INCAROYAL Knitwear is a sustainable apparel brand built on the values of ethical product sourcing, fair wages, and sustainable manufacturing of eco-friendly products. Sustainable, defines not taking more from the earth than what can be given back or naturally reproduced. We believe that we can shift the industry back to a slower type of fashion based on quality and based on conserving the earth.

We source 100% natural earth-based materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and circular (recyclable). Our products use 100% Alpaca and 100% Llama fibers that are carefully harvested from local indigenous communities throughout Bolivia. 70% of our products use natural undyed Alpaca and Llama fibers, while 30% use dyes from natural dyeing processes or eco-friendly dyes. While we still have work to do to meet our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral brand, we are continually taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

More efficient than wool: Unlike wool, Alpaca fiber does not have lanolin, meaning it doesn’t necessitate the super-washing processes that Merino and other wools need to remove this grease. These washing processes release toxins into the environment.

It doesn’t release microplastics: Unlike acrylic, polyester and other oil-based plastics, Alpaca doesn’t release any microplastics into the environment, many of which can be harmful to local ecosystems and water supplies.  

It doesn’t use excessive water: Alpaca fiber uses much less water to produce an article of clothing when compared to cotton which uses 3,800 liters to produce one cotton t-shirt.

Alpacas don’t erode pastures: Alpacas have padded feet rather than hooves, unlike cashmere goats and sheep. This helps prevent them from trampling plants and eroding fragile mountainside ecosystems.

Alpacas support plant regrowth: Alpacas eat about 1/3 of the amount of food that a traditional sheep does per day. They also don’t pull out the roots from the plants like cashmere goats do. Alpacas eat only the upper part of the plant which supports plant regrowth.

Alpaca manure is excellent fertilizer: Alpacas produce one of the richest fertilizers, creating a nutrient dense manure that is great for composting. Alpacas tend to defecate in one spot making it easy to collect and utilize.

Alpaca is renewable and biodegradable: Alpacas grow back their fur every year, creating a fresh source of fiber every year. Alpaca fiber is biodegradable (when undyed and using natural dyes).

Support a community of farmers and herders: Choosing Alpaca helps support over 60,000 families in Bolivia that have been raising Alpacas using traditional techniques or generations. These families raise Alpacas and Llamas in small herds, then selling the fiber to co-ops and to yarn processors. For most of them, this is their only source of income and it is their livelihood. The farms are all locally owned and most have 50-800 Alpacas at most. Your investment helps these communities so they can continue to grow and support.

Empowering Women across Bolivia: Many women in Bolivia are forced to wake up at 5 am and walk several miles to sell their wares. This can be dangerous and many are exploited and abused and earn far less than what is necessary to survive. Instead of taking on risky work, we support women artisan groups, many that train these women who are most at risk. Most of our artisans lack a formal education and had few if any options for employment. We are proud to offer a fair living wage to over 75 women directly and indirectly with our partners. We are always adding new artisans and we offer additional training and support.

Empowering indigenous communities: Not only are women impacted, we also support many male artisans among several other jobs including transporters, yarn processing plant workers, farmers, and much more.

Keeping traditions alive: The indigenous communities we work with continue to follow ancient traditions including respecting the earth or "pachamama". They treat alpacas with utmost respect as they are considered sacred. They continue to pass on these traditions to their children, teaching them how to subsist in harsh climates. Our artisans speak Quechua and Aymara and many still wear traditional garments that have been passed down for generations. Our artisans live in communities as high up as 3000-5000 meters