AIKUSS LORI: an alpaca sweater with color, flair, and a truly beautiful story
Sometimes you put on a sweater and think: yes, this is why clothing is fun. The AIKUSS LORI is exactly that kind of sweater. Fluffy soft, wonderfully warm, nice and roomy, and in colors that instantly make you happy. Not a meek basic that quietly disappears into the closet, but a sweater with character. Exactly as we like it at Natur-el.
LORI comes in two beautiful color combinations. The blue-green variant has something fresh and bold about it, with that deep teal shade as a base and lovely accents in green, purple, and pink. The pink variant is more outspoken and cheerful, with orange, green, yellow, and blue throughout the pattern. Both are colorful, both are special, but with a very different vibe.
AIKUSS is new at Natur-el and we are truly proud of it. We discovered the brand at the very last moment during our buying trip, in a small corner, from an incredibly lovely woman from Peru who started her own label. AIKUSS is woman-owned, inspired by the landscapes and rich textile tradition of Peru, and Natur-el is her first customer in the Netherlands. In fact, we are the only store in the Netherlands that sells AIKUSS. That makes this sweater not only beautiful, but also truly exclusive.
Why you want to have this sweater
The LORI is made of 89% pure alpaca and 11% polyamide. That alpaca provides the soft, light, and warm feeling you’ll want to live in immediately. The polyamide gives the knit some extra strength, so the sweater keeps its shape better and you can enjoy it for longer.
What I love so much about this sweater is that your outfit is basically ready in an instant. You don’t need any complicated styling tricks. A pair of black trousers, jeans, a simple skirt, or wide-leg pants underneath and you’re done. The sweater does the rest. And yes, it is sooooo fluffy soft. It’s the kind of sweater you automatically run your hand over when you’re in the store.
Fit & styling
The AIKUSS LORI is available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. The sweater is relatively roomy and has a relaxed, comfortable fit. It doesn’t hug your body but has a nice, loose drape. Doubting between sizes? Choose S/M if you want to wear it a bit more compactly, and L/XL if you love that roomy, cozy sweater feel.
The length hits nicely at the hip, making the sweater combine well with both trousers and skirts. The ribbed cuffs on the sleeves and bottom provide just enough structure without the piece becoming tight. And an extra fun fact: we have the same model available as a cardigan. So, if you’re in love with the pattern but prefer to wear layers, the cardigan is definitely worth a look.
Material & care
Alpaca is a beautiful natural material. It is warm, soft, light, and often less itchy than regular wool. This makes the sweater wonderful for crisp days when you want warmth, but not a heavy or stiff knit. The texture is fluffy and lively, which is characteristic of this type of natural knitwear.
Washing? Preferably not too often. Alpaca and wool have natural self-cleaning properties. Often, airing it out is enough. Hang the sweater outside or by an open window for a night, and it usually feels fresh again. That’s better for your sweater, better for the fibers, and better for the world.
Does the sweater need to be washed after all? Use a special wool detergent like Lanalicious, wash cold or on a wool cycle, and always let the sweater dry flat. Do not wring it, do not put it in the dryer, and do not let it dry on a hanger, as your sweater may lose its shape.
Indispensable: the Gleener for your fluffy wool sweater
Order this sweater along with the matching Gleener to safely remove any pilling. This pilling is normal for wool, alpaca, and other soft natural fibers. It doesn’t mean your sweater is poor quality, but rather that you are wearing a truly fluffy natural material. So, don’t pick at it with your fingers, because that pulls the fibers loose. With the Gleener, you keep your sweater neat and beautiful. Order your Gleener here.
Sustainable & fair
AIKUSS works with respect for nature, craftsmanship, and the Peruvian textile tradition. The collection is colorful, warm, and made with meaning. LORI is made 100% fairtrade, and that fits exactly with what makes us happy at Natur-el: clothing that is not only beautiful but also has an honest story.
With this sweater, you are also supporting a women-led brand building its own label from Peru. No mass production, no cookie-cutter sweater, but a unique piece of clothing you won't find everywhere. And honestly, you can feel that in every detail.
How to wear LORI?
1. Simple with black: wear the pink variant with black trousers or a skirt. This lets the colors take center stage while keeping your outfit calm.
2. Casual with denim: the blue-green variant looks beautiful with jeans. Just a nice pair of pants, great shoes, and you’re ready.
3. Over a long skirt: because LORI has a loose fit, it looks very stylish with a flowing skirt. Nice and warm, yet feminine and playful.
Don't buy if...
Are you looking for a thin, smooth sweater without fuzz, color, or a bold pattern? Then LORI is probably not the sweater for you. This sweater is fluffy, bold, and present. But if you love soft alpaca, cheerful colors, and clothing with a story? Then this is truly a wonderful find.
Personal advice, or doubting the size?
Are you doubting between S/M and L/XL, or want to know which color suits you best? Call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. Our "happy-makers" are happy to think along with you.
Sustainable shopping in Rotterdam
Do you want to feel and try on the LORI in person? We totally understand, because you really have to pet this sweater. In our store at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam, you can view the collection at your leisure. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30.
Frequently asked questions about the AIKUSS LORI sweater
How does the AIKUSS LORI sweater fit?
The LORI has a relatively roomy fit and is available in S/M and L/XL. Choose S/M if you want to wear the sweater a bit more compactly and L/XL if you prefer a roomier, cozy fit.
What material is the LORI sweater made of?
The sweater is made of 89% pure alpaca and 11% polyamide. Alpaca provides softness, warmth, and a light feel. The polyamide gives the knit extra strength.
Is the AIKUSS LORI sweater fairtrade?
Yes, LORI is made 100% fairtrade. AIKUSS works with a focus on nature, craftsmanship, and the rich textile tradition of Peru.
Do I need to wash this alpaca sweater often?
No, preferably not. Alpaca has natural self-cleaning properties. Often, airing it out is enough. Wash only when truly necessary, using wool detergent, and let the sweater dry flat.
Can this sweater pill?
Yes, pilling can occur with soft natural fibers like alpaca. This is normal. Use a Gleener to carefully remove pills and do not pick them loose with your fingers.
Is AIKUSS exclusively available at Natur-el?
Yes, Natur-el is the first customer of AIKUSS in the Netherlands and is currently the only store in the Netherlands selling this special brand.
Is there a cardigan version of this model?
Yes, we also have the same model as a cardigan. Useful if you’ve fallen in love with the colors and the soft alpaca knit, but prefer wearing a cardigan over a sweater.