How can I tell if alpaca is real?

Buy from makers that publish the fiber content with exact percentages. “100% alpaca” stated by the store is stronger than a description that only says “made of alpaca”. Very low prices for “100% baby alpaca” are worth a question to the store.

What does “alpaca blend” mean?

Alpaca is mixed with another fiber. The alpaca share can be anything from under 20% to over 90%, so check the percentage and whether the rest is acrylic or polyester.

Will I pay customs on a package from Peru?

It depends on the store. Some collect duties at checkout (“duties included” or “DDP”), so nothing is due on delivery. Others say import duties are the buyer's responsibility. Each product page quotes the store's policy; filter by “No fees on delivery” to avoid surprises.

How to Buy Authentic Alpaca Online: Reading the Label

By the Alpaca Atlas team · Updated September 26, 2026

Check three things: the fiber content (percent of alpaca and what it's blended with), the grade (baby or royal alpaca for next-to-skin pieces) and whether your size is actually in stock. “Alpaca blend” can mean anything from 20% to 90% alpaca, so the percentage matters more than the name.

Fiber content first

Is it really alpaca, or a blend? Look for exact percentages, such as “70% baby alpaca, 30% silk”. A piece called “baby alpaca” can still be mostly other fibers.

We show the fiber content exactly as each store publishes it. When a store gives no percentages, or only part of them, we say so. Browse 100% alpaca sweaters, or use the No synthetics filter to skip acrylic and polyester.

Common blends and why they're used

Alpaca + silk: more sheen and drape, common in wraps and scarves.
Alpaca + wool or merino: more structure and bounce, common in coats and heavier knits.
Alpaca + nylon (also called polyamide): durability. Normal in socks and gloves.
Alpaca + acrylic: cheaper and lighter, but warms less and can pill. “Microfiber” and “dralon” on a label usually mean acrylic.
Alpaca + cotton: lighter, for transitional seasons.

Will you pay anything on delivery?

A package shipped from Peru can be charged import duties or fees when it arrives, unless the store collects them at checkout. Some stores say so (“duties included”, or “DDP”); others say duties are the buyer's responsibility.

Each product page shows where the package ships from and what the store says about duties, with a quote and the date we checked. Use the No fees on delivery filter to see only pieces that ship from the US or have duties paid at checkout.

Seals and certifications

Some Peruvian makers label pieces “AIA-certified”. The AIA (International Alpaca Association) is Peru's alpaca industry association. We show that label only when the store states it, with its words, and we can't verify what each certification covers.

A store appearing in the AIA's member list does not mean every piece carries a seal.

Sizes, prices and shipping

Peruvian brands often sell in soles; we convert to US dollars at the official exchange rate of the day and keep the original price for reference. Your card issuer may use a slightly different rate. Check that your size is in stock: we show stock per size when the store publishes it.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if alpaca is real?: Buy from makers that publish the fiber content with exact percentages. “100% alpaca” stated by the store is stronger than a description that only says “made of alpaca”. Very low prices for “100% baby alpaca” are worth a question to the store.
What does “alpaca blend” mean?: Alpaca is mixed with another fiber. The alpaca share can be anything from under 20% to over 90%, so check the percentage and whether the rest is acrylic or polyester.
Will I pay customs on a package from Peru?: It depends on the store. Some collect duties at checkout (“duties included” or “DDP”), so nothing is due on delivery. Others say import duties are the buyer's responsibility. Each product page quotes the store's policy; filter by “No fees on delivery” to avoid surprises.