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.

Peruvian Shawls at NOVICA

Burgundy Diamonds, Handwoven Geometric 100% Alpaca Shawl with Fringes

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$50.39 Wholesale

~~$62.99~~ $50.39

White Lima, White Black Alpaca Blend Shawl Wrap from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$51.20 Wholesale

~~$64~~ $51.20

Herringbone Brown, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$51.30 Wholesale

~~$57~~ $51.30

Subtle Current, Chestnut and Maroon Subtle Patterns Alpaca Blend Woven Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$51.99 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $51.99

Deep Sky, Midnight Blue 100% Alpaca Woven Fringed Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$55.99 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $55.99

Subtle Mood, Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.20 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $59.20

Cozy Flair, Burgundy Baby Alpaca Blend Fringed Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.20 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $59.20

Peruvian Gray, 100% alpaca shawl

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Olive Fields, Alpaca and silk shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $59.99

Iris Fields, Iris Purple with Olive Green Woven Alpaca Fringed Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $59.99

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$62.10 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $62.10

Style Lines, Handwoven Striped Purple Rayon Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$62.99 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $62.99

Sensual Mystery, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl in Black from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$63.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $63.99

Purple Sparkle, Peru Handwoven Purple Alpaca Blend Shawl with Pima Cotton

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$65.69 Wholesale

~~$72.99~~ $65.69

Vibrant Blocks of Color, Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl in Stripes Handwoven from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$66.60 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $66.60

Sepia Roads, Sepia Brown Handwoven Baby Alpaca Shawl with Black and White

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $67.99

Andean Splendor, Multicolored Striped Fringed Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Andean Elegance, Striped Fringed Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Red

Ulloa Family

(31)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Warm Mixes, Peruvian Handloomed Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl in Warm Colors

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Nutmeg Zigzag, Women's Alpaca Wool Solid Shawl

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Burgundy Windowpanes, Handwoven Patterned Burgundy and Brown Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$71.20 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $71.20

Chestnut Windowpanes, Handwoven Patterned Chestnut Brown Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$71.99 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $71.99

Natural Zigzag, Handcrafted Alpaca Wool Shawl from Peru

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$74 Wholesale

$74

Crimson Sparkle, Handwoven Red Baby Alpaca Blend and Pima Cotton Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$75.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $75.99

Classic Shades, Handloomed Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Black and Grey

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$78.30 Wholesale

~~$87~~ $78.30

Whispering Navy, Navy Blue Patterned Handwoven Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$79.19 Wholesale

~~$87.99~~ $79.19

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Watercolors' - Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Watercolors, Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Nature's Bounty, Fruit and Vegetable Print Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Sepia Beauty, Handwoven Patterned Alpaca Blend Shawl in Sepia and Ivory

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$80.10 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $80.10

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Ivory Cloud' - Elegant Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Ivory Cloud, Elegant Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Fuchsia Fiesta' - Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Fuchsia Fiesta, Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

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