alpaca is a Peruvian artiodactyl that lives in the mountains. Such wool is a very valuable raw material, the use of which has been limited for years to the regions inhabited by alpacas. Traditional outfits were sewn from wool, first of all - ponchos and capes, which are simply indispensable in the highlands. Later, the ability of such fabric to provide the same comfort in both very frosty and very hot weather was appreciated by the inhabitants of North America, and industrial production was already launched there.

It is difficult to overestimate the indisputable merits and advantages of alpaca over other woolen materials. Its main trump cards are:

• Density. The fabric with alpaca wool is very dense, which allows you to sew incredibly warm demi-season and even winter coats of all sizes and any cut from it.
• Wear resistance. The durability of alpaca products has been tested and proven by many generations of consumers. The material is very durable, if compared with sheep's wool, then by this indicator it surpasses it three times. In addition, an alpaca coat does not become pilling, wrinkle or fall off, no matter how many years it is worn.
• Heat protection and thermoregulation. If we continue the comparison, then in terms of heat-shielding qualities, sheep wool shows a result that is seven times less than that of alpaca. In this case, the thermoregulatory properties inherent in the wool of this Peruvian animal are invaluable. Thanks to them, going into an alpaca coat from a frosty street into a heated room, you will not be covered with "seven sweats."

In addition to all of the above, it is worth noting the lightness of this material, its softness and uniformity, silkiness, resistance to most dirt (alpaca wool fibers are completely devoid of fat, which eliminates excessive soiling), noble shine. In addition, the material is also hypoallergenic, which makes this wool coat incredibly valuable.

Since alpaca wool perfectly keeps its shape, coats from this material are created in a variety of styles and cuts. The double-breasted coat is a classic. You will certainly find such a style with every brand, because these coats will never go out of fashion. The oversized fashion that has intensified in recent seasons has led to the appearance of a large number of alpaca coats of this particular style. Its advantage is that it looks great on women with any type of figure.

Other current fashion trends are wrap coats, cropped models, exquisite trimmings (fur, embroidery, and other decorative elements). If we talk about practicality, it is worth noting the models with a hood. This detail is now in trend, and its main advantage is that it replaces the headpiece. Thus, two problems are solved at once: the likelihood of wearing a hat in vain or, on the contrary, not putting on and freezing - disappears, besides, the hairstyle will remain intact in any case - the hood will not harm her.

Alpaca coats with fur are also very relevant now. This wool is in perfect harmony with sable, silver fox or arctic fox skins. Protectors of the animal world can pay attention to models with artificial fur. This finish is more typical of winter coat models than demi-season ones. This may be one of the few differences between alpaca coats for winter and fall / spring.

In fact, you can wear the same coat made of this material in any cold season, because thanks to its unique properties, alpaca allows you not to freeze in the most severe frost and not get soaked in warm weather. The need to buy several models can only be dictated by a woman's desire to diversify her wardrobe, experiment with styles, lengths and colors.

Another advantage of alpaca wool is the fact that it not only keeps its shape perfectly, it also slims. And this is an invaluable quality when it comes to clothing in large sizes. After all, it is very important for owners of curvaceous forms to look fit, and an alpaca coat will help with this.

Colored models will help to emphasize the merits of a chic feminine figure. For example, a coat with a rich red tone. At the same time, we recommend two lengths: short model (it should be fitted) or maxi (free cut). The main thing to remember is that such a bright thing should be combined with neutral accessories. Therefore, make sure you have the correct shoes and handbag before purchasing.

An alpaca fur coat with a wrap looks great in large size. It is better to choose a light shade, but natural. So the image will become light and refreshing, like a spring breeze.

Speaking about the origin of the alpaca, many people mistakenly claim that this is a type of llama. However, it is not.The progenitor of the alpaca is the vicuña, a smaller mammal from the camelid family. So it would be more correct to say that the alpaca and the llama are not relatives.

These owners of priceless wool are bred in Peru, where they come from, as well as in Bolivia and Chile. There are two types of alpaca known - suri and huakaya. They differ from each other in the structure of the coat. Suri looks like pigtails, longer. Wakaya wool looks more like plush. In the manufacturing sector, this wool is divided into several categories according to fiber thickness:

• royal (19 microns);
• baby (19-22 microns);
• very soft (22-25 microns);
• adult (25-32 microns).

At the same time, suri is valued more than huakaya. Especially expensive is the baby suri alpaca, in the manufacture of which only young animals' wool (no older than 10 years old) is used.

Manufacturers of alpaca coats often try to increase the performance characteristics of the fabric, as well as reduce the cost a little, and use mixed materials for sewing.

The most common combinations are 70% alpaca 30% wool from another animal (eg camel), alpaca and silk or rayon (in the same proportions). Models from a mixture of alpaca and silk look especially impressive. You can also find coats made from 100% alpaca. These are very expensive premium models.

Since alpaca is a unique thing, of course, coats made of wool in natural colors are most appreciated. In addition, even among them, you can get knocked off your feet, choosing, since there are as many as twenty-two natural shades of alpaca. Of course, manufacturers are actively using dyes to achieve several dozen more color solutions.

If you welcome everything natural, look for "native" colors - black, white, cream, gray, brown, burgundy and a dozen other adjacent and intermediate shades.

A white alpaca coat is the choice of romantic natures. Burgundy option - for lovers to leave a vivid impression of themselves. A gray coat made of this wool will suit dreamers. And the brown-cream range is for adherents of the classic office style in clothes.

Of course, there will always be those who want to try on mustard or coral alpaca coats, which will warm not only the body, but also the eyes on chilly autumn evenings. For all lovers of bright colors, manufacturers carefully offer all the most fashionable shades of alpaca coloring - lavender, cornflower blue, buttercup and others.

We owe Italy to the worldwide popularization of alpaca material. In our country, such Italian brands that produce alpaca coats, such as Versace, Armani, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Anna Verdi, are especially well represented. Italy became a pioneer in this direction thanks to Giorgio Armani, who made a real hit of the 1980s not only outerwear, but also suits and dresses made of alpaca suri.

In Russia, technologies for the production of alpaca clothing are actively adopted. So, in St. Petersburg, the Meldes company was opened - this is a brand that produces women's outerwear of high European quality. The production is carried out in collaboration with Italian craftsmen.

Another Russian brand specializing in sewing alpaca wool coats is Kroyjork. For over twenty years, the brand has been producing sophisticated and sophisticated collections of women's coats for any season. Original models are in great demand not only in our country, but also abroad.

Alpaca coats made at Belarusian factories also find a wide response among customers. One of the largest brands with which Belarus is represented on the world market is Sinar. Nice and comfortable alpaca coats are produced here. At the same time, prices are more democratic in comparison with Italian counterparts.

If you are still looking for an expensive coat of elite European brands, pay attention to the Schneider Salzburg brand (produced in Germany and Austria). For an alpaca coat from this brand, you will have to pay a tidy sum, but it's worth it to show off in such a luxurious thing year after year.

It has been said many times about the many advantages of alpaca wool. But the durability of a coat made of this material cannot be built on them alone. Such clothes need proper care. Only then the high price of this thing will be justified, and the coat itself will be able to delight you for many years.

Remember a few simple rules.

1. Moths are practically not scary for alpaca clothes, you can not be afraid that an insect will damage your luxurious outfit. But what turns out to be really destructive is naphthalene or other moth-fighting chemicals. If you are still concerned about possible "guests" in your closet, scare them away with natural scents - wormwood, cedar, lavender.
2. Especially expensive models made of 100% alpaca are most reliably dry-cleaned. The same can be said about less expensive, but white or very light coats. This also applies when spots appear on the coat. In this case, any model - regardless of the cost, color and composition of the fabric - must go to dry cleaning.
3. The fade-resistant coat can be washed in cold water using soft wool gels. Dry without spinning: place on the table, straighten when the water drains, dry on a hanger.
4. Ironing is possible, but from the wrong side and through a damp cloth. If the pile is slightly flattened, it should be smoothed out with a dry brush.

Another beauty of an alpaca coat is that it is a versatile piece. It goes well with any variation of the classic or casual feminine style. Let's look at some of the most interesting combinations.

A short dark coat is best combined with jeans in a classic indigo shade or with strict black trousers with a tapered silhouette. In the first case, rough boots are ideal as shoes, in the second - high leather boots.

Lovers of sophisticated classics will love a beige or gray knee-length coat with a voluminous collar. It is worth wearing a skirt suit or office dress here. For an evening out under such a coat, a cocktail dress will look great. A warm stole and thick tights complete this ensemble. Shoes should be high-heeled, the bag should be massive and roomy.

If tailored straight trousers are your favorite piece of clothing, we recommend choosing a long coat with a minimalist style and dark colors. Leather accessories - a bag, ankle boots, gloves - and alpaca wool - the perfect combination of textures.

Most of the customers note precisely the fact that the high price of such coats is fully justified. It can be worn for a long time, looks luxurious, and can be combined with any clothing. Women love the feel of the alpaca and praise its ability to keep you warm in severe frosts. In some regions of Russia, this is especially important.

At the same time, many customers emphasize that it is important to choose the most harmonious model (color, style) in accordance with your basic wardrobe, and then this luxurious coat will be as functional as possible - everything will fit, it will be worn often. In general, the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive. Discontent is only caused by the price, but these reviews are more likely from customers who did not dare to purchase an alpaca coat.