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 Holiday Gift Guide Shawls Gifts at NOVICA

Royal Art, Blue Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95
Bestseller

Nature's Ethereal Inspiration, Guatemalan Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99
Bestseller

Turquoise Whisper, Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
San Juan Fiesta, Colorful Cotton Shawl Crafted in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95
Valley of Lavender, Hand Woven Cotton Shawl in Blues and Lilacs

Creative Artisan Women's Group

(22)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Maya Firebird, Unique Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$147.99 Wholesale

$147.99
Bestseller

Himalayan Heirloom, Indian Jamawar Wool Shawl with Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95
Tropical Volcano, Rayon Chenille Patterned Women's Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Red Peony, Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Shawl with Fringe from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $59.49
Bestseller

Wine Garden, Artisan Crafted Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99
Bestseller

Luxurious Teal, Indian Silk Shawl Wrap

Syed Izaz Hussein

(83)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Purple Ethereal Inspiration, Unique Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$157.99 Wholesale

$157.99
Eventide, Fair Trade Floral Wool Embroidered Wrap Shawl

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Huancayo Blues, Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99
Bestseller

Romance in Red, Bright Red 100% Wool Shawl Hand Woven in India

Sajad

(155)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Java Crimson Court, Red Silk Batik Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Blue Treasure, Handcrafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49
Mumbai Orchid, Woven Purple Wool and Silk Shawl with Fringe from India

Sajad

(155)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Crimson Fantasy, Guatemalan Handcrafted Rayon Chenille Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Ruby Romance, Red Embroidered 100% Wool Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Bestseller

Mughal Glory, Block-Printed Cotton Shawl from India

Vijay Singh

(415)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Bestseller

Atitlan Diva, Natural Dyes Cotton Shawl Woven by Hand Guatemala

Community Association of Tzutujil Women Artisans

(10)

$127.99 Wholesale

$127.99
Magenta Glamour, Indian Hand Crafted Magenta Jacquard Wool Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Woman in Red, Scarlet Wrap Handcrafted Varanasi Silk Shawl India

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Bestseller

Butterfly Blossoms, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Serenity's Inspiration, Unique Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Shimmering Vermilion, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $50.99
Earthy Story, Indian Viscose Shawl with Geometric Pattern

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Red Modern Art, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Tropical Rain, White and Blue Rayon Shawl Made with Natural Dyes

Threads of Life

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Tradition, Cotton shawl

Aj Quen

(19)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Impassioned Kashmir in Cream, Floral Lace on Cream Wool Blend Shawl Wrap from India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Sapphire Mums, Blue Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Claret Steps, Silk Shawl with Claret Geometric Motifs from India

Sajad

(155)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Ruby Royale, Handmade Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Red Allure, Woven 100% Wool Shawl in Classic Red from India

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Fuchsia Dawn, Handmade Banarasi Fuchsia Silk Shawl from India

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Featured Reviews

100% alpaca shawl, 'Huancayo Blues'

Linda

Oct 11, 2017

Even more beautiful than the photo

Absolutely beautiful, the colors are exquisite. It is finely crafted and the alpaca wool is soft with NO scent (as noted by a previous reviewer). I will order from this artisan again.

Cape Shawls

Cold Weather Shawls

Fair Indigo

Gift For Women Friends

Good Gift For Women

Great Dark Blue Outfit

Office Shawl

Shawls For Dresses.

Striped Accessories

Patterned Accessories

Shawls

Cotton shawl, 'San Juan Fiesta'

Maresa

Jul 6, 2022

Makes me happy

Just looking at this shawl makes me happy! The colors are vibrant, and it feels great against the skin. It is large enough to wear as a shawl, but not too large that it can’t be worn as a scarf. It is amazingly beautiful! Thank you Elena!

Elegant

Exceptionally Well Made

Festive