Approximately 3.5 million alpaca live in Peru. The herd size has been static for many years. Additionally, about 1.25 million alpaca live in Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. The South American alpaca thrive in altitudes up to 17,000 feet or more and are generally not found below 12,000 feet, the exception being alpacas raised in the United States.

An alpaca sweater will not pill, ball or wear thin. Alpaca sweaters are easy to clean through dry cleaning or by gently handwashing in cold water with a mild detergent and blocking to dry. A light iron provides the finishing touch.