Frequently Asked Questions
About Alpaca
Alpacas produce one of the highest-performing natural fibers on the planet making it a top choice for outdoor-based apparel brands. Research studies have shown that alpaca performs much better than wool when it comes to warmth, moisture wicking, and temperature control. In addition, alpacas produce one of the most sustainable fibers on the planet due to being environmentallly friendly. Be sure to read our Sustainability page to learn even more.
No, alpaca fiber is not itchy as it does not contain lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fiber comes in many different grades of fineness including superfine, baby and royal alpaca. We choose only the finest alpaca fibers to ensure comfort and softness when being worn. In the past, lower grades of alpaca were used to make apparel or alpaca was blended with other fabrics making it itchy.
Alpaca has been shown to be the softest, lightest, and most breathable fabric versus wool, cotton or synthetic blends. Its hollow inner structure helps keep you warm and dry, while wicking sweat and moisture away. Alpaca and merino are both good fabrics, but the structure of the alpacas fibers means that alpaca is softer and more comfortable than merino. Find out more by reading about Alpaca Properties.
IncaRoyal Knitwear apparel is single-sourced in Bolivia. This means that each part of the production process, from the shearing of the alpaca to the processing of the fiber to the knitting of the item is completed beginning to finish in Bolivia.
Bolivia, has the second largest alpaca population in the world, and they are raised using sustainable practices. We chose Bolivia due to the quality of the fiber along with the traceability of our products. Alpacas in Bolivia are treated equitably and are prized for their fleece. All of our clothing is sourced and produced in Bolivia to lower our ecologic footprint, while air transportation is only used in the final steps to deliver the finished goods to you.
How to Use Alpaca Products
INCAROYAL's Sizing is based off the international standard but also will depend on the specific product. Many of our items use Unisex sizing so do remember to size up or down depending on the measurements. For detailed sizing info, please check out our Size Guide.
Alpaca is highly odor-resistant with natural anti-bacterial properties so it does not need to be washed as often as cotton or acrylic items. When washing, we recommend that you hand-wash it carefully with a mild detergent or wool soap. When washing, only mildly squeeze the alpaca item to remove dirt and dust but never wring it or twist it as it can deform the sweater. Don't use any bleach or fabric softeners and never tumble dry in a dryer. Always lay your garment flat to dry on a table or flat area (out of direct sunlight). You can also roll the garment in a towel to remove excess water. Please view our full care instructions here.
The answer is No. Alpaca has incredible thermo-regulating properties that make it highly breathable and resistant to moisture and sweat. Our clothes can be worn year-round in many climates but are best used for temperatures below 70 degrees fahrenheit. We also offer alpaca garments in lightweight 2-ply knits that can be worn year-round. Our Chunky and Heavy Knits are best for the Fall & Winter seasons.
Purchasing with Inca Royal Knitwear
We offer Free shipping on all orders over $100. Orders under $100 have a flat rate $5 shipping charge to all domestic orders within the US.
We accept all major credit or debit cards along with payments made using Paypal, GPay and Shop Pay account.
We offer worldwide shipping to over 150 countries with reasonable shipping rates and different shipping options. During checkout, you will be able to choose your shipment method of choice based on price, delivery time, and carrier preference.
All orders will ship out within 1-2 business days (not including weekends or holidays). Delivery within the US typically takes 3-5 business days. All Shipments ship from our Santa Fe, NM warehouse. You will receive a shipment confirmation email once your order has shipped.
At INCAROYAL, we offer a hassle-free and simple return process. We accept returns up to 30 days after delivery, if the item is unused and in its original condition. We offer free return shipping for orders within the United States. International customers will need to pay for the return shipping costs. We will refund the full order amount minus the shipping costs for the return (only International customers). To start a return, you can contact us at support@incaroyal.com or use our contact page.
Please go to our return policy page to see more information on returns & exchanges.
Our items do not come with an official warranty, but we do cover all manufacturing defects. Factory defects do not include natural wear and tear, including pilling and abrasion. They also don't include user induced damage including rips, tears and damage occurring during washing (when proper care instructions aren't followed). We cover items that arrive damaged or with manufacturer defects that alter the composition or condition of the garment. INCAROYAL follows the most stringent quality control practices, but ifyou suspect your garment may have major defects, please contact us right away so that we can arrange a return as soon as possible. Our product warranty covers all manufacturing defects. All items must still be returned in unworn condition to be approved by our return department.