One of our greatest assests is the ability to prepare children's wear in a high quality style, yet offer more competitive prices than other designers. An aura of sophistication and European expression surrounds the Renattoni collections.

What is Peruvian Pima Cotton?
Peruvian pima cotton is considered to be one of the finest cottons in the world. It is silky soft to the touch, has a lustrous sheen, and is durable. The combination of carefully selected seeds, excellent soil, hydraulic resources and climate in the Peruvian highlands work together to produce this exceptional high quality cotton. Peruvian pima cotton is harvested by hand so its production is less harmful to the environment than other types of cotton. It is part of a sub-group of luxury grade cottons categorized as "ELS" (Extra Long Fiber) so-called because of its 1 3/8" length.

What is Baby Alpaca Wool?
To start with, alpacas are large yet delicate animals, weighing 100-170 pounds, with long necks, big eyes, a short tail and pointy ears. They are a member of the camelid family (which also includes llamas). Alpacas were first brought to United States in 1984 but nearly 99% of the world's 3 million alpacas still live in Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Alpaca wool is part of an elite group of luxury fibers known as "specialty fibers" - fibers that are rare, extremely fine and unbelievably soft. 100% alpaca garments are comparable in softness to cashmere. Alpacas are sheared much like sheep. They are typically raised on alpaca farms are not killed or harmed in any way as part of the shearing process. Baby alpaca wool is especially soft and refers to wool that is collected from the first shearing of an alpaca. Thus, it is also more rare (and costly) than regular alpaca.

What is the difference between cashmere and alpaca fibers?

	Alpaca	Cashmere	Why?
Thermal Insulation	Excellent	Moderate	Alpaca fiber is very fine... between 16 and 30 microns, and has a unique hollow insulating core.
Fiber Strength	Excellent	Moderate	Alpaca fiber is very strong resulting in more durable apparel.
Comfort	Excellent	Excellent	Both fibers are very comfortable due to the low micron count.
Water Absorption	Excellent	Excellent	Both fibers are water resistant as compared with other natural fibers.
Wear Resistance	Excellent	Moderate	Cashmere is much more prone to 'pilling' due to its short length and delicate structure.
Wrinkle Resistance	Excellent	Moderate	Alpaca is much more resistant making this material excellent for travel wear.
Stretch Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Cashmere easily stretches and often 'clings' to you.
Source - Exclusivity	Alpaca - Rare	Goat - Common	China mass produces over 67% of all cashmere products. Most of our alpaca products are crafted by small artisan shops in Peru.

Source: Alpaca Direct

Is alpaca wool safe for babies?
Yes. In fact, it's more appropriate for babies than many other fibers because it is not treated with chemicals and is hypo-allergenic. Most babies are very comfortable wearing it because it is so soft, light-weight and warm.

How do you care for pima cotton and alpaca wool garments?
Most pima cotton garments can be machine washed, best in gentle cycle. Garments can be machine dried in low heat. Sweaters, of course, should be laid flat to dry to best maintain its shape and not put in a drying machine.

Alpaca garments will last longest and look their best if they are washed by hand or dry cleaned. When washing clothing made of alpaca wool blot or squeeze the excess water from the garment but do not twist or ring. Alpaca garments should be laid flat, re-shaped, and left to air dry. Ideally, fold and store in a drawer or closet shelf as opposed to hanging, which could stretch the garment out of shape.
As with any 100% wool or cashmere, Baby Alpaca items will felt and shrink if washed with warm water and agitation in the washing machine.