When it comes to sustainable fashion, there are two routes you can take – buying items secondhand or investing in high-quality pieces made from eco-friendly fabrics. One great sustainable fabric is alpaca wool. I recently had the opportunity to try out this fiber for the first time… And I’m totally impressed! It’s warm, sustainable, and can be turned into so many great articles of clothing. In this review, I’ll dive into the Alwa Piedra Cape by United Alpaca, including why items from this brand should be an essential piece of any wardrobe.
What I Love About The Piedra Cape
The first thing I love about United Alpaca’s clothing is the sustainability aspect. Alpaca wool is known for being an environmentally friendly fiber. It’s been used in South America for thousands of years for a reason! The wool is extremely warm and naturally hypoallergenic. And there are over 20 fiber shades that naturally occur as well. Alpacas themselves are relatively low-impact animals since they graze without destroying root systems which helps preserve their natural habitat. I also loved that the cape came with a metal pinned tag instead of the typical tags made of plastic.
Another pro is United Alpaca’s dedication to fair trade practices. Buying items that are certified fair trade ensures transparency and responsiblity in the supply chain. By selling two lines of clothing (Alwa and Ama) that have been carefully vetted through the fair trade process, you know you are getting a high-quality piece. This commitment to fair trade not only supports local economies in the regions where these artisans are based but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable model for the fashion industry. (I also love that the Alwa line is women-run!)
The Alwa Piedra Cape boasts a timeless design that is so versatile in your closet. I wear some sort of cardigan sweater almost every day to work; I love that this cape has been added to the rotation! Its neutral gray can be paired with so many colors – and it can even be dressed up for more formal occasions. The alpaca wool provides warmth but isn’t super thick… And it’s not itchy like some other wools! Definitely a comfortable piece that I plan on wearing for many years to come.
What Could Be Improved
While nothing stands out as a major con, like I do with all my reviews on this blog, I wanted to bring up price. The Alwa Piedra Cape is $129 – a fair price in my opinion for a high-quality, fair trade alpaca wool staple. This pricing reflects its artisanal craftsmanship and fair trade credentials, but it may be just too high for some consumers. I’ve noticed over the years that sustainable fabrics and clothing pieces tend to be a bit more compared to less good options… But I highly recommend making the investment!
Another potential drawback is the care instructions. Because it is made of alpaca wool, the cape must be hand washed. Some may see this as inconvenient if they can’t throw it in the washing machine with their other dirty clothes. However, hand washing will ensure that the fibers stay intact longer so it isn’t a big downside to me. Just use a gentle soap and dry flat!
Overall, I am super impressed by the United Alpaca Alwa Piedra Cape. While it is an investment and may take a bit more care than your typical sweater, it’s totally worth it for a high-quality, fair trade piece that will be in my closet for years to come. I am so glad I was able to try out some alpaca wool… And I’ll definitely be buying more pieces made from this sustainable fiber in the future! Have you tried alpaca wool clothing yet? Comment below and let me know your thoughts!
Love,
Jenna ♥
*This cape was gifted and this post was paid for by United Alpaca. All opinions are my own.
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