responsible production & materials

All of Ayni’s collections are made by artisans throughout Peru, following the principles of sustainable and responsible production, using traditional methods to achieve a superior quality. What began with one small town has grown to several communities all around Peru, where artisans produce macramé, crochet, needlework, hand-woven and hand loomed textiles.

In our collections, we use high quality materials that are sustainable and durable, including alpaca, Pima cotton, merino wool, and Tanguis cotton. You can find a more detailed description about our materials below.

Alpaca fiber is the foundation of our supply chain and garments. It is a fine, incredibly soft and lightweight material. It is also considered one of the most sustainable animal fibers available for various reasons: alpaca fiber is extremely durable and naturally biodegradable, and the fiber comes in more than 22 natural colors and hundreds of shades, reducing the need for chemical dyes. Furthermore, alpacas are 'sustainable lawnmowers' as instead of pulling grass up by the roots, they nibble off the top of the plant, allowing vegetation to regrow easily. Also, they do not damage pastureland or compact the soil due to their soft padded feet. 

Alpaca fiber is an important source of income to Andean communities. By buying a product made out of alpaca fiber, you are directly contributing to the livelihoods of the people who are part of our production chain. From the farmer who raises the animals, to the master sorter, to the spinners and knitters who learned from their parents how to work with one of the world’s highest quality fibers.

Alpaca is the cohesion of all the other fibers: the softness of cashmere, the shininess of mohair, the thickness of angora and the strength of merino wool. Alpaca fiber has various unique qualities: it is naturally flame-resistant and efficiently wicks away moisture, thanks to its cotton-like ability to retain and release humidity. This is why alpaca feels lighter than wool yet warmer than cotton in cool, damp conditions. Furthermore, alpaca fiber is a hypoallergenic and thermoregulatory material, keeping you comfortable across a wide range of temperatures and without irritating the skin.

PIMA COTTON

Much like chocolate, coffee, or wine, the quality of cotton can vary greatly. However, thanks to ideal growing conditions, extra-long thread length, and hand harvesting, Peruvian pima cotton is one of the world’s finest and most luxurious types of cotton. It grows primarily along the northern coastal valleys of Peru, where the combination of rich soil, gentle sunlight, and humid ocean breezes creates ideal growing conditions.

Pima cotton is considered an environmentally friendly material, as it is often hand-picked. This reduces damage to fibers and eliminates the need for heavy machinery. Hand-picking also helps to preserve soil health and reduce emissions.

MERINO WOOL

Merino wool is a premium natural fiber sourced from the Merino sheep, originally bred in Spain and now raised mainly in South America, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s renowned for its outsatnding softness, breathability, and performance, making it one of the most versatile and sustainable animal fibers available.

Merino wool is characterized by various unique qualities. The fibers are much finer than traditional wool, resulting in a smooth, non-itchy texture that feels gentle against the skin. Merino wool is also a thermoregulatory material, naturally adapting to the body’s temperature, keeping you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Furthermore, it is breathable and fast-drying, absorbing moisture vapor and releasing it into the air, keeping you dry and comfortable. As a natural protein fiber, Merino wool is also fully biodegradable and grows back every year, making it an eco-friendly material choice.

Used in everything from luxury knitwear and outerwear to activewear, Merino wool offers a refined look with high performance, making it an ideal choice of material for modern, functional and conscious wardrobes. 

TANGUIS COTTON
Tanguis cotton is a Peruvian cotton variety known for its softness, durability, and absorbency. Developed in the early 20th century by farmer Fermín Tanguis, this cotton revitalized Peru’s cotton industry thanks to its resilience and superior fiber quality.

We use Tanguis cotton as a material in various garments due to its outstanding qualities. Tanguis cotton fibers are longer and thicker than standard cotton, giving the material a silky touch and greater resistance to pilling and tearing. Its structure also allows excellent moisture absorption, making garments fresh, comfortable, and ideal for warm climates. Moreover, it is an extremely durable material due to the strength of Tanguis fibers, making the garments retain their shape and softness after multiple wears and washes.

Grown primarily in Peru’s coastal valleys, Tanguis cotton plants can be harvested up to six times per year and require less water than conventional cotton varieties, giving its environmental advantage and making it a naturally sustainable fiber.

Tanguis cotton is a versatile, premium natural fiber used in everyday essentials, fine knits, and breathable luxury wear, offering a balance of comfort, quality, and longevity.