From Lincoln’s Coat to J.Lo’s Sweater: Alpaca Fashion Through the Ages

Fashion trends may shift like the wind, but one fabric has stood the test of time: alpaca wool. Worn by figures as distinct as Abraham Lincoln and Jennifer Lopez, alpaca has woven itself into history, proving both durable and stylish across centuries. Let’s take a journey through time to explore how Lincoln’s practical alpaca coat and Frank Sinatra’s swingin’ sweaters helped shape an enduring legacy of alpaca fashion.

Honest Abe’s Alpaca Attire: A President in a “Paca” Coat

Abraham Lincoln is often remembered for his stovepipe hat and legendary speeches, but the 16th President also had a penchant for alpaca garments. During an 1856 speech in Kalamazoo, a newspaper described him wearing a “short alpaca coat,” part of an outfit so modest it likely cost under $10. As he rose to the presidency, Lincoln continued to favor his well-worn alpaca coats, often seen in the White House sporting a threadbare black version, frayed elbows and all.

Lincoln even poked fun at his humble wardrobe. During a weapons test, he noticed his alpaca coat pocket had torn and casually pinned it back together, joking that the fix was perhaps unbecoming of the nation’s leader. His choice of alpaca wasn’t about fashion; it was about practicality, comfort, and a fiber known for its resilience.

Alpaca wool had gained popularity in the mid-19th century, thanks to English textile makers who prized its luster and durability. Some garments were so well-made they were passed down as heirlooms. Lincoln’s affinity for alpaca reflected not just his pragmatic nature but also a transatlantic trend for this “wonder wool.” 

Frank Sinatra: Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Alpaca Craze

Fast-forward a century, and alpaca made a glamorous comeback – this time under bright Vegas lights. Enter Frank Sinatra, the crooner with sartorial swagger. By the 1950s, alpaca cardigans were the ultimate status symbol among the country club crowd, seen draped over the shoulders of golf legends and movie stars alike. (Even Sports Illustratednoticed, reporting in 1954 that “newly popular alpaca cardigans” priced around $40 were flying off pro shop shelves – a hefty sum back then for a sweater!). From Masters champions like Arnold Palmer (who helped make the alpaca cardigan mainstream) to Hollywood entertainers, the cozy cardigan was the look.

No one embraced this trend quite like Sinatra. For casual wear, Sinatra loved a good cardigan, especially the plush alpaca variety. Sinatra often sported eye-catching orange alpaca sweaters and cardigans as part of his off-stage wardrobe. He wasn’t just a consumer, though; he turned into an alpaca evangelist. According to Sports Illustrated, Sinatra had a “charming habit” of buying dozens of alpaca golf sweaters in outrageous hues to give away as gifts – with strict instructions that recipients could not return them! (When Frankie gifts you a garish alpaca cardigan, you graciously accept and wear it – no take-backs.) The man did fashion his way, and that way was often 50% alpaca, 50% attitude.

Sinatra’s alpaca obsession spread among his famous circle. The Rat Pack – that legendary crew of cool cats including Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop – all caught alpaca fever. It wasn’t just for stuffy golfers or presidents – it was hip enough for the kings of swing. Thanks to Sinatra and friends, alpaca knitwear in the ’50s and ’60s became the ultimate blend of luxury and leisure, cementing its place in fashion history. Alpaca was elite, yet approachable – much like Sinatra’s own style, simultaneously classy and comfortable, with a double-shot of swagger.

Modern Celebrities Keep Alpaca Chic and Timeless

The alpaca love affair didn’t end with the Rat Pack. Lisa Kudrow – known as Phoebe from Friends – recently stepped out in a stunning black alpaca coat. A testament to alpaca’s timeless appeal that a coat style Abraham Lincoln might recognize (long, black, and tailored) still looks completely at home on a 21st-century red carpet.

Another A-lister who’s alpaca-addicted: Jennifer Lopez. The style icon and superstar recently showcased an alpaca-blend knit in a headline-grabbing monochrome ensemble. While promoting her film Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival, J.Lo rocked an all-Burberry outfit featuring a rich olive-green alpaca wool blend sweater paired with a matching skirt and boots. The look was modern, sleek, and oh-so-cozy. Lopez’s chunky alpaca sweater not only kept her warm in the Canadian breeze, but also demonstrated how alpaca can be both glamorous and comfy. J.Lo’s fashion choices often make waves, and here she was essentially giving a masterclass on how to wear alpaca in the modern era – proving you can be cutting-edge and classic at the same time. Remember those bright cardigans of the mid-century? Modern designers riff on them too, with alpaca-blend sweaters popping up in trendy collections and streetwear. Simply put, alpaca fashion is everywhere: on screen, on stage, on the streets of NYC and L.A. – a truly timeless trend that transcends generations.

Why has alpaca endured while other fashions fade? Let’s break it down:

• Luxury Meets Durability: Alpaca fiber is often called a “hard-wearing cashmere.” It’s incredibly soft (no scratchy itch factor) yet strong and long-lasting. Some 19th-century alpaca garments were so well-made they were bequeathed in wills to the next generation. Buy an alpaca sweater today, and your grandkids might fight over it in 2075 – talk about sustainable fashion!

• All-Weather Comfort: Alpaca wool has a hollow-core fiber that provides amazing insulation. It keeps you toasty in winter winds but is breathable enough for cooler spring days. Lincoln could wear his alpaca coat in a drafty Civil War White House, and Sinatra could sport an alpaca cardigan on a breezy Vegas night – both stayed comfy. No sweat (literally).

• Versatile Style: Alpaca looks at home in any wardrobe. It can be woven into sleek overcoats fit for a president or knitted into casual sweaters perfect for a golf outing or coffee run. Its gentle sheen and drape give even simple designs a touch of refinement. That’s why alpaca works for formal occasions and laid-back vibes.

• Celebrity Endorsement (Across Centuries!): Not many fashion items can claim fans ranging from 19th-century statesmen to mid-century entertainers to today’s pop culture icons. Alpaca can. It’s been rocked by presidents, movie stars, singers, and royals – basically the ultimate fashion VIP list. When so many style icons, past and present, choose alpaca, you know it’s not a fluke or fad. It’s a fiber with real flair.

In the end, alpaca clothing isn’t just a quirky footnote in fashion history – it’s a living legacy. The next time you pull on a sumptuous alpaca sweater or wrap yourself in a soft alpaca coat, give a nod to the likes of Lincoln and Sinatra, who unknowingly helped make that moment possible. So go ahead and alpaca yourself into something warm and stylish – you’ll be in very good company, no matter the century, and take a chance clicking on our Sweaters. Timeless? You bet your alpaca it is!