There is a moment every autumn when the mornings turn cold and a light jacket stops being enough. That is when I reach for a soft layer, and the choice is nearly always between two things: a jumper or a wrap. I love both, and they do quite different jobs.
The case for an alpaca jumper
A jumper is familiar, structured and easy. It has sleeves, it drapes, and it slips on over almost anything, which makes it a natural choice for the office, for lunch or for an ordinary day. Alpaca suits the shape well: it is light, it holds warmth, and it falls softly rather than clinging. If you want a layer that behaves like a piece of clothing, a jumper is the answer.
https://alpacaapparel.co.uk/products/batwing-slouch-sweater
The case for an alpaca wrap
A wrap is a different kind of freedom. It is a scarf when the wind gets up, a shawl over the shoulders in the evening, and a blanket on a train or a plane, all in one piece. Because it is not fitted, it works on any frame and any outfit, and it is the piece I recommend most often as a first step into alpaca. It is our hero piece for exactly that reason.
https://alpacaapparel.co.uk/collections/alpaca-capes
How to choose
Choose a jumper if you want something to wear, and a wrap if you want something to live with. If you travel, or spend time in cold rooms, or like to change how you dress through the day, the wrap earns its space in a bag. If you want a defined shape that sits under a coat, look to a jumper. Many of us find we want both.
How to layer them together
A wrap over a jumper is one of the loveliest autumn outfits I know. Keep the colours close, such as sand with pebble, and let the textures do the work. Drape the wrap loosely and let it fall rather than pinning it tight. For evenings, wear it over a simple knit and nothing else.
Beyond the jumper
If you want a layer with a little more drama, look at the Poncho we showed at London Fashion Week. It has the ease of a wrap and the shape of a garment, and it moves beautifully. Like everything we make, it is knitted and finished in Leicester from fibre grown on our farm.
Looking after either
Alpaca rarely needs washing. Air it, brush it gently and fold it flat rather than hanging it, so it keeps its shape. Made once, kept always.
Frequently asked questions
What is an alpaca wrap? An alpaca wrap is a large, soft piece of knitwear worn as a scarf, shawl or blanket. It is not fitted, so it suits any size.
How do you wear an alpaca wrap? Drape it over the shoulders, loop it as a scarf, or wrap it around you as a blanket when you travel.
Is an alpaca jumper warmer than a wool jumper? Alpaca is often described as warmer than sheep's wool of the same weight because the fibre is hollow. The knit and thickness also matter.