Samantha Holmes

Discover the timeless, understated beauty of Alpaca clothing and accessories with Samantha Holmes. Ethically made, super soft, hypoallergenic and weightlessly warm. Luxury that matches only cashmere.

Founded in 2003 in Scotland, Samantha Holmes is one of the longest established alpaca clothing brands in the UK.

From the alpaca, native to South America, this wool is like traditional sheep wool yet warmer, less prickly and even hypoallergenic. The unique qualities of this textile mean that it will not pill or bobble, making it long-lasting and durable. What’s more, Alpaca fibre is naturally water-repellent and even fire resistant.

There are 22 recognised shades of alpaca wool, which avoids the need for dyes and means that nearly everything produced by Samantha Holmes is 100% natural.

Offering luxury shawls, socks and other cosy knitted items, each Samantha Holmes piece is beautifully made by skilled artisans in Peru, following traditional processes which go back generations. Inspired by ‘slow fashion’, their pieces transcend seasonal trends, instead offering enduring designs that will last.

Best of all, the brand values sustainable practices and uses ethically-sourced materials. The alpacas roam freely in their natural environment of the Altiplano of the Andes, and the alpacas themselves have a minimal impact on the environment. Obtaining their wool by shearing means that no alpacas are harmed during the process.

Samantha Holmes sources its yarn locally, and is active in social responsibility programmes that invest proceeds back into Peruvian communities. Produced by self-employed artisans, small batch production ensures minimal waste and consistent attention to detail. What’s more, from Glasgow to Peru, the brand itself is proudly run entirely by women.

Alpacas have been bred in South America for over 5,000 years. Also known as ‘the fibre of the Gods’, alpaca wool was once prized for its unique properties, and traditionally used to make clothing for Inca royalty. Add some of this esteemed luxury to your wardrobe and browse our selection of products below.