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 $40 to $60 at NOVICA

Lime Garden, Black Silk and Cotton Block Print Shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$41.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $41.99

Glamour in Black, Hand Beaded Silk Blend Shawl

Banlue Lueruang

(25)

$43.49 Wholesale

~~$57.99~~ $43.49

Silk batik shawl, 'Wine Garden' - Artisan Crafted Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Bestseller

Wine Garden, Artisan Crafted Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99

Tropical Plaid, Thai White Silk Blend Shawl with Pink and Orange Batik

Vinita

(739)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99

Blue Plaid Song, Thai Silk Blend Batik Shawl in Blue and Brown

Vinita

(739)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99

Grey Plaid Batik, Artisan Crafted Thai Silk Blend Shawl in Grey on White

Vinita

(739)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99

Mangosteen Plaid Batik, Artisan Crafted Balinese Silk Blend Shawl in Purple on White

Vinita

(739)

$43.99 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $43.99

Silk shawl, 'Luxurious Aqua' - Indian Silk Shawl Wrap

Bestseller

Luxurious Aqua, Indian Silk Shawl Wrap

Syed Izaz Hussein

(83)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Wool shawl, 'Kashmiri Diamonds in Lavender' - Women's Lavender Hand Loomed All Wool Shawl

Bestseller

Kashmiri Diamonds in Lavender, Women's Lavender Hand Loomed All Wool Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Dark Dreams, Hand-Woven Cotton and Silk Shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

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)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Kashmiri Diamonds in Blue, Royal Blue Hand Loomed All Wool Shawl Made in India

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Kerala Rose, Cotton and silk shawl

Rajveer

(4)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Telegraph in Ivory, Ivory Cotton and Silk Blend Shawl with Dot Motifs

Rajveer

(4)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Watchful Violet, Hand-Painted Wool Shawl in Violet from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Sunset Over India, Hand Woven Yellow and Orange Silk Shawl from India

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Delight of Spring, Blue and Green Floral Motif Wool Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Peaceful Harmony, 100% Silk Neutral Striped Shawl with Fringe from India

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Soft Colors, India Tussar Silk Striped Pastels Handwoven Shawl

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Butterfly Bliss, Handmade Batik Silk Shawl Wrap

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $44.99

Posh Orange, Textured Hand-Loomed Orange Black Silk Shawl with Fringes

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Festival in Orissa, Handwoven Red and Blue Silk Shawl with Turquoise and Grey

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Maheshwari Sun, Hand Made Women's Wrap Cotton Silk Blend Shawl

Rajveer

(4)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Maroon Chic, Handmade Ivory and Maroon Tussar Silk Shawl

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Sumptuous Stripes, Handwoven Magenta Striped 100% Silk Shawl from India

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Colors of Patna, Colorful Striped Silk Shawl Hand Woven in India

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Kashmiri Diamonds in Red, Women's True Red 100% Wool Shawl Handmade in India

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Red Lotus Floral, Hand Crafted Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $44.99

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

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Posh Beige, Beige Black Hand-Loomed 100% Silk Shawl with Diamond Pattern

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Ceplok Petals in Indigo, Batik Silk Shawl with Multicolored Floral Motifs from Bali

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $44.99

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

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Posh Alabaster, Ivory Black Diamond-Patterned Hand-Loomed 100% Silk Shawl

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Posh Blue, Blue Black Diamond-Patterned Hand-Loomed Fringed Silk Shawl

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Geometric Fusion, Indian Hand Woven Natural 100% Silk Shawl Wrap

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Rose Tonalities, Indian Handwoven Pink and Taupe Silk Shawl

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Whispering Clouds, Off White and Orange Soft Silk Shawl Draping Wrap

Khitish

(31)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Late Night Blossom, Floral Motif Screen-Printed Wool Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Earthy Panache, Jacquard Weave Sienna Wool Shawl from Indian Artisan

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Story in Paisley, Cotton and silk shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Wool shawl, 'Sylvan Paisley' - Folk Art-Inspired Paisley-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl in Brown

New Arrival

Sylvan Paisley, Folk Art-Inspired Paisley-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl in Brown

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Wool shawl, 'Paisley Vestiges' - Paisley-Themed Traditional 100% Wool Shawl in Black and Grey

New Arrival

Paisley Vestiges, Paisley-Themed Traditional 100% Wool Shawl in Black and Grey

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

City Stripe, Greenish Grey Narrow Stripe Handwoven Cotton Shawl

Made Arsana

(2)

$46.39 Wholesale

~~$57.99~~ $46.39

Gentle Currents, Grey Crimson Green Striped 100% Cotton Lightweight Shawl

Made Arsana

(2)

$46.39 Wholesale

~~$57.99~~ $46.39

Wool shawl, 'Valley of Kashmir in Red' - Women's Red All Wool Woven Shawl from India

Bestseller

Valley of Kashmir in Red, Women's Red All Wool Woven Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

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