Rico Vest in Baby Alpaca (0-6y)

*Customer & Woollykins favourite - A versatile body warmer*

Hand knitted vest in natural baby alpaca. This is an essential winter layer based on a timeless vintage nordic design. A body warmer like this works beautifully over a merino bodysuit or thermals to keep the chest and belly snug. Makes a brilliant Spring to Autumn vest for unpredictable weather.

Baby alpaca fibres are incredibly soft and lightweight. It is known for providing super insulation due to the microscopic air pockets in the fibres, therefore it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The same air pockets make the fibres feel as light as air and yet the fibre is very strong, meaning it lasts longer than most other similar fibres like wool, cashmere and silk. With care, my alpaca Copenhagen garments will become heirloom pieces that you will pass down through the generations.

Sizes: (fitted but stretchy and giving): 74 (3-9m), 86 (9-18m), 98 (18m-3y), 110 (4-6+y) 

*Emrys (5) wears size 110 in Navy. Jack (3) wears peacock and aubergine in size 98. Velvet (1) wears largest size 110 in Natural as a dress, will continue to fit as a top for years to come.

Colours: Ecru (undyed natural alpaca fibre); Peacock Melange, Light Peacock Melange, Green Melange, Light Aubergine, Sherbet Melange, Bordeaux Melange, Lavender Melange, Dark Forest Green (Low Impact Dyes)

Brand: my alpaca Copenhagen 
Designed in: Denmark
Origin of fibre: Peru
Country of manufacture: handknit in Peru
Certifications: PERU Fairtrade certified, Oeko Tex certified 100 (organic certification N/A: the pristine highlands on which alpaca naturally graze cannot be assessed for certification as they are non-agricultural) 
Fabric structure: 100% baby alpaca 
Dyes: Ökotex Standard 100: without optical brighteners, not chemically finished
100% Biodegradable: Yes
Machine Washable: No (see our guide to washing wool)

Care:Airing Alpaca is often sufficient to clean. A stitch in time saves nine! Always repair any thread breakages or pulls straight away as Alpaca has a tendency to ladder since the fibres are less likely than wool to felt together over time. Handwash only when required. Reshape while damp and dry flat.ater with gentle wool shampoo, press moisture out in a towel, reshape and dry flat. 

my alpaca Copenhagen garments are handmade by skilled and organised groups of Peruvian women, following strict quality standards. They train and work with groups of women, promoting better livelihoods for them and their families. They use only fair-trade practices.

Their Peruvian baby alpaca fibre comes from animals that graze the Andes naturally as they have done for many generations and are managed by small holders at altitudes of 3000-5000m. At those heights food cannot be grown so alpaca farming provides an income to families. Since the area is not cultivated or chemically fertilised or the animal's diet supplemented with feed, they graze on organic mountains although Organic Certification is not possible in those conditions. The animals are sheared by hand once a year.