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.

Accessories - Supporting Artisans Working With Disabilities at NOVICA

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Mountain Sunset' - Bold Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Shawl

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

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Bohemian Caribbean Blue, Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Striped Blue Scarf from Peru

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Alpaca blend infinity scarf, 'Fashionable Andes in Teal' - Alpaca Blend Knit Infinity Scarf in Teal from Peru

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Fashionable Andes in Teal, Alpaca Blend Knit Infinity Scarf in Teal from Peru

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100% alpaca gloves, 'Autumn Songbirds' - Warm Multi Color 100% Alpaca Hand Knit Gloves from Peru

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

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

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

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Mountain Rain, Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Blue and Orange Striped Scarf

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

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Herringbone Brown, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl

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Muse in Grey, Charcoal Grey Sheer Knitted Alpaca Blend Shawl

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Alpaca blend shawl, 'Gossamer Night Stars' - Sheer Knit Black Andean Alpaca Blend Shawl

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Gossamer Night Stars, Sheer Knit Black Andean Alpaca Blend Shawl

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Alluring Grace, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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Cyan Vitality, Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf with Cyan Stripes

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Emboldened, Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

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Tranquil Paradise, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Power Executive' - Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Per

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

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Color Play, Baby Alpaca Blend Multicolored Striped Scarf from Peru

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Peruvian Patchwork in Magenta, Artisan Crafted 100% Alpaca Multi-Colored Gloves from Peru

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Subtle Spice, Orange-Brown Subtle Diamond Pattern 100% Alpaca Woven Scarf

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Alpaca blend shawl, 'Muse' - Pure Alpaca Wool Shawl from Peru

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Muse, Pure Alpaca Wool Shawl from Peru

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Olive Fields, Alpaca and silk shawl

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Muse in Plum, Alpaca Wool Soft Hand Knit Shawl

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Joyous Harmony, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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Keraton Elegance in Ebony, Handmade Suede Shawl in Ebony from Bali

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Perfect Pink, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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Sunset Celebration, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Alpaca blend infinity scarf, 'Fashionable Andes in Magenta' - Knit Alpaca Blend Infinity Scarf in Magenta from Peru

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Fashionable Andes in Magenta, Knit Alpaca Blend Infinity Scarf in Magenta from Peru

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

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

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

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

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Rose Warmth, Handwoven Pink and Purple Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Caramel Trails' - Handcrafted Caramel and Green Baby Alpaca Blend Cotton Scarf

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

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Magnificent Grey, Hand Woven Grey Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Empress Beauty, Handwoven Geometric Purple and Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl

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Fashionable Andes in Ivory, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Scarf in Ivory from Peru

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

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Wine Trails, Handcrafted Wine and Brown Baby Alpaca Blend Cotton Scarf

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Glorious Warmth, Hand Woven Orange Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Piura Green, Pure Alpaca Wool Scarf

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Light Brown Spiral, Light Brown Sawo Wood Spiral Motif Hair Pin from Bali

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Inviting Beauty, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Fiesta Harmony, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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Manly Stripes, Men's Handwoven Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf in Grey from Peru

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Passionate Woman, Alpaca Blend Shawl in Blue and Turquoise from Peru

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White Lima, White Black Alpaca Blend Shawl Wrap from Peru

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Sensual Mystery, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl in Black from Peru

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Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Soft Texture in Grey' - Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Silk Blend Grey Scarf from Peru

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Soft Texture in Grey, Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Silk Blend Grey Scarf from Peru

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Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Blazing Warmth' - Handwoven Red and Orange Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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Blazing Warmth, Handwoven Red and Orange Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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