Short answer: in the US you can buy alpaca clothing from specialist alpaca farms and importers, from outdoor brands that use alpaca as insulation, and from small makers who knit it in Peru. The brand matters less than three things on the label: the fibre percentages, where it was made, and how it is knit. Ours is one option: the Alpaca Rittervest is 34% alpaca, 33% merino and 33% nylon, knit in Peru, $349.
I own Ritter, so weigh this accordingly. I am not going to rank other brands here, because I cannot test their garments. This is how I would shop for alpaca clothing from anyone.
1. Know which kind of alpaca clothing you want
Alpaca shows up in three very different products. Knitwear such as sweaters, scarves and socks is where most of the fibre is used. Insulated outerwear uses alpaca as fill, often mixed with synthetics. And a felted or dense knit vest sits between the two: a layer that looks like a sweater and works like a jacket. Decide which one you want before you compare brands.
2. Read the fibre percentages
"Alpaca" on a listing can mean a garment that is mostly alpaca or one with a small share. Look for the numbers. A blend is not a flaw. Blending alpaca with merino or nylon is a common way to add shape and wear. What matters is that the label tells you. Also check whether a fibre claim applies to the whole garment or only one part of it.
3. Check where it was made
Most of the world's alpacas live in the Andes, and Peru is the largest producer. A made-in-Peru label tells you the garment was knit in the country where most of the fibre is grown. If a listing does not say where it was made, ask.
4. Look at the knit and the care
Alpaca is warm for its weight and soft against the skin, but a loose knit can stretch at the hem. Ask how it holds its shape, and how to wash it. Most alpaca wants cold water, no dryer and flat drying. Our steps are in how to wash an alpaca vest.
About the Alpaca Rittervest
It is a felted knit made in small batches in Peru, with a plain full-zip front, two hidden zip pockets at the hip and no logo. It comes in eight colours in sizes S to XXXL. Shipping is free in the US, and returns and size exchanges are free for 30 days. If you are weighing alpaca against other wool, I explain how the fibres differ.
Questions I get asked
Is the vest pure alpaca? No. It is 34% alpaca, 33% merino and 33% nylon.
Where is it made? In Peru.
Can I return it? Yes. Returns and size exchanges are free for 30 days in the US.
If you want to see the one I make, the Alpaca Rittervest is the plain one.