Alpaca, the jewel of our fibers

Alpacas provide one of the most durable and eco-friendly fibers in the world. Vastly popular for their soft texture and environmentally friendly qualities, our fabrics are made from the sheared wool of two breeds: the Suri alpaca and the Huacaya alpaca.

What makes alpaca fibers better?

People often compare alpaca with cashmere and sheep’s wool, as they have similar qualities. However, only one champion remains consistent in quality, strength and its unique beauty:

the alpaca fiber.

Here are some of the characteristics that set alpaca fibers apart from the others:

  • Eco Friendly

    • The alpaca lives in the highlands of the Andes of Peru, Bolivia and Chile, feeding at high altitudes of up to 16,000 feet above the sea level and feeding almost exclusively on wild vegetation.

    • Fibers used for Quri garments are always obtained in a manner that allows the coats of the animal to renew before the next shearing.

  • Durable

    • The unique durability of the Alpaca fiber means your clothes will keep their shape and last longer than similar fabrics.

    • Plus, Alpaca garments are less susceptible to piling, keeping your garment beautiful over time.

    • So it’s not surprising that our apparel is often passed down from generation to generation.

  • Rare

    • It is estimated that there are only 5 million alpacas used to produce alpaca wool, while approximately 700 million Hircus goats are used to produce cashmere around the world.

    • Because alpaca fiber clothing is not produced as much as cashmere, you can be confident that choosing Quri clothes will always reflect your unique style and high standards for quality.

  • Extremely Warm / Breathable

    • Natural fibers such as sheep’s wool or cashmere may be as warm as alpaca, but not as comfortable or versatile.

    • Our Alpaca garments are actually better at maintaining insulation, while allowing your skin to breathe.

    • That makes Quri clothing a great choice for colder regions and climates with quick temperature changes.

  • Unmatched Quality

    • The hair of the alpaca is considered one of the finest wool fibers in the world. Thanks to the artisans of the Andes, its quality has not been compromised over the years, like some other fabrics.

    • For example, cashmere has not maintained the same quality it had in the 1990s.

    • The increasing popularity of the material has consequently led to its decline in the textile industry, as many producers now cross-breed their goats, sacrificing high quality for lower costs.

 

Our Fibers

 

BABY ALPACA

This camelid from the Southern Andes

has the widest color range in the world of textiles, over 30 variations of white, black, brown and gray.


From pre-Incan times to the present, the warmth and softness of their fleece has been key to the successful development of the Andean textile industry.


90% of alpacas bred in this region is the Huacaya, pictured here.

 

BABY SURI ALPACA

A domesticated member of the South American camelid family, the Baby Suri makes up a mere 10% of the world’s alpacas. Its slick, shiny fleece hangs from its body in long twisted strings or cylindrical locks that can be curly, twisted or straight. The fleece has a unique silken luster, and is prized for its superb softness and elegant drape.

 

ROYAL ALPACA

Expert craftsmen select fibers from both the Suri and Huacaya breeds to make superior textiles that are luxuriously soft and warm, with a magnificent tonal range. Combining ancient secrets with a modern technical process creates a rare and premium wool known as Royal Alpaca.

 

Silk


A natural fiber known for its luster, strength and durability, silk has been used in high fashion garments all over the world for over 4,000 years. Silk has earned its reputation as the epitome of style, a natural fiber with elegant and practical qualities such as a beautiful drape and a smooth, soft texture for a luxurious feel.

 

VICUÑA

At one time, noble wool spun from the golden hair of the Vicuna was worn only by the royal Incas. Now, very few artisans can collect fibers from these animals due to their rarity. All Vicuna live in the wild and though they are no longer considered endangered, they are still protected.

Today, Quri Andino garments made with this exclusive fiber come with a certificate of authenticity registered in the Vicuna and Guanaco National Register granted by the Agriculture Ministry of Perú.

 

COTTON

Peruvian pima cotton has the advantage of being produced in a land free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and defoliants Current organic standards do not allow the use of GMOs. Peruvian cotton, cultivated for more than 5,000 years, is considered to be one of the softest and finest in the world.

 

WOOL

Peruvian Highland wool comes from sheep that live in the Peruvian highlands at altitudes over 2,000m (6,500 feet) above sea level. Light and soft, yet with strong fibers hardier than merino, this durable wool is used to create garments that last many years, even if it becomes a favorite that’s worn all the time.