Why We’re Loving Paka: Eco-Friendly Clothing That Feels Good Year-Round
Whether you’re stepping out for a morning coffee, layering up for a trip, or winding down on a cool evening walk, the clothing we wear every day should do more than keep us comfortable. It should feel good on our skin, align with our values, and last beyond a single season.
For years, Patagonia has been the go-to for performance gear, especially here in California. But as more of us look for eco-friendly outerwear and sustainable clothing brands that are versatile and truly safe to wear, Paka feels like the natural next step.
At the heart of their designs is alpaca wool — a fiber that’s softer than traditional wool, naturally breathable, and ethically sourced from herding communities in Peru. But what makes Paka stand out is that they don’t stop there. They’re actively rethinking how modern eco-conscious jackets and everyday layers can combine natural materials with thoughtful innovations, without leaning fully on synthetics.
Why Choose Alpaca Wool Over Synthetics?
Most “performance” outerwear and basics are made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon — which are essentially plastic. These fabrics shed microfibers into waterways with every wash and often rely on chemical treatments. Many waterproof jackets, for example, use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and long-term health risks.
Alpaca wool offers a natural alternative:
Insulating yet breathable — keeps you warm when temps dip, without overheating.
Moisture-wicking — comfortable through shifting conditions.
Biodegradable — breaks down naturally, leaving no microplastics.
PFAS-free — no “forever chemical” coatings against your skin.
This is eco-friendly clothing that works with your body, not against it.
The Ethics of Wool, Rethought
Wool can be a tricky category. Conventional sheep wool often involves industrial practices that harm both animals and the environment. Alpaca herding in Peru looks very different. Paka partners directly with small communities — many led by women — ensuring artisans are paid fairly and animals are treated humanely.
Alpacas graze lightly, preserving ecosystems, and their fibers require minimal chemical processing. The result? A supply chain that respects land, animals, and people. Choosing Paka isn’t just about personal comfort — it’s about supporting a model of sustainable wool clothing that prioritizes wellbeing at every step.
Full Disclosure: Paka Isn’t 100% Natural Fiber (Yet)
Here’s where we want to be transparent: while Paka is built around alpaca wool, not every single material they use is 100% natural. And honestly, that’s part of the bigger story of what it means to create modern, eco-friendly outerwear and sustainable clothing.
Consumers today expect clothing to perform a certain way — to stretch, resist water, and hold up through travel or workouts. Natural fibers like alpaca can do a lot, but not everything. That’s why Paka uses small amounts of recycled nylon and TENCEL™ in some products.
TENCEL™ (a fiber made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus) is generally seen as eco-friendly. But it’s not without drawbacks: it requires chemical solvents during processing. While these are managed in a closed-loop system, it’s not as clean as a fully natural fiber.
Recycled nylon still comes from plastic, but using it helps divert waste from landfills and reduces reliance on virgin petroleum-based fabrics.
Importantly, Paka uses these materials sparingly and transparently — never as the foundation of their products, but as a way to meet performance needs without over-relying on synthetics.
Moving the Needle: Better Coatings and Certifications
Another tricky reality of performance clothing is water resistance. Traditionally, brands have used PFAS-based coatings to repel water, but these “forever chemicals” are incredibly harmful.
Paka instead uses Bluesign®-certified coatings, which ensure safer chemistry and reduced environmental impact. It’s not perfect — but it’s a meaningful step forward for PFAS-free outerwear.
And, as a Certified B Corp and a founding member of the Good Ocean, Paka has committed to third-party accountability in both ethics and environmental practices. These designations don’t guarantee perfection, but they demonstrate that the brand is actively working to raise standards in their industry.
The Balancing Act of Sustainable Fashion
Creating clothing that is 100% natural, 100% ethical, and 100% high-performing is an almost impossible equation right now. Fibers that are natural and eco-friendly don’t always meet the durability or stretch requirements consumers expect. And synthetic solutions come with real trade-offs in terms of health and environmental impact.
Paka is a great example of a brand navigating this balance: leading with alpaca wool, using natural materials wherever possible, and supplementing thoughtfully with recycled synthetics or TENCEL™ only where performance demands it. They’re transparent about these choices, which is refreshing in an industry where “greenwashing” is far more common than honesty.
Our Favorite Paka Pieces
The Paka Jacket
Designed for cold-weather performance but versatile enough for cool evenings anywhere, the Paka Jacket is an eco-friendly outerwear option that swaps synthetic insulation and PFAS-heavy waterproofing for alpaca fiber and Bluesign®-approved coatings. It’s warm, breathable, and light — the kind of jacket you’ll keep by the door, ready for travel or chilly nights.
Sweaters & Long-Sleeve Tees
Paka’s sweaters and long-sleeves are wardrobe staples. Lightweight but warming, they’re perfect for layering — from early mornings to evening walks. Unlike synthetics, alpaca fibers resist odors and breathe naturally, so they stay comfortable as temps shift.
Loungewear & Socks
Alpaca socks are one of life’s simplest luxuries. They regulate temperature beautifully and work for everything from travel days to cozy nights at home. The loungewear carries that same philosophy — soft, versatile, and made with fibers that respect both people and the planet.
Why Natural Fibers Still Matter
So much of modern clothing is plastic. Polyester fleece, nylon leggings, acrylic sweaters — they all shed microplastics into the environment. Those tiny plastics don’t just pollute oceans; they’ve been found in human lungs and bloodstreams. Add chemical finishes like PFAS, and suddenly what we wear every day impacts our health in ways we rarely considered.
By leaning predominantly on alpaca wool and other natural fibers, Paka helps minimize that burden. And when they do incorporate synthetics, they do so responsibly — choosing recycled or Bluesign®-certified options.
Final Thoughts: Comfort With a Conscience
Eco-friendly clothing should do more than look good. It should feel comfortable, support your health, and align with your values. Paka delivers on all three. From their breathable long sleeves to their insulating jackets, every piece blends natural fibers with thoughtful design choices, making them one of the most transparent sustainable clothing brands we’ve found.
This isn’t just performance wear. It’s everyday clothing that works in your real life — versatile enough for coffee runs, durable enough for travel, and cozy enough for evenings in. That’s why Paka is what we’re loving right now.
FAQ
What makes Paka different from Patagonia?
Patagonia set the stage for sustainable outdoor gear, but many of their pieces still rely on synthetics. Paka takes it further by prioritizing alpaca wool and natural fibers, while using recycled or Bluesign®-certified synthetics only where necessary.
Is alpaca wool itchy?
No — alpaca fibers are smoother than sheep’s wool, making them comfortable even on sensitive skin.
Does Paka use synthetic fabrics?
Yes, sparingly. To meet performance expectations, Paka incorporates recycled nylon or TENCEL™ in some products. They’re transparent about these choices and always lead with natural fibers first.
What are Bluesign® coatings?
Bluesign® is a certification that ensures textiles are produced with safer chemicals and lower environmental impact. Paka uses Bluesign®-approved coatings instead of PFAS for water resistance.
Are Paka clothes worth the investment?
Yes. They’re designed for durability, versatility, and comfort, with transparency about how they’re made. That means fewer, better pieces in your wardrobe.