Everlane Alpaca Sweater Review

Last Updated on March 20, 2019 by Jane

I have been interested in the recent popularity of Alpaca sweaters. They are being pushed as a more sustainable option to cashmere and in wool in general. Coming in cheaper than Everlane’s $100 cashmere sweaters I thought it would be a good option to try to see what the hype was about. This is my Everlane Alpaca Sweater Review.

Everlane Alpaca Sweater Review

The Alpaca sweater from Everlane is a mixture of Alpaca, nylon and wool. It has a very lightweight and airy feel. Oh and it is soft. Softer than their cashmere for sure. Softer than most cashmere I have tried really.

The fit is listed as oversized by Everlane. I would argue that the alpaca sweater is relaxed but not oversized. Oversized implies that it is big or rather almost too big. It is not fitted but still fits nicely without being sloppy or slouchy.

This alpaca knit has a looser fitting voluminous sleeve than other sweaters Everlane has done. Maybe this is where the oversized description comes from? The sleeve is generous and the knit detail on the arm is really gorgeous. Something you have to see in real life.

The cuff is shorter than Everlane’s cashmere sweater which almost seems to have a double cuff. I really like the chunkier knit at the neckline.

Of all the sweaters I have ordered or been sent (this one I paid for myself) the alpaca might be my favourite. I do wear their cashmere turtlenecks quite a bit through the winter but this is softer and I like the details on the alpaca sweater better.

The only thing I wish is that the sleeves were a bit longer. I like the longer cuff on the cashmere as it tends to keep the sleeve at my wrist and I feel like I stay warmer. Living in a country with cold winters I feel this is a feature I can get on board with having and I think a slightly longer cuff would also work on this sweater.

Otherwise I wouldn’t change a thing. The length is good. It is not too cropped or too long. The body of the sweater fits nicely.

Comparing the fit with the Everlane Cashmere I feel that the alpaca option is more relaxed as the arms fit slimmer on the cashmere option. Everlane does list the fit of the Cashmere as relaxed and the alpaca as oversized. I would say for curvier girls it would be the cashmere is true to size without being tight whereas the Alpaca sweater is relaxed.

I can see myself ordering duplicates of this sweater.

So what is the big deal about alpaca? Well for one it isn’t itchy like wool. It is softer and loftier. Supposedly it resists pilling which is my major pet peeve with cashmere. I love the softness but hate how sweaters age so fast with the pilling.

Read More: Everlane Cashmere Review

The alpaca itself is supposed to be a gentler grazer. What that means is that it nibbles the tops of the grass as opposed to pulling it out by the root, which is better for the grass.

If you don’t really care about the environmental impact of your clothing just order it for the softness. You won’t be disappointed. I am pretty sure I want this sweater in the darker grey option too. What colour would you go for?