Quince Reviews: Baby Alpaca-Wool Crew Sweater and Oversized Cardigan
The best part of fall and winter is pulling out my extensive collection of sweaters! I’m currently washing most of them; I don’t want them often and most of mine had never been washed before (I always wear a layer underneath to keep them as fresh as possible). The sweaters I’m not washing quite yet are my alpaca sweaters from Quince, because they’re still pretty new to my wardrobe. I added the crewneck sweater to my wardrobe last winter and the oversized cardigan recently!
Have you worn alpaca wool before? These are my first alpaca sweaters! I associated alpaca with MAJOR itch, and since I’m sensitive to most wools (merino is typically fine for me, as is cashmere), I did not think I’d ever own an alpaca sweater. Turns out, I was wrong: not all alpaca is itchy! Baby alpaca is particularly soft, and that’s what Quince uses in their sweaters. Below, I reviewed my two Quince alpaca sweaters: the baby alpaca-wool crew and the oversized cardigan.
For reference, my current size in sweaters is typically a small. I am borderline petite at 5’4” and have broad shoulders and long arms. I tend to size up in tops for extra room in the shoulders and length in the sleeves.
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Quince Clothing Reviews: Baby Alpaca-Wool Crew Sweater and Oversized Cardigan
Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Crewneck Sweater
Sweater Details
My color and size: charcoal, size small
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colors: charcoal, light grey, camel, ivory, black, violet
Fit: slightly oversized
Material: 44% nylon, 28% alpaca, 28% wool
Weight: light
Origin: Alpaca wool sourced in Peru and knitted in China
Care: dry clean only
Shop: Baby Alpaca-Wool Crewneck Sweater ($50)
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My Thoughts
The baby alpaca-wool crew was my very first alpaca sweater! I did NOT think I would like it; I ordered it just to make sure I definitely didn’t like alpaca…and I was wrong. I assumed it would be itchy and I’m super sensitive to some materials (I know Everlane’s alpaca sweaters are itchy to a lot of people per reviews, so I haven’t tried that one). I was so pleasantly surprised to find that Quince’s baby alpaca-wool is so soft! I even didn’t mind wearing it without a layer underneath; I typically wear a layer but really wanted to test the itch factor. No problems here!
My favorite sweater styles are the classic crewneck; they go with everything! I love that this one is more of a “basic with a twist”—the twist being the balloon sleeves. This sweater is super lightweight yet warm. I took size small, which fits exactly as I was hoping: slightly oversized and super cozy! I prefer my sweaters to fit loose rather than too tight. I definitely recommend sticking with your true size if you’re going for the same look. With the hem tucked under, the sweater hits at the top of my hips.
How to Style
Quince Baby Alpaca-Wool Oversized Cardigan
Sweater Details
My color and size: charcoal, size small
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colors: charcoal, camel, ivory
Fit: oversized
Material: 52% merino wool, 31% nylon, 17% baby alpaca
Weight: light
Origin: Alpaca wool sourced in Peru and knitted in China
Care: dry clean only
Shop: Baby Alpaca-Wool Oversized Cardigan ($80)
Free shipping and returns
My Thoughts
I almost immediately ordered this oversized cardigan when it was released a few weeks ago! I already had a similar cardigan but was looking for an upgrade. I didn’t realize until after the fact that I already owned my alpaca crewneck sweater in charcoal, so now I have two charcoal alpaca sweaters. I’m really tempted to order a second color now that they added camel! I don’t know which color I like more, camel or ivory. I love the big buttons and the two front pockets. All alpaca sort of already has that “lived-in” look that looks like pilling. It will pill a bit with time but not any more than other fibers!
Compared to the crew sweater, the oversized cardigan has a higher wool content (merino wool in the cardigan; unsure if the crew has merino wool or regular) and lower baby alpaca content. In my hands, the cardigan does not feel quite as soft as the crew sweater, but they’re very close and it might not be noticeable to someone that isn’t sensitive to wool. I absolutely love the fit of the size small; it’s TTS if you like that oversized look. The arm length is perfect for me! Since the cardigan has regular sleeves, the elbows do stretch out a bit with wear, but as you can see here it’s not too bad yet and I’ve worn this a few times already. Highly recommend!
How to Style
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