A girl wearing an alpaca tee that says A girl wearing an alpaca tee that says
A girl wearing an alpaca tee that says A girl wearing an alpaca tee that says

Basecamp

How To Beat The Summer Heat With Alpaca

As warm weather creeps its way across the country, there’s never been a better time to add alpaca to your wardrobe. 

When you think of classic summer clothing, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture light and soft fabrics like cotton or linen, or perhaps there’s a tee you’ve worn for years that feels just right on a warm day. However, if you're looking for something to help keep you comfortable and fresh in the heat, alpaca actually makes for a great choice. In fact, these fibers pack some rather unique properties that make them perfect for summer wear, whether you’re backpacking your favorite trail or kicking back with a good book.

As you retire your cold-weather clothing and make room for fresh summer threads, consider adding alpaca to your all-year wardrobe. And while you’re here, read on to find out why this miracle fiber makes for the perfect summer staple.

Through summer, alpaca fiber allows warmth to flow away from your body, keeping you cool and feeling fresh.

Our lichen Ankle alpaca socks outdoors Our lichen Ankle alpaca socks outdoors
A girl smiling and wearing an alpaca Hoodie with some mountains in the background A girl smiling and wearing an alpaca Hoodie with some mountains in the background

Through summer, alpaca fiber allows warmth to flow away from your body, keeping you cool and feeling fresh.

A man climbing rocks in his green Alpaca Baselayer A man climbing rocks in his green Alpaca Baselayer

Alpaca’s Warm-Weather Properties

If you’ve spent any time exploring Basecamp, you’ll recall that we’ve covered the benefits of alpaca before. From its insulating properties to its long-term durability, there isn’t much it can’t do. But what do those qualities look like when the temperature climbs? Here’s why alpaca fiber is well-suited for summer.

Moisture-wicking

There is perhaps no benefit of alpaca fiber more well-known than its ability to stay dry (it wicks moisture at double the rate of merino!). Because alpaca fiber naturally pulls moisture away from your skin where it can evaporate in the air, it keeps you dry and comfortable on even the hottest summer days. So while it may keep you comfy as you set up for a picnic in the park, it can also keep you cool as you work up a sweat on the trail.

Lightweight

Pick up an alpaca t-shirt (like those found here) and you’ll quickly notice how light it feels, especially when compared to a heavier fabric like cotton or even merino wool. With less weight comes less bulk (and less opportunity to trap heat), especially on a warm day.

A man sailing on a river wearing one of our alpaca shirts A man sailing on a river wearing one of our alpaca shirts
A man sailing on a river wearing one of our alpaca shirts A man sailing on a river wearing one of our alpaca shirts

Breathable

Unlike some synthetic materials that trap unwanted heat, alpaca fiber is naturally breathable thanks to its hollow air pocket structure. The alpacas themselves rely on this fiber in the dynamic and powerful conditions of the Andes, where temperatures change drastically - in a single day, you can both freeze and burn to death! Because of this intense daily fluctuation, its fiber needs to trap heat in cold weather and remove it as conditions warm. Through summer, the fiber allows any warmth to flow away from your body, keeping you cool and feeling fresh.

UV-Resistant

Some synthetic fabrics are treated with chemical UV absorbers while others are woven tightly to prevent the sun from reaching your skin, but alpaca’s natural fibers absorb UV radiation to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays—no treatment or tricks required. This makes it an ideal choice for summer clothing, especially if you're the kind to spend ample time in the sun.

Hypoallergenic

Got sensitive skin, especially come summer when pollens, danders, and irritants come out to play? Well, you'll be pleased to know that alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, which means it won't irritate your skin or cause any allergic reactions. Mother Nature might give your body a hard time, but alpaca won’t.

A man crossing the jungle in his alpaca Crew socks A man crossing the jungle in his alpaca Crew socks
A man crossing the jungle in his alpaca Crew socks A man crossing the jungle in his alpaca Crew socks

Durable

Known for being stronger and more durable than wool, alpaca fiber can withstand the wear and tear that comes with summer adventures. And because you’re bound to wear the same shirts and shorts over and over again in the months to come, you need a fiber like alpaca that can take the repeated abuse. There’s a reason alpaca sweaters like the one your grandma gave you have a habit of sticking around—this stuff is strong. You can check our products for a lifetime guarantee.

Soft

Remember how we said only moments ago that alpaca is really light? Well, with that lack of weight comes a supersoft quality that makes it comfortable against your skin, even on a hot day. Like a cashmere sweater (but softer), wearing alpaca ensures you won't have to sacrifice comfort for durability when the sun comes out to play.

Sustainable

From shearing the animal to sewing the apparel, alpaca is as sustainable a fiber as they come. Alpacas themselves require relatively little water; they don't emit methane like cows or sheep; their wool is biodegradable; and even the communities that rely on the animal use the same small-scale practices they’ve relied on for years. So how does this relate to summer? Well, when you consider the fact that the rest of the fashion industry represents the second-largest polluter in the world, you might feel better knowing the alpaca industry isn’t making your summers any hotter than they should be.

A tattooed girl wearing an alpaca shirt that says A tattooed girl wearing an alpaca shirt that says
A tattooed girl wearing an alpaca shirt that says A tattooed girl wearing an alpaca shirt that says

How To Wear Alpaca In Summer

You may think dressing for any summer activity involves throwing on a t-shirt and shorts before flying out the door in your sandals, but think again. Recall that summer days may be scorchers, but the nights can get cold and in some regions, they may even call for a cozy sweater. With that variability in mind, here’s how you should dress for summer with alpaca.

1. Look For Lightweight Layers:
Alpaca comes in a variety of weights, and for summer, you'll want to choose a lighter weight that won't feel heavy or too hot. Look for options made from alpaca blends or alpaca yarns that are specifically designed for warm weather, like those we design with a blend of tencel and royal alpaca.

2. Choose Loose, Flowy Styles:
To maximize airflow and stay cool, choose loose, flowy styles that won't cling to your body. Even though alpaca is already lightweight, it pays to look for options that don’t hug every inch of your body like a winter base layer might.

3. Look For Light Colors:
As always, dark colors absorb more heat, so to stay cool, choose lighter colors that will reflect the sun's rays. Neutral shades like white, cream, and beige are especially good options for summer alpaca clothing.

4. Layer Strategically:
While alpaca is a great material for summer, you may still want to layer in case the temperature drops or you find yourself in a cooler, air-conditioned environment. We’ve already covered how to layer with alpaca for a backpacking trip, but be sure to choose lightweight, breathable layers that you can easily put on or take off as needed.

A blond woman fishing in a river in her grey alpaca baselayer

Why We Choose Alpaca In Summer

Here at Paka, we believe strongly in the benefits of alpaca fiber and its ability to change our world. As a versatile and sustainable textile, we find new ways to make the most of its many unique properties, and that includes adding it to our wardrobe season after season. From shirts to shorts and sweaters to socks, we’re finding new ways to make this fiber more accessible, and in doing so, we’re striving to support the small communities that have relied on alpaca for centuries. As warm weather creeps its way across the country, there’s never been a better time to add alpaca to your wardrobe.

A few summer favorites

Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Paka Men's T-Shirt Andean Moss Paka Men's T-Shirt Andean Moss
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's Tee Men's Tee
Men's T-Shirt Cream Men's T-Shirt Cream
Men's Tee Men's Tee

Why you'll love this

  • Zipped back pocket for safe keeping
  • Triangular gusset for more flexibility
  • Deep stash pocket with unique Inca belt
  • Made with Breathe by Paka fabric
Woman's alpaca tee in black flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in black flat lay
Woman's alpaca tee in white on model Woman's alpaca tee in white on model
Woman's alpaca tee in green flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in green flat lay
Women's Tee Women's Tee
Woman's alpaca tee in pink flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in pink flat lay
Woman's alpaca tee in pink on model Woman's alpaca tee in pink on model
Woman's alpaca tee in tan flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in tan flat lay
Female Model wearing Women's T-Shirt Sandstone Female Model wearing Women's T-Shirt Sandstone
Woman's alpaca tee in white flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in white flat lay
Woman's alpaca tee in white on model Woman's alpaca tee in white on model
Woman's alpaca tee in blue flat lay Woman's alpaca tee in blue flat lay
Woman's alpaca tee in blue on model Woman's alpaca tee in blue on model

Why you'll love this

    3 pairs of light grey color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of light grey color alpaca wool ankle socks
    Light Grey alpaca ankle socks Light Grey alpaca ankle socks
    3 pairs of alpaca wool ankle socks in white, light grey, and dark grey 3 pairs of alpaca wool ankle socks in white, light grey, and dark grey
    Woman backpacking through mountain wearing light grey alpaca ankle socks Woman backpacking through mountain wearing light grey alpaca ankle socks
    3 pairs of tan color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of tan color alpaca wool ankle socks
    Dog sitting between mans legs in front of lake Dog sitting between mans legs in front of lake
    3 pairs of dark grey alpaca ankle socks 3 pairs of dark grey alpaca ankle socks
    Dark Grey alpaca ankle sock Dark Grey alpaca ankle sock
    3 pairs of white color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of white color alpaca wool ankle socks
    White alpaca wool ankle sock White alpaca wool ankle sock
    3 pairs of green color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of green color alpaca wool ankle socks
    Inside of alpaca ankle socks back tab says Inside of alpaca ankle socks back tab says
    3 pairs of blue color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of blue color alpaca wool ankle socks
    woman pulling on a blue alpaca ankle sock woman pulling on a blue alpaca ankle sock
    3 pairs of light blue color alpaca wool ankle socks 3 pairs of light blue color alpaca wool ankle socks
    light blue alpaca sock light blue alpaca sock

    Why you'll love this

      3-pack light grey alpaca wool alpaca socks 3-pack light grey alpaca wool alpaca socks
      Light grey Paka socks on wooden stump Light grey Paka socks on wooden stump
      Dark grey alpaca wool socks 3-pack Dark grey alpaca wool socks 3-pack
      Model walking in dark grey Paka socks and boots on a trail Model walking in dark grey Paka socks and boots on a trail
      Tan alpaca wool socks flat lay 3-pack Tan alpaca wool socks flat lay 3-pack
      Tan alpaca wool alpaca socks on model with feet on stump in snow Tan alpaca wool alpaca socks on model with feet on stump in snow

      Why you'll love this

      • Zipped back pocket for safe keeping
      • Triangular gusset for more flexibility
      • Deep stash pocket with unique Inca belt
      • Made with Breathe by Paka fabric
      Men's red alpaca wool base layer flat lay Men's red alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Men's red alpaca wool base layer on model Men's red alpaca wool base layer on model
      Men's black alpaca wool base layer flat lay Men's black alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Men's black alpaca wool base layer on model Men's black alpaca wool base layer on model
      Men's grey alpaca wool base layer flat lay Men's grey alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Men's grey alpaca wool base layer on model walking on beach Men's grey alpaca wool base layer on model walking on beach
      Men's green alpaca wool base layer flat lay Men's green alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Men's green alpaca wool base layer on rock climber Men's green alpaca wool base layer on rock climber

      Why you'll love this

      • Zipped back pocket for safe keeping
      • Triangular gusset for more flexibility
      • Deep stash pocket with unique Inca belt
      • Made with Breathe by Paka fabric
      Green women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay Green women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Green women's alpaca wool base layer on model Green women's alpaca wool base layer on model
      Black women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay Black women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Black women's alpaca wool base layer on model Black women's alpaca wool base layer on model
      Red women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay Red women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Red women's alpaca wool base layer on model Red women's alpaca wool base layer on model
      Grey women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay Grey women's alpaca wool base layer flat lay
      Grey women's alpaca wool base layer on model Grey women's alpaca wool base layer on model

      Why you'll love this

      • Zipped back pocket for safe keeping
      • Triangular gusset for more flexibility
      • Deep stash pocket with unique Inca belt
      • Made with Breathe by Paka fabric
      Alpaca hoodie sweater light grey flat lay Alpaca hoodie sweater light grey flat lay
      Close-up of the leather tag on the Hoodie by Paka Apparel Close-up of the leather tag on the Hoodie by Paka Apparel
      Charcoal alpaca Hoodie Charcoal alpaca Hoodie
      Alpaca hoodie sweater dark grey on model Alpaca hoodie sweater dark grey on model
      Eucalyptus Alpaca Hoodie Eucalyptus Alpaca Hoodie
      Eucalyptus Alpaca Hoodie worn by man in mountains Eucalyptus Alpaca Hoodie worn by man in mountains
      The Hoodie The Hoodie
      The Hoodie The Hoodie

      Why you'll love this