NATURAL STYLE RAINBOW wool turtleneck sweater made of 100% baby alpaca
Some sweaters just make your heart beat a little faster. That happened to us immediately when the RAINBOW sweater from Natural Style arrived. Seriously: how could we not have discovered this brand sooner? The colors, the unique knit, that wonderfully soft turtleneck… this is just a joy, isn't it?
The sweater is made of 100% baby alpaca and feels exceptionally soft and light. At the same time, it keeps you wonderfully warm. It is exactly the kind of sweater you put on on a cold day and then prefer not to take off until spring.
Why we are so happy with the RAINBOW
- Made of 100% baby alpaca
- Exceptionally soft, light and warm
- With a comfortable, fluidly draped turtleneck
- Beautiful structural knit
- Wide color bands in petrol, turquoise, green, taupe, pink, burgundy, and purple
- Straight fit that runs true to size (I am wearing a size L in the photo)
- Long sleeves
- Easy to combine with jeans, trousers, or a skirt
A rainbow, but a very wearable one
When you hear the word ‘rainbow sweater,’ you might think of a colorful explosion that makes you want to reach for your sunglasses. Fortunately, this RAINBOW is just a little more subtle. The colors transition smoothly into one another and have a beautiful, mélange appearance.
At the top, you see various shades of petrol, blue, and turquoise, which transition through green and taupe into fuchsia, burgundy, and deep purple. As a result, there is almost always a color included that you can pick up in the rest of your outfit. Simply wear it with dark jeans or combine it with a colored pair of pants or a skirt. You don't need much styling expertise: the sweater does the work for you.
What does baby alpaca mean?
Baby alpaca refers to the fineness and softness of the fiber. It does not automatically mean that the wool comes exclusively from young animals. The fine fibers feel softer and smoother than many common types of wool and give this sweater its luxurious, supple look.
Alpaca fibers do not naturally contain lanolin. Because of this, some people find alpaca more pleasant than sheep's wool. That does not automatically make the material suitable for every sensitive skin—everyone reacts differently, after all—but the RAINBOW does feel exceptionally soft. Are you sensitive to wool? Do come by and try it on.
Light to wear, wonderfully warm
Alpaca has a wonderful combination of warmth and a relatively low weight. The sweater does not feel heavy or stiff, yet it keeps you comfortably warm on chilly days. Often, a thin wool or wool-silk camisole underneath is enough.
The turtleneck drapes loosely around the neck and is not tight. The cut is straight and slightly fitted, without being a tight sweater. In the photos, you can also clearly see how beautiful the small relief in the knit looks. This gives the color bands even more depth. I am wearing a size L in the photo.
Fit and sizing advice
The RAINBOW runs true to size. Therefore, you should generally choose your usual size. The cut follows the body slightly but is not tight. The bottom falls approximately at the hip, and the long sleeves have a nice fit.
Are you between two sizes or do you like wearing an extra layer under your sweater? Then you can choose the larger size. Would you like to know which size Vera is wearing in the photo or do you want personal advice? Feel free to call or email us.
How to keep your alpaca sweater beautiful
Fortunately, you don't have to wash alpaca very often. Let the sweater air out after wearing, for example, outside in the shade or in the bathroom. Often, that is enough to make it feel fresh again.
Is washing necessary? Use the wool cycle at a low temperature, with a low spin speed and a small amount of detergent suitable for wool. We like to use LANALICIOUS wool and silk detergent for this. Never let the sweater soak for a long time and do not wring it out. Carefully reshape it after washing and let it dry flat. Do not put it in the dryer and do not drape it over the heater – alpaca is not a fan of that.
Pilling is part of soft alpaca
Even a beautiful alpaca sweater can pill a bit at the beginning, especially in areas where friction occurs. This is not a sign of poor quality, but a normal phenomenon with soft, natural fibers. Loose fibers work their way out through wearing and form small balls.
You can remove them carefully with a Gleener fabric shaver. Lay the sweater flat, hold the fabric taut, and work calmly over the surface with the appropriate fine attachment. Do not press hard or go over the same spot endlessly; alpaca requires a gentle approach.
Frequently asked questions about the RAINBOW sweater
Is this sweater really made of 100% alpaca?
Yes, the RAINBOW is made of 100% baby alpaca. No synthetic fibers have been added to the knit.
Is alpaca itchy?
Baby alpaca is known for its fine and soft fibers and feels more pleasant to many people than coarser sheep's wool. Nevertheless, skin sensitivity remains personal. If you are very sensitive, we recommend trying on the sweater in our store first.
Does the sweater run large or small?
The sweater runs true to size and has a straight, slightly fitted cut. Therefore, take your usual size. If in doubt between two sizes, you can choose the larger one.
Do I have to wash the sweater often?
No, preferably not. Alpaca usually freshens up nicely just by letting it air out. Only wash it when it is truly necessary and handle it with care.
Can the sweater pill?
Yes, especially at the beginning and in places where the fabric rubs against itself, a coat, or a bag. That is normal for soft alpaca. You can carefully remove the fuzz with the fine attachment of the Gleener.
Come try on the RAINBOW in Rotterdam
This is truly a sweater you need to see in person. The colors are beautiful, but of course, you cannot feel the soft knit through a screen. So, do stop by Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Are you unsure about the size or do you want to know if alpaca feels comfortable on your skin? Call our team during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. We are happy to help you – although we should warn you: putting it on can lead to immediate love.
