FAQ

Is baby alpaca better than cashmere for a throw?

For a throw that’s never put away, we believe it is. Measured strand by strand, cashmere is the finer fiber (roughly 14–19 microns, to about 22 for baby alpaca), and it can feel a touch softer at first. Baby alpaca answers with more warmth for less weight, and with a longer fiber that resists pilling, fold after fold. ELEMENTA throws are woven in Peru, from 100% baby alpaca.

Is a baby alpaca throw a good gift?

It is one of the most meaningful gifts for a home. One size, nothing to fit, and the thoughtfulness of that first lift of the lid, felt each time it’s unfolded. Each ALTO LOMA throw arrives in an heirloom-quality box, ready to give, with complimentary shipping and 30 days to return or exchange. For a first gift, Maras (ivory) and Piedra (mid gray) settle into almost any room.

Can I send throw blankets to different addresses in one order?

Each order travels to a single address, so for several recipients, we invite you to place a separate order for each. Nothing is lost in doing so: every ALTO LOMA throw blanket ships complimentary within the United States and arrives in its own heirloom-quality gift box, ready to give.

Is baby alpaca itchy?

It shouldn’t be. The prickle people associate with wool comes from coarse strands and from lanolin, an oil that sheep produce. Baby alpaca carries no lanolin, and at about 22 microns on average, its fiber is fine and smooth, so it rests easily against bare skin. In the first few uses, a few stray fibers may lift from the surface. They settle on their own.

Is baby alpaca good for sensitive skin or allergies?

For most people, yes. Lanolin is the usual cause of wool sensitivity, and baby alpaca has none, which is why it is widely regarded as hypoallergenic. The fiber also stays fresh between cleanings, so a throw asks for washing only occasionally. If you have a known fiber allergy, we suggest checking with your physician first. No natural material suits everyone.

How warm is a baby alpaca throw? Can I use it all year?

Warm, yet never heavy. Each strand of alpaca holds tiny pockets of air, and that is where its warmth comes from. ELEMENTA throws weigh just 1.5 to 1.85 lbs at 51 x 71 in. The fiber also breathes, letting heat and moisture escape, so a throw feels as natural on a cool summer evening as it does in January. It is a companion for every season.

How do I care for a baby alpaca throw?

Seldom, and always gently. Between uses, let it air, and spot-treat small marks. For a full clean, we recommend a trusted dry cleaner. At home, hand wash in cold water with a mild wool wash, press the water out rather than wringing, and dry it flat. Spare it the dryer and the hanger, since heat and weight distort the weave. Store it folded, with cedar or lavender, never sealed in plastic. Every throw arrives with its own care card.

Does baby alpaca pill or shed?

Very little. Pilling comes from short fibers breaking free and knotting at the surface. Baby alpaca’s long fiber embraces the weave rather than breaking free, so the surface remains clean and even. A soft haze in the first few uses is a natural fiber settling in. A gentle shake, or a light pass with a fabric comb, restores it.

What does “baby alpaca” mean?

A measure of fineness, not age, "baby alpaca” describes the softest fiber an adult alpaca grows, about 22 microns on average, sorted by hand from the rest of the fleece. Only a small portion of each fleece meets that standard, which is why it is reserved for pieces meant to be touched and cherished.

Why does a baby alpaca throw cost more? Is it worth it?

The price reflects a rare fiber and a long life. Baby alpaca is a small, hand-sorted share of each fleece, and a dense 51 x 71 in. throw takes well over a pound of it. Cared for simply, it grows only more familiar, an investment measured in decades rather than seasons. ELEMENTA throws are $399, or $429 for reversible designs, and arrive gift-boxed with complimentary shipping.

Is alpaca a sustainable choice?

Alpaca is among the gentlest animal fibers. The animals nibble pasture close to the ground and leave the roots in place, and they move lightly across the highlands on padded toes. Their fleece needs no chemical scouring to remove lanolin. Most of the world’s supply comes from Peru, where herding families have tended alpacas for generations. ALTO LOMA throw blankets are woven by a mill committed to fair wages and the artisan communities that sustain it.

How can I tell if a throw is real 100% baby alpaca?

Look for three signs: a label that reads “100% baby alpaca” rather than “alpaca blend,” a price that reflects a rare fiber, and a maker who names where the piece is woven. In busy markets, the term is often borrowed for acrylic or blends. ELEMENTA throws are 100% baby alpaca, woven in Peru.