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 Leaf and Tree Shawls at NOVICA

Reversible wool shawl, 'Paisley Garden' - Paisley-Themed Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

New Arrival

Paisley Garden, Paisley-Themed Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Fringes

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Reversible wool shawl, 'Verdant Blooms' - Floral Geometric-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Green Hues

New Arrival

Verdant Blooms, Floral Geometric-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Green Hues

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Wool kani shawl, 'Kashmir Ivory' - Indian Floral Motif Handwoven Wool Rectangular Kani Shawl

Bestseller

Kashmir Ivory, Indian Floral Motif Handwoven Wool Rectangular Kani Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Reversible wool shawl, 'Majestic Paisley' - Paisley Floral-Themed Reversible Jamawar Jacquard Wool Shawl

New Arrival

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

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Reversible wool shawl, 'Timeless Luxury' - Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Peacock and Paisley Theme

New Arrival

Timeless Luxury, Reversible Jamawar Wool Shawl with Peacock and Paisley Theme

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Reversible wool shawl, 'Botanical Elegance' - Floral Leaf-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Orange and Blue

New Arrival

Botanical Elegance, Floral Leaf-Themed Reversible Wool Shawl in Orange and Blue

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Cotton shawl, 'Floral Whimsy' - Cotton Shawl with Block-Printed Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

Bestseller

Floral Whimsy, Cotton Shawl with Block-Printed Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$30.60 Wholesale

~~$34~~ $30.60

Reversible wool shawl, 'Crimson Elegance' - Reversible Wool Shawl in Red with Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

New Arrival

Crimson Elegance, Reversible Wool Shawl in Red with Floral Leaf Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Curated gift set, 'Magical Greenery' - Green Leaf-Themed Shawl Earrings and Poncho Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Magical Greenery, Green Leaf-Themed Shawl Earrings and Poncho Curated Gift Set

$148.50

~~$165~~ $148.50

Philodendron Plant, 100% Silk Chiffon Hand-Painted Botanical Print Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$89.10 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $89.10

Cotton shawl, 'Earthy Elegance' - Leaf Floral and Square-Themed Block-Printed Cotton Shawl

New Arrival

Earthy Elegance, Leaf Floral and Square-Themed Block-Printed Cotton Shawl

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$30.60 Wholesale

~~$34~~ $30.60

Snow Clad Leaves, Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Shawl with Leaf Motif from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Scarlet Leaves, Reversible Red and Black Alpaca Blend Shawl

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$63.20 Wholesale

~~$79~~ $63.20

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Primaveral Hues' - Nature-Themed Colorful Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

New Arrival

Primaveral Hues, Nature-Themed Colorful Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$48.60 Wholesale

~~$54~~ $48.60

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Palette of Leaves' - Multicolor Leaf-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Bestseller

Palette of Leaves, Multicolor Leaf-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$48.60 Wholesale

~~$54~~ $48.60

Floral Harmony, Vine Floral Grey Blue White Hand Block-Printed Cotton Shawl

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$33.30 Wholesale

~~$37~~ $33.30

Silk batik shawl, 'Favorite Memories' - Silk batik shawl

Bestseller

Favorite Memories, Silk batik shawl

Melati's Collection

(86)

$120.60 Wholesale

~~$134~~ $120.60

Hand-embroidered wool shawl, 'Sighs of Nature' - Leafy-Themed White and Delft Blue Embroidered Wool Shawl

Bestseller

Sighs of Nature, Leafy-Themed White and Delft Blue Embroidered Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$53.10 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $53.10

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Thought' - Floral-Themed Grey and Red Alpaca Blend Shawl Knit in Peru

Bestseller

Thought, Floral-Themed Grey and Red Alpaca Blend Shawl Knit in Peru

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$80.10 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $80.10

Hand-embroidered wool and cotton blend shawl, 'Floral Whispers' - Hand-Embroidered Wool and Cotton Blend Shawl in Blue

Bestseller

Floral Whispers, Hand-Embroidered Wool and Cotton Blend Shawl in Blue

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Kashmir Dreams, Floral-Themed Wool Shawl with Chain-Stitched Embroidery

Shahid

(16)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Whispering Woods, Hand Crafted Batik Cotton Blend Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$62.10 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $62.10

Paisley Whispers, Hand-Embroidered Wool and Cotton Blend Shawl in Turquoise

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$39.60 Wholesale

~~$44~~ $39.60

Safron Vines, Block-Printed Cotton Shawl with Leafy and Floral Pattern

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$33.30 Wholesale

~~$37~~ $33.30

Jacquard wool shawl, 'Morning Muse' - Paisley-Patterned Jacquard Wool Shawl

Bestseller

Morning Muse, Paisley-Patterned Jacquard Wool Shawl

Adil

(12)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

Jamawar wool shawl, 'Regal Splendor' - Woven Fringed Jamawar Wool Shawl in Blue Purple & Yellow

Bestseller

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

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$30.60 Wholesale

~~$34~~ $30.60

Block-printed cotton shawl, 'Haveli Gate' - Block-Printed Paisley-Motif Cotton Shawl

Bestseller

Contrasting Paisley, Block-Printed Paisley-Motif Cotton Shawl

Vijay Singh

(415)

$20.70 Wholesale

~~$23~~ $20.70

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

Sajad

(155)

$26.10 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $26.10

Kawung Plains in Iris, Hand Dyed Kawung Batik Silk Shawl With Floral Pattern

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$51.30 Wholesale

~~$57~~ $51.30

Buoyant Blossom, Indian Block-Printed Cotton Shawl

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$33.30 Wholesale

~~$37~~ $33.30

Primaveral Glory, Spring-Themed Azure Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Saqib Khan

(2)

$62.10 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $62.10

Block-printed viscose shawl, 'Golden Temples' - Block-Printed Leaf and Floral-Motif Beaded Shawl

Bestseller

Chocolate Fantasy, Block-Printed Leaf and Floral-Motif Beaded Shawl

Vijay Singh

(415)

$26.10 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $26.10

The Orchard, Block Printed Fringed Silk Shawl with Tree Motifs from India

Sikha Gangopadhay

(1)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

Dark Dreams, Hand-Woven Cotton and Silk Shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Paisley Charm, Cotton & Wool Shawl with Paisley Pattern Woven in India

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$26.10 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $26.10

Purple Fern Shadow, Handpainted Sheer White Silk Shawl with Purple Ferns

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$98.10 Wholesale

~~$109~~ $98.10

Subtle Leaf, Leaf Print Shawl from India in Hand Woven Silk

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$53.10 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $53.10

Kani Midnight, Richly Decorated India Floral Motif Handwoven Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Kashmir Paradise, Classic Printed Sage-Toned Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Regal Charm, Cotton & Wool Shawl with Paisley Pattern Woven in India

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$26.10 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $26.10

Curated gift set, 'Peacock Tradition' - Handcrafted Green-Toned Peacock-Themed Curated Gift Set

23

34

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Peacock Tradition, Handcrafted Green-Toned Peacock-Themed Curated Gift Set

(1)

$72

~~$80~~ $72

Kolkata Joy, Hand Block Printed 100% Tussar Silk Shawl from India

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$53.10 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $53.10

Curated gift set, 'Chic & Charismatic' - Handcrafted Leather, Cotton and Wool Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Chic & Charismatic, Handcrafted Leather, Cotton and Wool Curated Gift Set

(1)

$120.70

~~$142~~ $120.70

Leafy Fantasy, Leafy and Floral Printed Jonquil Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Twilight Blossom, Artisan Made Blue Wool Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Jade Garden Fantasy, Printed Jade Wool and Silk Blend Shawl with Colorful Details

Saqib Khan

(2)

$62.10 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $62.10

Ancient Poetry, Hand-Woven Chanderi Cotton Blend Shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Azure Leaves, Block-Printed Leaf-Motif Cotton Shawl

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$33.30 Wholesale

~~$37~~ $33.30

Kashmir Realm, Floral Printed Imperial Purple Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Banana Bunch, Hand-Painted Silk Chiffon Banana-Themed Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$89.10 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $89.10

Kashmir at Morning, Nature-Themed Floral Printed Ivory 100% Modal Fringed Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Forest of Bengal, Handwoven Indigo and Ivory Patterned Indian Silk Shawl

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$53.10 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $53.10

Emerald Bliss, Green Silk Shawl with Hand-Block Printed Leafy Pattern

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$60.30 Wholesale

~~$67~~ $60.30

Fresh Ferns, Green and Orange Embroidered Off-White Cotton Silk Shawl

Uma Tripathi

(13)

$51.30 Wholesale

~~$57~~ $51.30

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

Shahid

(16)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

Kingdom Come, Block-Printed Cotton and Silk Shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$30.60 Wholesale

~~$34~~ $30.60

Ash Elegance, Handloomed Cotton Blend Ash Shawl with Printed Leafy Details

Isha Jain

(152)

$26.10 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $26.10

Spring Rain, Artisan Crafted Floral Wool Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Utopia, Hand Made Floral Wool Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Spring Vitality, Floral Printed Green and Red Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

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

Shahid

(16)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

Fuchsia Glam, Paisley and Leafy Fuchsia Wool and Silk Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$116.10 Wholesale

~~$129~~ $116.10

Silk shawl, 'Paisley Glam' - Multicolored Silk Shawl with Screen-Printed Paisley Motifs

Coming back

Paisley Glam, Multicolored Silk Shawl with Screen-Printed Paisley Motifs

Arnab Roy

(15)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Blooming Sunshine' - Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl in a Honey Base Hue

Coming back

Blooming Sunshine, Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl in a Honey Base Hue

Saqib Khan

(2)

$69.30 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $69.30

Olive Fusion, Floral and Stitched Wool Shawl Woven in India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Evening Garden, Onyx and Alabaster Floral Woven Jamawar-Inspired Shawl

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$35.10 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $35.10

Singing Bird, Woven Fringed Wool Shawl with Floral Leaf and Bird Motifs

Arnab Roy

(15)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

Blooms in The Sky, Woven Blue Wool Shawl with Floral Motif & Stitching Accents

Arnab Roy

(15)

$44.10 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $44.10

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