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.

Shawls Batik at NOVICA

Bestseller

Royal Art, Blue Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95
Bestseller

Euphoria, Handcrafted Floral Silk Wrap Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Bestseller

World Views, Indonesian Batik Silk Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Bestseller

Ocean Summer, Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Wine Garden, Artisan Crafted Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99
Kawung Biru, Blue and Green Traditional Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Night in the Garden, Balinese Black Silk Hand Stamped Floral Batik Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Java Sea, Batik Silk Shawl with Kawung Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Serene Garden, Red and Yellow Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Orchid Temple in Indigo, Batik Silk Shawl with Indigo Floral Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Dimensions of Kawung, Red, Yellow, and Brown Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Carnelian Mums, Handmade Orange Batik Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
White River, Batik Printed Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Kawung Azaleas in Fuchsia, Batik Silk Shawl with Fuchsia Floral Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Brave Java, Artisan Crafted Women's Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Tangerine Sekar Jagad, Batik Silk Shawl with Traditional Motifs in Tangerine

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Aster Orange, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl in Orange and Black

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Ocean Delight, Batik Printed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Truntum Biru, Blue Batik Truntum and Flower Patterned Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Alluring Lily in Moss Green, Batik Silk Shawl with Moss Green Floral Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Liquid Amber, Fringed Batik Cotton Shawl from Thailand

Kittiya Intaprom

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Ginger Jasmine, Hand Made Floral Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Bird of Paradise, Batik Silk Shawl from Indonesia

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Psychedelic Tic-Tac-Toe, Dark Brown Silk Batik Shawl with Orange and Yellow

Chomsuda Samana

(75)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Island Vibes, Handcrafted Vibrant Geometric Batik Rayon Shawl from Java

Erna Gendhis

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Ceplok Temple in Tangerine, Batik Silk Shawl with Ceplok Motifs in Tangerine from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Frangipani Floral, Silk batik shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

Favorite Memories, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Tropical Sunset, Handcrafted Batik Rayon Shawl in Orange and Grey Hues

Erna Gendhis

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Summer Ocean, Batik Printed Blue Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Truntum Forest in Ginger, Batik Silk Shawl with Ginger Floral Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

Purple Delight, Hand-Spun Woven and Dyed Fringed Silk Batik Scarf in Purple

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Slate Majesty, Batik Silk Shawl in Slate and Buff from Bali

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Sweet Night Blossoms, Artisan Crafted Silk Batik Shawl from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Butterfly Bliss, Handmade Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Forest Foliage, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

There are 110 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Silk batik shawl, 'Floral Stars'

MTaylor

May 5, 2017

Just beautiful

I just received this beautiful scarf in the mail and couldn't be happier, it's so beautiful and airy and the colors in this scarf will go with so many things, I just love it!

Ladies Shawls And Wraps

Neck Accessory!

Quality Silk Shawl

Shawl Wrap

Patterned Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Shawls

Silk batik shawl, 'Night in the Garden'

Beverly Cooper

Sep 25, 2019

Lovely, flowy shawl

This absolutely gorgeous shawl is made from some of the finest silk I've ever had the privilege to touch. It is so soft and light, yet sturdy and the batikking is impeccable! I love the black version, as it shows up the print so beautifully! It almost has a vintage Arts and Crafts feel to the pattern. Nice enough to display in one's home - the bedroom perhaps...? I have since thought of getting another color either for myself or a very good friend or family member...well worth it.

A Quality Shawl!!

A Shawl Fit For A Goddess!

Dressy

Silk batik shawl, 'Bird of Paradise'

KATHY

Oct 25, 2017

Absolutely beautiful...

This colorful shawl is not overpowering with color, but can coordinate with most things I own. It's light as a feather...yet is warming. I'm so very glad to own it. Thank you

Airy Look & Feel

Dressy

Formal Dress Cover Ups And Shawls

Formal Shawl

Formal Wraps

Gifts From Around The World

Indonesian!

It Stands Out Among Other Shaw

Silky Wraps

Small Shawl