How do I care for my shawl?

Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.

The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.

What shawls are most comfortable?

Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.

Are your shawls handmade?

It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.

Are there any common motifs or designs used in traditional shawls?

The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.

What materials are used to make shawls?

Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.

What are the most popular methods for making traditional shawls?

Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.

Women's Accessories at NOVICA

Silk batik fan, 'Nocturnal Garden' - Batik Floral and Leaf-Themed Silk Fan with Pinewood Handle

New Arrival

Nocturnal Garden, Batik Floral and Leaf-Themed Silk Fan with Pinewood Handle

Melati's Collection

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Hand-painted suede fedora, 'Blue Autumn' - Hand-Painted Leafy Blue and Ginger Suede Fedora from Mexico

New Arrival

Blue Autumn, Hand-Painted Leafy Blue and Ginger Suede Fedora from Mexico

Ana Cristina

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Wool shawl, 'Earthy Muse' - Earthy-Toned Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

New Arrival

Earthy Muse, Earthy-Toned Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Wool shawl, 'Periwinkle Sweet' - Indian-Made Ombre-Patterned Blue and Brown 100% Wool Shawl

New Arrival

Periwinkle Sweet, Indian-Made Ombre-Patterned Blue and Brown 100% Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Wool shawl, 'Café & Finesse' - Fringed 100% Wool Shawl in a Brown and Ivory Ombre Palette

New Arrival

Café & Finesse, Fringed 100% Wool Shawl in a Brown and Ivory Ombre Palette

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Wool shawl, 'Spring Green Dame' - Spring Green Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

New Arrival

Spring Green Dame, Spring Green Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Wool shawl, 'Caribbean Gala' - Striped Wool Fringed Shawl in Caribbean Blue and Grey Hues

New Arrival

Caribbean Gala, Striped Wool Fringed Shawl in Caribbean Blue and Grey Hues

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Jamawar wool shawl, 'Sophisticated Appeal' - Paisley Floral-Themed Pink Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

New Arrival

Sophisticated Appeal, Paisley Floral-Themed Pink Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Wool shawl, 'Indigo Bloom' - Jamawar-Inspired Floral Leaf Paisley-Themed Blue Wool Shawl

New Arrival

Indigo Bloom, Jamawar-Inspired Floral Leaf Paisley-Themed Blue Wool Shawl

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Wool shawl, 'Midnight Patches' - Patchwork Geometric and Paisley-Themed Wool Shawl in Blue

New Arrival

Midnight Patches, Patchwork Geometric and Paisley-Themed Wool Shawl in Blue

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Paisley Garden' - Paisley-Themed Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

New Arrival

Paisley Garden, Paisley-Themed Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Majestic Paisley' - Paisley Floral-Themed Reversible Jamawar Jacquard Wool Shawl

New Arrival

Majestic Paisley, Paisley Floral-Themed Reversible Jamawar Jacquard Wool Shawl

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Verdant Blooms' - Floral Geometric-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Green Hues

New Arrival

Verdant Blooms, Floral Geometric-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Green Hues

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Botanical Elegance' - Floral Leaf-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Orange and Blue

New Arrival

Botanical Elegance, Floral Leaf-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Orange and Blue

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Timeless Luxury' - Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Peacock and Paisley Theme

New Arrival

Timeless Luxury, Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Peacock and Paisley Theme

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Reversible wool shawl, 'Crimson Elegance' - Reversible Wool Shawl in Red with Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

New Arrival

Crimson Elegance, Reversible Wool Shawl in Red with Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Flames of the Andes' - Patterned Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Red and Brown Hues

New Arrival

Flames of the Andes, Patterned Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Red and Brown Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Leaves of the Andes' - Artisan-Made Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Green

New Arrival

Leaves of the Andes, Artisan-Made Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Green

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Breeze of the Andes' - Handwoven Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Red Hues

New Arrival

Breeze of the Andes, Handwoven Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Red Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Cotton scarves, 'Shadows of Titanium' (set of 2) - Black and Titanium Grey 2-Piece 100% Cotton Scarves Set

Shadows of Titanium, Black and Titanium Grey 2-Piece 100% Cotton Scarves Set

Vinita

(739)

$33.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $33.99

Stripes of Luxury, Striped Fringed Hand-Loomed Rayon Scarf in Shades of Green

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Striped Fantasy, Hand-Loomed Rayon Scarf with Colorful Stripes and Fringes

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Intertwining Colors, Block-Patterned Hand-Loomed Rayon Scarf with Fringes

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Checkerboard Glam, Colorful Checkerboard Fringed Hand-Loomed Rayon Scarf

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Vibrant Paths, Textured Rayon Scarf with Fringes Hand-Loomed in Guatemala

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Colorful Silhouettes, Green Blue Purple Fringed Rayon Scarf Handwoven in Guatemala

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Mauve Sparkling, Swarovski Crystal Beaded Wool and Silk Shawl in Mauve Hues

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Brown Andean Geometry, 100% Baby Alpaca Chullo Hat with Square Patterns and Tassels

Ana Fernandez

(393)

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Explore NOVICA's unique collection of Women's Accessories. This vibrant collection of scarves, shawls, gloves, hats, belts and handbags, in traditional and contemporary styles, showcases the finest handmade accessory designs from global artisans.

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