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 at NOVICA

Violet Sunsets, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Jacquard Shawl Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Passionate Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Magenta Glamour, Indian Hand Crafted Magenta Jacquard Wool Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Magic Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Paisley Patterned Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Mandarin Dusk, Rich Purple and Gray Rayon Blend Jacquard Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Paisley Day, Hand-Embroidered Fringed Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Icy Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Wool Shawl with Paisley Motif

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Bestseller

Paisley Dreams, Hand-Embroidered Midnight Blue Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Mandarin Sky, Artisan Crafted Blue Rayon Blend Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Paisley Underground, Fringed Jacquard Wool Shawl

Adil

(12)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Mandarin Royal, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Floral Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Subtle Elegance in Black, Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Black Floral Damask

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Mandarin Jet, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Black Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Sweet Mandarin, Artisan Crafted Thai Rayon Blend Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Mandarin Storm, Blue Grey Jacquard Floral Shawl in Rayon and Silk

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Elegance in Indigo, Dark Blue Women's Woven Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Mandarin Ivory, Cream Colored Rayon and Silk Blend Jacquard Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Elegance in Jade, Jade Green Rayon and Silk Blend Floral Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Elegance in Pink, Pale Pink Floral Jacquard Shawl of a Rayon/Silk Blend

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

Himalayan Heirloom, Indian Jamawar Wool Shawl with Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95
Sunset Glamour, Artisan Crafted Orange Paisley Jacquard Wool Wrap

Sajad

(155)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Cyan Glamour, All-Wool Sky Blue Women's Shawl Handwoven in India

Sajad

(155)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Morning Muse, Paisley-Patterned Jacquard Wool Shawl

Adil

(12)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Glamorous Flare, Fringed Jacquard Wool Shawl with Stripes in Orange and Red

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Delightful Flare, Fringed Jacquard Wool Shawl with Stripes Woven in India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
New Arrival

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

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Midnight Panache, Indian Midnight Blue Paisley Weave Wool Shawl for Women

Sajad

(155)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Earthy Panache, Jacquard Weave Sienna Wool Shawl from Indian Artisan

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Paisley Fanfare in Maize, Jacquard Woven Turquoise and Maize Modal Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Fuchsia Passion, Fuchsia 100% Varanasi Silk Floral Shawl with Paisley Borders

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Paisley Fanfare in Cardinal, Blue and Red Jacquard Woven Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Tangerine Ecstasy, Floral Paisley Varanasi Silk Shawl in Orange and White

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Regal Splendor, Woven Fringed Jamawar Wool Shawl in Blue Purple & Yellow

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Bestseller

Paisley Extravagance, Red Jamawar Style Paisley and Floral Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Mystical Waves, Jacquard Wave Pattern Viscose Blend Shawl from India

Seema

(171)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Acanthus Garden, Leaf and Floral Motif Jacquard Modal Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Bestseller

Forever Green, Bright Green Hand Loomed Fringed Varanasi Silk Shawl

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Bestseller

Paisley Grandeur, Viscose Blend Floral and Paisley Shawl from India

Seema

(171)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Geometric Beauty, Woven Fringed Jamawar Wool Shawl in Black Yellow and Green

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$25.49 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $25.49

Featured Reviews

Jamawar wool shawl, 'Himalayan Heirloom'

Rene

Jan 7, 2018

Truly exceptional.

This shawl was worth the wait. The photo in the catalog and online are beautiful but just can't due justice to the item in your hands. So intricate and delicate, almost sheer in spots, it is really something special!

Stylish Jamawar Wool Shawl

Jaquard Accessories

Shawls

Hand-embroidered wool shawl, 'Paisley Dreams'

Candace

Dec 3, 2023

Brilliant colors and design

The rich red and white embroidery stands out beautifully against the deep blue background, while the paisley weave patterns create a most graceful and distinctive design. Coordinates with virtually everything, this soft, warm scarf is a must-have accessory and all perfect gift.

100% Wool

Embroidered Shawls Wraps

Embroidered Stoles

Fair Indigo

Midnight Blue Shawl

Paisley

Embroidered Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Wool Accessories