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.

Unique Fall Accessories at NOVICA

Embroidered wool shawl, 'Kashmir Blooms' - Chain-Stitched Embroidered Wool Shawl with Floral Motifs

Bestseller

Kashmir Blooms, Chain-Stitched Embroidered Wool Shawl with Floral Motifs

Shahid

(16)

$113.99 Wholesale

~~$119.99~~ $113.99

Braided Fuchsia, Cable Knit Alpaca Blend Hat in Fuchsia and Purple Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $50.99

Teal Colorful Life, Knit Ivory Blue and Grey 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Gloves

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95

Rayon shawl, 'Coffee' - Rayon Shawl Hand Woven in Earth Tones

Bestseller

Coffee, Rayon Shawl Hand Woven in Earth Tones

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$142.49 Wholesale

~~$149.99~~ $142.49

Alpaca blend scarf, 'Black and Pumpkin Andes' - Black and Pumpkin Knit Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Black and Pumpkin Andes, Black and Pumpkin Knit Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$56.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $56.99

Rayon scarf, 'Iridescent Ocher' - Ocher and Copper Hand Woven Rayon Scarf

Bestseller

Iridescent Ocher, Ocher and Copper Hand Woven Rayon Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$56.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $56.99

Petal Pink Gossamer, 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Petal Pink from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

100% alpaca hat, 'Warm Braids in Smoke' - Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Smoke and Black from Peru

Bestseller

Warm Braids in Smoke, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Smoke and Black from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$61.74 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $61.74

Champagne Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Champagne from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Men's alpaca blend scarf, 'Chestnut Andean Clouds' - Men's Artisan Crafted Woven Brown Alpaca Blend Scarf

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Chestnut Andean Clouds, Men's Artisan Crafted Woven Brown Alpaca Blend Scarf

Celinda Jaco

(197)

$28.95 Wholesale

$28.95

Teal Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Teal from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Steel Blue Gossamer, 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Steel Blue from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Munay in Taupe, Peruvian Alpaca and Wool Blend Felt Hat in Taupe

Andeana

(7)

$199 Wholesale

$199

Autumn Waves, Wave Pattern Wool Scarf from India

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$27.50 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $27.50

Andean Style, Unisex 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat in Aqua and Orange

Edison Canal

(45)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Alpaca blend knit hat, 'Alpaca Sunrise' - Red and Orange on Black Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Bestseller

Alpaca Sunrise, Red and Orange on Black Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Edison Canal

(45)

$23.39 Wholesale

~~$25.99~~ $23.39

Winter Delight in Light Azure, 100% Alpaca Knit Gloves in Light Azure from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$45.59 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $45.59

Leather hat, 'Classic Look in Olive' - Handcrafted Olive Leather Hat from Mexico

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Classic Look in Olive, Handcrafted Olive Leather Hat from Mexico

Gabriela Veronica

(24)

$73.49 Wholesale

~~$104.99~~ $73.49

Comfy in Teal, Teal 100% Alpaca Cable Pattern Soft Knit Hat From Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

Intarsia Style, Unisex Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Hat in Grey Yellow and Blue

Maritza Oviedo

(6)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Tarma Trek, Unisex Striped Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95

100% alpaca gloves, 'Lush Rose' - 100% alpaca gloves

Bestseller

Lush Rose, 100% alpaca gloves

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$45.59 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $45.59

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Thought' - Floral-Themed Grey and Red Alpaca Blend Shawl Knit in Peru

Bestseller

Thought, Floral-Themed Grey and Red Alpaca Blend Shawl Knit in Peru

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Baby alpaca and silk blend scarf, 'Options in Plum' - Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Plum and Grey Reversible Scarf

Bestseller

Options in Plum, Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Plum and Grey Reversible Scarf

Felipe Berckholtz

(77)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Andean Valley Flower' - Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Andean Valley Flower, Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Bohemian Rainbow' - Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Striped Multicolored Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Bohemian Rainbow, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Striped Multicolored Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Andean Life, Knit Grey Red White 100% Baby Alpaca Hat with Inca Motifs

Edison Canal

(45)

$29.74 Wholesale

~~$34.99~~ $29.74

Men's alpaca blend scarf, 'Charcoal Andean Clouds' - Fair Trade Woven Dark Gray Alpaca Blend Scarf for Men

Bestseller

Andean Clouds in Charcoal, Fair Trade Woven Dark Gray Alpaca Blend Scarf for Men

Celinda Jaco

(197)

$28.95 Wholesale

$28.95

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Passionate Woman in Blue' - Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl with Blue Stripes from Peru

Bestseller

Passionate Woman in Blue, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl with Blue Stripes from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

100% alpaca gloves, 'Pretty in Pink' - Cable Knit 100% Alpaca Gloves in Light Mauve from Peru

Pretty in Pink Gloves , Cable Knit 100% Alpaca Gloves in Light Mauve from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$45.59 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $45.59

Sweet Sensations, Striped & Fringed Shawl Hand-Woven from Cotton in Guatemala

Marcela Par

(5)

$80.74 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $80.74

Black Braid Cascade, 100% alpaca hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

Magenta Colorful Life, Colorful 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Knitted in Peru

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(1104)

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$44.95

Red Squared, Very Soft Red and Black Plaid Alpaca Wool Scarf

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(77)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

Reversible modal shawl, 'Floral Paisley' - Paisley and Floral Jacquard Woven Shawl in Melon and Rose

Bestseller

Floral Paisley, Paisley and Floral Jacquard Woven Shawl in Melon and Rose

Sajad

(155)

$32.29 Wholesale

~~$37.99~~ $32.29

Bordeaux Splendor, 100% Alpaca Bordeaux Shawl with Fringes Woven in Peru

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(169)

$62.10 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $62.10

100% alpaca shawl, 'Turquoise Whisper' - Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Turquoise Whisper, Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$94.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $94.99

Wool-accented leather belt, 'Inca Ancestors' - Hand Loomed Wool Accent Leather Belt

Bestseller

Inca Ancestors, Hand Loomed Wool Accent Leather Belt

Kathiana Quispe

(196)

$55.09 Wholesale

~~$57.99~~ $55.09

Men's alpaca blend scarf, 'Forest Andean Clouds' - Woven Striped Men's Alpaca Blend Scarf in Green with Fringes

Bestseller

Forest Andean Clouds, Woven Striped Men's Alpaca Blend Scarf in Green with Fringes

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(197)

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$28.95

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Planet Colors' - Unisex Striped Colorful Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Planet Colors, Unisex Striped Colorful Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$113.99 Wholesale

~~$119.99~~ $113.99

Smithfield, Men's Leather Dress Gloves

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(597)

$179 Wholesale

$179

Butter Blossom, Indian Embroidered Wool Shawl with Diamond Motif

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$42.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $42.49

100% alpaca gloves, 'Winter Delight in Black' - 100% Alpaca Knit Gloves in Black from Peru

Bestseller

Winter Delight in Black, 100% Alpaca Knit Gloves in Black from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$45.59 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $45.59

Cotton blend scarf, 'Diamond Diva in Purple' - Handwoven Purple Cotton Blend Scarf with Diamond Motif

Bestseller

Diamond Diva in Purple, Handwoven Purple Cotton Blend Scarf with Diamond Motif

Miguel Hernandez

(11)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

Autumn Charm, Brown and Ivory 100% Alpaca Scarf with Floral Motifs

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $47.99

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Mountain Rainbow' - Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Scarf

Bestseller

Mountain Rainbow, Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$75.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $75.99

Wool shawl, 'Kashmiri Diamonds in Navy' - Artisan Hand Loomed Deep Blue Wool Shawl for Women

Bestseller

Kashmiri Diamonds in Navy, Artisan Hand Loomed Deep Blue Wool Shawl for Women

Sajad

(155)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

Caramel Trails, Handcrafted Caramel and Green Baby Alpaca Blend Cotton Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$56.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $56.99

Marlay, Handcrafted Lined Leather Gloves

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$179 Wholesale

$179

Midnight Blue Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Navy from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Rayon chenille scarf, 'Orchid Dreamer' - Rayon Chenille Scarf

Bestseller

Orchid Dreamer, Rayon Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Alpaca blend scarf, 'Rioja Flavor' - Alpaca Blend Scarf in Paprika and Carrot from Peru

Bestseller

Rioja Flavor, Alpaca Blend Scarf in Paprika and Carrot from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$61.74 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $61.74

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Empress Beauty' - Handwoven Geometric Purple and Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl

Bestseller

Empress Beauty, Handwoven Geometric Purple and Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Magic in Purple, Knit Black Grey and Purple 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Mitts

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$40.79 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $40.79

100% alpaca hat, 'Andean Nature' - Traditional Knit Ivory Alpaca Hat from the Andes

Bestseller

Andean Nature, Traditional Knit Ivory Alpaca Hat from the Andes

Rogelio Quispe

(33)

$47.95 Wholesale

$47.95

Classic Look in Black, Handcrafted Black Leather Hat from Mexico

Gabriela Veronica

(24)

$84.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $84.99

Peaceful Plaids, Plaid-Patterned Soft Merino and Cashmere Wool Blend Shawl

Ukrainian Textile Collection

(1)

$33.99 Wholesale

$33.99

Simple Beauty in Smoke, 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Solid Smoke from Peru

Nataly and Alberto

(29)

$132.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $132.99

Humantay Lake, 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Fingerless Mitts in Blue from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$32.29 Wholesale

~~$37.99~~ $32.29

Santiago Earth, Unisex Brown Alpaca Blend Chullo Hat

Rogelio Quispe

(33)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Comfy in Burgundy, Cranberry Red 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

100% alpaca gloves, 'Winter Delight in Jade' - 100% Alpaca Gloves in Jade from Peru

Bestseller

Winter Delight in Jade, 100% Alpaca Gloves in Jade from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$47.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $47.49

Cotton blend socks, 'Diamonds from Adana' - Cotton Blend Socks Featuring Traditional Armenian Designs

Bestseller

Diamonds from Adana, Cotton Blend Socks Featuring Traditional Armenian Designs

Daniel Ghazaryan

$54 Wholesale

$54

Berry Beauty, Handwoven Patterned Alpaca Blend Shawl in Berry and Jade

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Crimson Beauty, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Fringed Shawl in Red & Yellow

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Cotton convertible scarf, 'Dreamscape in Snow White' - Knit Cotton Convertible Scarf in Snow White from Thailand

Bestseller

Dreamscape in Snow White, Knit Cotton Convertible Scarf in Snow White from Thailand

Ying and Joy

(176)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$50.99~~ $38.24

Peacock Trends, Knit Reversible Baby Alpaca Scarf in Indigo and Peacock

Violeta Pacheco

(78)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Cusco Heritage, Leather Belt with Andean Wool Accents

Kathiana Quispe

(196)

$53.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $53.99

Mountain of Seven Colors, Zigzag Striped Alpaca Wool Scarf from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Coastal Colors, Unisex Teal Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Earth and Sky' - Women's Alpaca Knit Hat in Multicolor

Bestseller

Earth and Sky, Women's Alpaca Knit Hat in Multicolor

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$33.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $33.99

Reds and Grays, Hand-Woven Striped Red and Gray Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$91.79 Wholesale

~~$107.99~~ $91.79

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Sea Dreams' - Shades of Blue and Green 100% Alpaca Knit Hat with Tassel

Bestseller

Sea Dreams, Shades of Blue and Green 100% Alpaca Knit Hat with Tassel

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$33.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $33.99

Gray Squared, Super Soft Grey Plaid Alpaca Wool Patterned Scarf

Felipe Berckholtz

(77)

$142.79 Wholesale

~~$167.99~~ $142.79

100% alpaca fingerless mitts, 'Tan Pastels' - Fingerless Mitts Knitted from 100% Alpaca in Peru

Bestseller

Tan Pastels, Fingerless Mitts Knitted from 100% Alpaca in Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$29.74 Wholesale

~~$34.99~~ $29.74

Llama Trails, 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Chullo Hat

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$59.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $59.49

Andean Hues, Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Handwoven in Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Andean Art, Striped 100% Alpaca Knit Hat from Peru

Fernando Cano

(768)

$42.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $42.49

Autumn Songbirds, Warm Multi Color 100% Alpaca Hand Knit Gloves from Peru

Nestor Yana

(258)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $35.99

Hand-knit slipper style socks, 'Chai Tea' - Hand-Knit Geometric Patterned Thick Slipper Style Socks

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Chai Tea, Hand-Knit Geometric Patterned Thick Slipper Style Socks

Himalayan Valley Knitters

(3)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Colorful Mixture, Handloomed Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Cherry Red, Men's 100% alpaca scarf

Felipe Berckholtz

(77)

$59.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $59.49

Huancayo Heritage, Hand Loomed Baby Alpaca Scarf

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$55.24 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $55.24

Color and Texture in Rust, Deep Rust Rayon Scarf Hand Woven in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $50.99

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