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.

Women's Knit Accessories at NOVICA

100% alpaca reversible hat, 'Shadows at Dusk' - Reversible Grey and Black 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted by Hand

Bestseller

Shadows at Dusk, Reversible Grey and Black 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted by Hand

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$59 Wholesale

$59

100% baby alpaca knit hat, 'Andean Style' - Unisex 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat in Aqua and Orange

Bestseller

Andean Style, Unisex 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat in Aqua and Orange

Edison Canal

(45)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Curated gift set, 'Earth and Sky' - Handwoven 100% Alpaca Curated Gift Set from Peru

Gift Set | Earth and Sky, Handwoven 100% Alpaca Curated Gift Set from Peru

(5)

$131.75

~~$155~~ $131.75

Warm Braids in Smoke, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Smoke and Black from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Curated gift set, 'Dynamic Contrast' - Handcrafted Black and Warm-Toned Curated Gift Set from Peru

Gift Set | Dynamic Contrast, Handcrafted Black and Warm-Toned Curated Gift Set from Peru

(5)

$95.05

~~$107~~ $95.05

Reversible 100% alpaca hat, 'Warm and Soft' - Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Teal and Green

Bestseller

Warm and Soft, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Teal and Green

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Santiago Earth, Unisex Brown Alpaca Blend Chullo Hat

Rogelio Quispe

(33)

$64 Wholesale

$64

Alpaca blend knit hat, 'Striking Diamonds' - Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Striking Diamonds, Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$29 Wholesale

$29

Warm and Vibrant, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Red and Grey

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$49 Wholesale

$49

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Jewel of the Andes' - Jewel-Toned 100% Alpaca Knit Hat

Bestseller

Jewel of the Andes, Jewel-Toned 100% Alpaca Knit Hat

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Tarai, Wool Earflap Hat with Embroidery

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$43.96 Wholesale

~~$54.95~~ $43.96

Andean Nature, Traditional Knit Ivory Alpaca Hat from the Andes

Rogelio Quispe

(33)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95

Warm and Stunning, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Burgundy and Red

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Reversible 100% alpaca hat, 'Warm and Cozy' - Peruvian 100% Alpaca Reversible Black and Grey Ribbed Hat

Bestseller

Warm and Cozy, Peruvian 100% Alpaca Reversible Black and Grey Ribbed Hat

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Earth and Sky' - Women's Alpaca Knit Hat in Multicolor

Bestseller

Earth and Sky, Women's Alpaca Knit Hat in Multicolor

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Magenta Steps, Handcrafted Grey and Magenta Baby Alpaca Blend Leg Warmers

Maritza Oviedo

(6)

$79 Wholesale

$79

Comfy in Blue, Robin's Egg Blue 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Reversible 100% alpaca hat, 'Warm and Snug' - Cranberry and Blue 100% Alpaca Reversible Knit Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Warm and Snug, Cranberry and Blue 100% Alpaca Reversible Knit Hat from Peru

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Diamond Elegance in Alabaster, Diamond Pattern 100% Alpaca Knit Hat in Alabaster from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$44 Wholesale

$44

100% alpaca hat, 'Charcoal Style' - 100% Alpaca Knit Textured Beanie Hat in Grey Hue from Peru

Bestseller

Charcoal Style, 100% Alpaca Knit Textured Beanie Hat in Grey Hue from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Curated gift set, 'Blue Allure' - Curated Gift Set with Throw Alpaca Hat and Silver Earrings

Gift Set | Blue Allure, Curated Gift Set with Throw Alpaca Hat and Silver Earrings

(5)

$102.85

~~$121~~ $102.85

100% baby alpaca knit hat, 'Llama Trails' - 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Chullo Hat

Bestseller

Llama Trails, 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Chullo Hat

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Andean Art, Striped 100% Alpaca Knit Hat from Peru

Fernando Cano

(768)

$49 Wholesale

$49

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Comfy in Teal' - Teal 100% Alpaca Cable Pattern Soft Knit Hat From Peru

Bestseller

Comfy in Teal, Teal 100% Alpaca Cable Pattern Soft Knit Hat From Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Curated gift set, 'Blooming in the Darkness ' - Blue and Turquoise Nature-Themed Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Blooming in the Darkness, Blue and Turquoise Nature-Themed Curated Gift Set

(5)

$105.65

~~$120~~ $105.65

Comfy in Red, Crimson Red 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Andean Inspiration, Turquoise 100% Baby Alpaca Unisex Hat Knitted in Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Black Braid Cascade, 100% alpaca hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Knit wool hat, 'Makalu' - Hand-Knit Wool Hat from Nepal

Bestseller

Makalu, Hand-Knit Wool Hat from Nepal

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$48.95 Wholesale

$48.95

Alpaca blend knit hat, 'Bright Diamonds' - White and Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Bright Diamonds, White and Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Inca Waves, Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Hat with Traditional Inca Pattern

Edison Canal

(45)

$24.65 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $24.65

Alpaca blend hat, 'Ocean Visions' - Chakana-Inspired Alpaca Blend Hat in a Blue Palette

Bestseller

Ocean Visions, Chakana-Inspired Alpaca Blend Hat in a Blue Palette

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$47 Wholesale

$47

100% alpaca hat, 'Salt Mines of Maras' - 100% Alpaca Textured Knit Hat in Burgundy Purple Pink Hues

Bestseller

Salt Mines of Maras, 100% Alpaca Textured Knit Hat in Burgundy Purple Pink Hues

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47 Wholesale

$47

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Highland Jungle' - Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Green Shades from Peru

Bestseller

Highland Jungle, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Green Shades from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$29.95 Wholesale

$29.95

Charcoal Grey Leaves, Andean Alpaca Wool Hand Knitted Beret in Charcoal Grey

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Reversible 100% alpaca hat, 'Warm and Snuggly' - Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Ivory and Beige

Bestseller

Warm and Snuggly, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Ivory and Beige

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

100% alpaca hat, 'Mountain Path' - Unique Womens Alpaca Wool Solid Knit Hat

Tan Mountain Path, Unique Womens Alpaca Wool Solid Knit Hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Highland Lake' - Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Blue Shades from Peru

Bestseller

Highland Lake, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Blue Shades from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Alpaca Sunrise, Red and Orange on Black Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Edison Canal

(45)

$25 Wholesale

$25

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Autumn Sun' - Floral and Leaf-Themed 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Jacquard Hat

Bestseller

Autumn Sun, Floral and Leaf-Themed 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Jacquard Hat

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Sacred Path' - Geometric-Patterned Knit Ribbed Baby Alpaca Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Sacred Path, Geometric-Patterned Knit Ribbed Baby Alpaca Hat from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Alpaca blend knit hat, 'Alpaca Mountain' - Off-White Brown and Grey Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Bestseller

Alpaca Mountain, Off-White Brown and Grey Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Edison Canal

(45)

$25 Wholesale

$25

100% baby alpaca chullo hat, 'Brown Andean Geometry' - 100% Baby Alpaca Chullo Hat with Square Patterns and Tassels

New Arrival

Brown Andean Geometry, 100% Baby Alpaca Chullo Hat with Square Patterns and Tassels

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$57 Wholesale

$57

100% alpaca beret, 'Azure Leaves' - Women's Blue Beret Hat Knitted by Hand in 100% Alpaca Wool

Bestseller

Azure Leaves, Women's Blue Beret Hat Knitted by Hand in 100% Alpaca Wool

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Patterned Symphony, Colorful Knit 100% Alpaca Hat with Andean Patterns & Tassel

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$37 Wholesale

$37

100% alpaca hat, 'Monochromatic Shades' - Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Grey Silver and Black Hues from Peru

Bestseller

Monochromatic Shades, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Grey Silver and Black Hues from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Dark Leaves, Hand Knit Black 100% Alpaca Beret from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$49 Wholesale

$49

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Comfy in Grey' - Soft Smoky Grey 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Comfy in Grey, Soft Smoky Grey 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

100% alpaca reversible hat, 'Two in One' - Reversible Unisex Striped 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted in Peru

Bestseller

Two in One, Reversible Unisex Striped 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted in Peru

Briseida Huete

(4)

$74 Wholesale

$74

Warm and Earthy, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Brown and Green

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$54 Wholesale

$54

Onyx Minds, Unisex Soft Alpaca Blend Knit Hat in Onyx Black

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

Intarsia Style, Unisex Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Hat in Grey Yellow and Blue

Maritza Oviedo

(6)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Comfy in Burgundy, Cranberry Red 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Andean Mirage, Burgundy Ribbed 100% Baby Alpaca Hat with Geometric Designs

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Warm and Toasty, Light and Dark Grey Reversible 100% Alpaca Hat from Peru

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Grey Stars Align, Hand-Crocheted Dove Grey Alpaca Cozy Winter Hat

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$29 Wholesale

$29

Diamond Warmth, Red and Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$25 Wholesale

$25

Alpaca blend knit hat, 'Alpaca Parade in Black' - Black and White Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Bestseller

Alpaca Parade in Black, Black and White Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Edison Canal

(45)

$25 Wholesale

$25

Comfy in Dark Blue, Indigo Blue 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Andean Blooms, 100% Baby Alpaca Floral and Leaf Knit Ribbed Jacquard Hat

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$44 Wholesale

$44

Andean Snowfall, Alpaca Chullo Hat in Azure and Smoke from Peru

Fernando Cano

(768)

$37.60 Wholesale

~~$47~~ $37.60

Azure Occasions, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Hat in Grey and Azure Hues

Maritza Oviedo

(6)

$64 Wholesale

$64

Alpaca blend knit beanie, 'Boysenberry Age' - Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Boysenberry Purple

Bestseller

Boysenberry Age, Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Boysenberry Purple

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

Alpaca Parade in Red, Black and Crimson Red Diamond Motif Alpaca Blend Knit Hat

Edison Canal

(45)

$27 Wholesale

$27

Blue Dream Garden, Floral 100% Alpaca Hat in Blue

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Blue Andean Vista' - 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat with Wavy and Geometric Motifs

New Arrival

Blue Andean Vista, 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat with Wavy and Geometric Motifs

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Warm Embrace, Textured Floral Crocheted Alpaca Hat in Lavander and Purple

Elvia Melendez

(63)

$57 Wholesale

$57

100% alpaca hat, 'Andean Vista' - Colorful Knit 100% Alpaca Hat with Wavy and Zigzag Patterns

Bestseller

Andean Vista, Colorful Knit 100% Alpaca Hat with Wavy and Zigzag Patterns

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Alpaca blend knit beanie, 'Dark Age' - Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Onyx Black

Bestseller

Dark Age, Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Onyx Black

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Ivory Shapes' - Cable Knit Ivory 100% Alpaca Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Ivory Shapes, Cable Knit Ivory 100% Alpaca Hat from Peru

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$37 Wholesale

$37

Andean Soul, Textured Crocheted 100% Alpaca Hat with Geometric Patterns

Elvia Melendez

(63)

$57 Wholesale

$57

Owl Charm, Owl-Themed Textured Crocheted Alpaca Hat in Lilac and Ivory

Elvia Melendez

(63)

$57 Wholesale

$57

Primaveral Onyx, Floral 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in an Onyx Base Hue Made in Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Nightfall, Black Hand Crocheted 100% Alpaca Hat from Peru

Elvia Melendez

(63)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Alpaca blend knit beanie, 'Fog Grey Age' - Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Fog Grey

Bestseller

Fog Grey Age, Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Fog Grey

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

100% alpaca hat, 'Deep Purple Stars Align' - Hand Crocheted Deep Purple Alpaca Hat

Bestseller

Deep Purple Stars Align, Hand Crocheted Deep Purple Alpaca Hat

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$29 Wholesale

$29

Cantuta Flower, 100% Baby Alpaca Peruvian Cap With Ear Flaps and Tassels

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Geometric Scapes in Purple, Handcrafted Geometric Patterned Purple 100% Alpaca Knit Hat

Fernando Cano

(768)

$47 Wholesale

$47

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Comfy in Pink' - Dusty Rose Pink 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Bestseller

Comfy in Pink, Dusty Rose Pink 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Alpaca blend knit beanie, 'Peacock Age' - Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Peacock Teal

Bestseller

Peacock Age, Alpaca and Wool Blend Knit Beanie Hat in Peacock Teal

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

Alpaca blend knit skull cap, 'Sepia Minds' - Unisex Soft Alpaca Blend Knit Hat in Sepia Brown

Bestseller

Sepia Minds, Unisex Soft Alpaca Blend Knit Hat in Sepia Brown

Edison Canal

(45)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Andean Life' - Knit Grey Red White 100% Baby Alpaca Hat with Inca Motifs

Bestseller

Andean Life, Knit Grey Red White 100% Baby Alpaca Hat with Inca Motifs

Edison Canal

(45)

$34 Wholesale

$34

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Sea Dreams' - Shades of Blue and Green 100% Alpaca Knit Hat with Tassel

Bestseller

Sea Dreams, Shades of Blue and Green 100% Alpaca Knit Hat with Tassel

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Baby alpaca blend hat, 'Wintry Grey' - Baby Alpaca Blend and Copper Fiber Hat in Natural Grey Hue

Bestseller

Wintry Grey, Baby Alpaca Blend and Copper Fiber Hat in Natural Grey Hue

Dr. James M. Vreeland Jr.

(3)

$25 Wholesale

$25

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