Paka Women’s Hoodie

Cozy, soft alpaca top

I’ve had my Paka Women’s Hoodie for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become my go-to sweater for our cooler fall weather. What I love most is that it’s soft and warm without being bulky. It has that perfect balance where it’s cozy enough to wear on its own but slim and breathable enough to layer under a light down jacket when the temperatures drop. I’ve worn it with both pants and leggings, and the slightly longer back length makes it especially flattering with leggings and boots. (The original “The Hoodie” is available in unisex sizes.)

Warmth & Breathability

One of the standout qualities of my Paka Women’s Hoodie is the fabric itself. It’s made from a Royal Alpaca yarn blend. I learned on the Paka website that alpaca fibers perform differently than merino wool. Alpaca is naturally hollow, which means it traps heat efficiently while still allowing airflow. Compared to merino, I’ve found alpaca to be a little warmer and softer, with less itch. It’s also very breathable, which is super important to me when I’m being active outside on a cold day. I don’t overheat in it, even when I’m moving around. That breathability also means I don’t feel the need to wash it nearly as often as I would if it were made of cotton or synthetic fibers. Like most wool garments, it resists odors and the hoodie still feels and smells fresh after multiple wears.

The Paka Women’s Hoodie seems to hold its shape well. It feels like it’s made to last. I like the look of the rib stitch detailing at the sides; the raglan armholes and ribbed cuffs with thumbholes add to the comfort and functionality. The hood actually stays on my head and moves with me when I turn my head so I can still see instead of staying in place and blocking my peripheral vision like most hoods seem to do.

Caring for Alpaca

The only tradeoff with the Paka Women’s Hoodie is: it requires more care than most of my other hoodies. I can’t just toss it in the washer and dryer. It needs to be hand washed in cold water and laid flat to dry. But honestly, because of how breathable and odor-resistant it is, I don’t find myself needing to wash it very often.

Made with Care

Beyond the performance, I also appreciate what Paka stands for. Every purchase supports over 300 women artisans in Peru, and each hoodie comes with a hand-woven Inca ID bearing the signature of the artisan who worked on it. Knowing that this piece was made sustainably with traceable alpaca fiber, and that it directly supports fair trade practices, makes me feel even better about wearing it.

Bottom Line

This hoodie has exceeded my expectations. It’s incredibly soft, warm without adding bulk, breathable, and thoughtfully designed with both style and movement in mind. It’s become a staple in my wardrobe, and I can see myself reaching for it for years to come.

Available in women’s sizes XS-XXL in three colors: Eucalyptus, Fig, and Light Grey. Also see our review of Paka’s The Hoodie.

$149 at Paka’s website, pakaapparel.com

Detail photo from Paka’s website.