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

Violet Lotus, Silk and Rayon Watercolor Batik Shawl from Thailand

Sakornrat Sinthurat

(4)

$199.99 Wholesale

$199.99
Bestseller

Lengko Scarlet, Hand Crafted Red Batik Silk Shawl and Gift Box

Melati's Collection

(86)

$159.99 Wholesale

$159.99
Russet Lengko, Lengko-Patterned 100% Silk Batik Shawl in Russet and Blue

Melati's Collection

(86)

$159.99 Wholesale

$159.99
Royale, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$159.99 Wholesale

$159.99
Aster Blue, Aster Print Light Blue and Crimson Batik Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$154.99 Wholesale

$154.99
Teratai Purple, Fringed Silk Batik Shawl in Purple and White

Melati's Collection

(86)

$154.99 Wholesale

$154.99
Bestseller

Favorite Memories, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Bestseller

Butterfly Blossoms, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Bestseller

Aster Orange, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl in Orange and Black

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Bestseller

World Views, Indonesian Batik Silk Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Nocturnal Royale, Batik Silk Black Shawl from Indonesia

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Seventh Heaven, Indonesian Silk Batik Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Brave Hearts, Indonesian Silk Batik Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Stunning Garden, Floral Batik Silk Shawl Crafted in Bali

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Land of Bali, Russet and Buff Batik Silk Shawl from Bali

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Slate Majesty, Batik Silk Shawl in Slate and Buff from Bali

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Liquid Amber, Fringed Batik Cotton Shawl from Thailand

Kittiya Intaprom

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Ruby Royale, Handmade Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Indigo Feather, Blue Batik Patterned Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Ginger Jasmine, Hand Made Floral Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Psychedelic Tic-Tac-Toe, Dark Brown Silk Batik Shawl with Orange and Yellow

Chomsuda Samana

(75)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Javanese Kingdom, Silk batik shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
White River, Batik Printed Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Parang Puzzle, Silk Shawl with Tangerine Geometric Motifs from Indonesia

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Azure Love, Hand-Dyed Batik Cotton Blend Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Dusty Rose Dots, Fringed Batik Cotton and Rayon Blended Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Pine Forest, Hand-Dyed Batik Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Whispering Woods, Hand Crafted Batik Cotton Blend Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Nature's Whisper, Hand-Painted Ombre Batik Silk Shawl from Thailand

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Sapphire Mums, Blue Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Chrysanthemums, Handmade Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Kawung Plains in Sunrise, Batik Silk Shawl with Kawung Motifs in Sunrise from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Blue Sarangan, Batik Silk Shawl Handmade in Indonesia

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Floral Grandeur, Cotton and Silk Shawl with Hand-Stamped Batik Floral Motifs

Siddique

(15)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
San Pedro Sepia, Sepia and White Cotton Shawl from Guatemala

Consorcio

(2)

$69 Wholesale

$69
Bestseller

Java Sea, Batik Silk Shawl with Kawung Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

There are 109 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Silk batik shawl, 'Sapphire Mums'

Valerie

Jun 16, 2016

Gorgeous

Shawl is lightweight but not transparent. The colors are brilliant very much like picture. Love the batik artwork!!

Colorful Silk Shawls

Cool.

Elegant Shawl

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Shawls

Silk batik shawl, 'Blossoming Opulence'

Isabel

Dec 11, 2016

One of my favorite and most treasured scarves

"Blossoming Opulence" is such a stunning work of art. This scarf is perfect in every which way: the fine quality silk used, the intricate floral motifs and the careful combination of colors all define the artist's meticulous attention to details. Aside from that, it came with a beautiful batik print cotton pouch for one to store this stunning scarf. What a great find! Thumbs up to this ingenious artist.

Designer Pashmina

Elegant Evening Shawls Wraps

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Ladies Shawls And Wraps

Patterned Accessories

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Multicolor Accessories

Silk 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