Actually, I have scarcely taken off my new super soft, black Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt from alice adams alpaca (they don’t capitalize the first letters) since it arrived! Honestly, it’s so comfortable and cozy, plus it goes with almost everything. In fact, it’s become my new uniform.
Alicia Adams Alpaca
alicia adams alpaca was a new-to-me brand. Its locations are:
- Millbrook NY in Dutchess County, east of Hyde Park and Haviland inland from the Hudson River
- Malibu CA
- Aspen CO
In fact, they have a farm in the Hudson Valley, where they raise a herd of 200 Suri alpacas. Gee, I wish I had known about it when I lived in NYC, though I’m sure it didn’t exist then. To get out of the city on the weekends, we used to take drives from NYC especially in the fall, north through the Hudson Valley, to pick apples, look at outdoor sculpture and go hiking. Visiting alpacas would have been a fun addition to our itinerary!
Here’s the description of Alicia Adams Alpaca on their website:
“alicia adams alpaca is a farm-based family-owned business. Our brand is deeply rooted in farm and family life, and our products tell this story proudly. Our products are individually crafted by artisans in our South American factories. For over a decade, we have developed and nurtured harmonious relationships with local indigenous communities in the area.
alicia adams alpaca is a family business which specializes in the design and production of textiles and clothing utilizing the natural and sustainable characteristics of one of the rarest and most luxurious materials – alpaca wool.”
Benefits of Wearing Alpaca Wool
I cannot wear many types of wool. Since I was a child, I found wool to be itchy, scratchy, and very uncomfortable. As an adult buying my own clothes, I discovered merino and cashmere, two types of wool that I can wear successfully.
About a decade ago when Jeff and I were visiting the autumn Topsfield Fair, we came upon a booth where the owners were selling alpaca goods. I tried on a number of sweaters, but I loved a winter alpaca hat that was so soft, warm and cozy. Jeff bought it for me As a matter of fact, I still have it and wear it, and it continues to look new.
Additional benefits of alpaca are:
- hypoallergenic because, unlike sheep, alpacas do not produce lanolin
- warmer, lighter and softer than other types of wool while being easier to wear
- antimicrobial and fungus-resistant, making it durable and staying cleaner longer
- superior moisture-wicking properties, wicking moisture off the body at an 85% greater rate than Merino wool, which helps maintain body temperature and comfort
- biodegradable, eco-friendly and sustainable
So when I was offered an opportunity to try an item from alicia adams alpaca, I was all in.
alicia adams alpaca Collections
alicia adams alpaca has a broad product line that includes: alpaca apparel and accessories for men, women and children and an extensive line of throws and blankets for the home. The outer wear (coats and capes), sweaters, scarves, and blankets are stunning!
Because of the benefits of alpaca, it is luxurious as well as long-wearing but also expensive. After going through the alicia adams alpaca website a number of times across a few weeks, I discovered that their Sale items change over time and represent a terrific range of items. Some of them are even affordable!
Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt
The weather is slowly beginning to warm up north of Boston, but truth be told, it’s still cold here. I try to keep the thermostat lower, and as a result, I’m often chilly! I decided that a sweatshirt with a hood would be perfect to wear now in the house, and throughout the spring and summer, I’ll wear it outdoors or in an environment that’s air-conditioned.
The Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt is double-faced with 100% Baby Alpaca on the outside (the “Face”) and 100% Pima Cotton on the side (interior).
It’s hooded and has two deep pockets.
It comes in several colorways:
- black
- ivory
- pink powder with ivory interior
- light sage with sage interior
- denim blue with navy interior
- dark gray with black interior.
The two-tone sweatshirts are designed with a stripe of the interior color running from the shoulders down the sleeves.
The Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt is designed to go with separately sold Malibu Lounge Shorts and Lounge Pants, though I think it looks fine with my jeans.
The Zip-Up Sweatshirt with a handy hood that you saw me in above is great for windy or chilly weather.
The alicia adams alpaca products are fair trade and made in Peru. My Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt is part of the sale collection, now priced at $185, 46% off of its original price of $345. Any of the sale products that are marked down more than 40% are final sale.
The size ranges from XS to XL. I needed to be sure it would fit, so I chose a Medium that is a little loose but very comfortable.
The manufacturer recommends professional dry cleaning for all of their products. In fact, they have a page with Care Instructions. I am quite certain that my Malibu Lounge Zip-Up Sweatshirt will last for years.
Visit the alicia adams alpaca website to see the photos of their gorgeous and luxurious products primarily in neutral shades. Mother’s Day is coming up in about 6 weeks, and it’s never too early to start thinking about gifts for mom or for yourself! Since wedding season will be coming up soon as well, their bedding and blankets/throws look so comfy and luxe. For special newborns and babies, you must take a look at their onesies, baby blankets, sweaters, and more. And if money is no object, you’ve got to check out their fine sweaters and more made from stunning Vicuña. Lots of fabulous goodies to consider!
Love the hoodie! I have never tried Alpaca before and am hooked on the outlined benefits. I shall bookmark this blog and perhaps treat myself to hoodie. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Antonia! My alpaca winter hat and this cute and so soft hoodie are my first alpaca wool items, and I am so happy I own them. Worth the treat! I’ll be shopping their sale collection in the future!
That looks so cozy! I love anything made with alpaca. It’s such a soft feel.
This is such a cute hoodie! It’s a great, versatile way to stay fashionable in these cooler spring days, while also keeping warm.
What an adorable hoodie! I love the way it fits, and the packing it came in is super cute, too. Already ready to gift, if you want to!
Yes, the wrapping, closure and the bag made a great impression with me, too!
Ohh it looks super cozy and soft. I’d want it in several colors. Great review, it’s on the list.
I wish I had the hoodie in several colors, too!
It does look good with your jeans. I didn’t know there was a line featuring alpaca wool! I think that’s interesting and awesome. I’ve only seen one alpaca in my whole life, but it was a fun adventure to visit him. 🙂
Thank you, Rosey! Alpaca wool is a game-changer. A farm near where I live has several alpacas and llamas, so I see them everytime I am going hiking in that area. They’re so cute!
The alpaca hoodie looks comfortable and stylish. It’s nice to have a warm yet lightweight option for cooler weather. How does it compare to wool in terms of warmth and softness?
So much softer and lighter weight than wool, and very warm. I’m sold on alpaca wool!
This hoodie sounds absolutely amazing! I love the idea of something so soft and cozy that you never want to take it off!
Looks like real cozy sweatshirt but I’m like you I can’t wear wool. This would make a great gift for my daughter
Alpaca wool apparel is such a game-changer for those of us who can’t wear wool, and it’s fabulous in its own right 🙂 Keep something from alpaca wool in mind for your daughter 🙂
I love that it’s a family-owned, eco-conscious, fair trade brand. That they raise their own alpacas and support indigenous communities makes me even more excited to support them. Thanks for breaking down the benefits of alpaca wool—I had no idea it was hypoallergenic and even better at wicking moisture than Merino!
I was surprised as well when I learned all the benefits of alpaca! It’s amazing stuff!
love the hoodie. love that it is eco-friendly and fair trade brand. and it sure looks super soft and comfy!
Thanks, Joy! I am certainly enjoying it
Nicely warm and cozy!
I have only recently seen items made from alpaca. Your sweatshirt sounds so warm and comfy for those chilly transitional days.
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Alpaca is so worth a try!! And yes, it is perfect for transitional season 🙂
Such a shame that I live so far away. I would definitely go there otherwise. I love Alpaca wool