In a world where fast fashion dominates, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of buying more but wearing less. The promise of a trendy knit or coat at a lower price is tempting, but the cost of that choice often reveals itself later: worn-out fibres, lost shape, and a garment that looks tired after just one season.
At Alpaca Passion, we believe in a different approach – one rooted in timeless design, exceptional materials, and thoughtful production. Here’s what we mean when we say our garments are worth keeping, and why it matters.
The Fibre That Lasts: Baby Alpaca
Most of our garments are made using baby alpaca, one of the most luxurious natural fibres in the world. Despite the name, it doesn’t come from baby animals – it refers to the fineness of the fibre, measured in microns. Baby alpaca typically falls between 19–21 microns, making it comparable in softness to cashmere but far more durable.
Why is it so long-lasting?
- Low pilling: Baby alpaca has fewer surface scales than sheep’s wool or synthetics like acrylic. This means it’s less prone to pilling, even with regular wear.
- Natural elasticity: Alpaca fibres can bounce back to shape better than cashmere, reducing sagging over time.
- Moisture & odour resistance: Alpaca is thermoregulating and naturally antimicrobial, which means less frequent washing and a longer life.
- No lanolin: Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca contains no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and less processed chemically.
In side-by-side lab tests (like those performed by The Textile Exchange and International Alpaca Association), alpaca has consistently shown superior performance in durability, pilling resistance, and tensile strength compared to cashmere, wool, and acrylic.
Fast Fashion’s Hidden Cost
The average Australian buys 56 new clothing items per year and throws away 23 kg of textiles annually, much of it barely worn.
That $100 acrylic blend jumper might seem like a smart buy, but:
- Acrylic is a plastic-based fibre prone to heavy pilling and heat sensitivity – meaning it degrades faster in the wash.
- Mass-market knits often use blends of 4–5 different yarns, which break down unevenly, lose shape quickly, and are nearly impossible to recycle.
- Many high street brands prioritise speed and cost over quality, resulting in loose weaves, poor stitching, and throwaway designs.
Compare that to an Alpaca Passion knit that’s made from fewer, better materials and can be worn winter after winter.
We believe slow fashion isn’t just more sustainable, it’s more satisfying. It respects your money, your time, and your personal style.
Designing for Longevity, Not Just for Now
At Alpaca Passion, we intentionally release just two key collections each year:
- A winter collection of warm, rich knits and coats
- A spring capsule of lighter layers and breathable blends
Our design process is grounded in refinement over reinvention; perfecting essential wardrobe pieces and offering them in timeless cuts and versatile seasonal colours, rather than chasing trends that fade fast.
This also means you’ll find returning favourites in our collections, proof that we believe the best garments are the ones you wear again and again.
What to Look for in a Garment That Lasts
Even if you’re not buying from us, here’s how to identify pieces that are truly worth keeping:
- Natural fibres over synthetics (alpaca, wool, silk, linen)
- Minimal fibre blends (simpler = longer life and easier recycling)
- High-stitch density and consistent construction (less pilling and shedding)
- Classic silhouettes that won’t date quickly
- Neutral or complementary colours for mix-and-match wearability
When you start choosing garments this way, you’ll find your wardrobe becomes not only more sustainable but also more satisfying.
We know sustainable fashion often comes with a higher price tag. And we also know that not everyone can make that choice right now. But if you’re able to invest in fewer, better pieces, we believe it’s worth it – for the planet, and for you.
You don’t have to overhaul your wardrobe overnight. Start with one piece you truly love and feel good in and wear it proudly, year after year.