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.

The Holiday Catalog | Accessories

Teal Colorful Life, Knit Ivory Blue and Grey 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Gloves

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
Plum Colorful Life, Knit Purple Black Grey 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Gloves

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
Steel Blue Gossamer, 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Steel Blue from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Teal Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Teal from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Gossamer in Wine, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Wine from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Petal Pink Gossamer, 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Petal Pink from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
American Bison, American Bison Socks

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$44
Cattleman Ranger, Golden Tan Men's Leather Hat

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$129.95
Sundari, Women's All Wool Knit Hat Flower Embroidery Nepal

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

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$59.95
Tarma Trek, Unisex Striped Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

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$72.99
Authentic Green, Men's Patterned Knit Green Alpaca Blend Socks from Peru

Justo Huaman

(10)

$28.95 Wholesale

$28.95
Authentic Navy, Men's Navy Blue Alpaca Blend Socks

Justo Huaman

(10)

$28.95 Wholesale

$28.95
Cozy Chic Stripes, Alpaca Blend Socks from Peru

Justo Huaman

(10)

$28.95 Wholesale

$28.95
Luxurious Embrace, Woven 100% Wool Shawl with Fringes from India

Shahid

(16)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Cozy Chic, Alpaca Blend Floral Socks from Peru

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(10)

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$28.95
Reverso, Reversible Unisex Striped 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted in Peru

Briseida Huete

(4)

$69.95 Wholesale

$69.95
Midnight Blue Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf in Navy from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Solstice, Knit Alpaca Blend Neck Warmer in Black Crafted in Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

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$57.99
Marlay, Handcrafted Lined Leather Gloves

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

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$179
Sundari, Women's Knit Wool Convertible Mittens Gloves Multicolored

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(870)

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$58.95
Blue Textured Landscape, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Blue and Teal Shades from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
Colorful Kantha, 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf

Greater Good Collection

$31.95 Wholesale

$31.95
Classic Plaid, Merino Wool and Cashmere Blend Scarf from Ukraine

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(1)

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$29.95
Kamala Stripes, Kamala Convertible Mittens

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

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$49.95
Blue Textured Landscape, 100% Alpaca Blue and Teal Knit Fingerless Mittens from Peru

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Timeless Style, Men's Black Leather Belt with Brass Buckle

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Indigo Andes, Knit Classic Indigo and Orange 100% Baby Alpaca Scarf

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$69.95
Cozy Indigo, Knit Alpaca Blend Scarf in Indigo Blue Shade from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$24.95 Wholesale

$24.95
Cozy Crimson, Knit Alpaca Blend Scarf in Red Shade from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$24.95 Wholesale

$24.95
Timeless Appeal in Spice, Handcrafted Men's Leather Belt in Spice from India

Anoop Rana

(27)

$49.95 Wholesale

$49.95
Seaside Breezes, Artisan Crafted 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95
Andean Style, Unisex 100% Baby Alpaca Knit Hat in Aqua and Orange

Edison Canal

(45)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Vintage Flair in Burgundy, Red Leaf Floral Embossed Leather Belt with Antiqued Buckle

Vikram Uberoi

(6)

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$69.95
San Juan Fiesta, Colorful Cotton Shawl Crafted in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95
Vintage Flair, Antiqued Leaf-Themed Embossed Leather and Brass Alloy Belt

Vikram Uberoi

(6)

$69.95 Wholesale

$69.95
Munay in Taupe, Peruvian Alpaca and Wool Blend Felt Hat in Taupe

Andeana

(7)

$199 Wholesale

$199
Coming back

Champagne Gossamer, Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf in Champagne from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Magenta Colorful Life, Colorful 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Gloves Knitted in Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
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Cozy Ebony, Knit Alpaca Blend Scarf in Black Shade from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

$24.95 Wholesale

$24.95
Smithfield, Men's Leather Dress Gloves

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(597)

$179 Wholesale

$179
Nepal, Fleece-Lined Knit Wool Fingerless Mitts

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Kamala Flowers, Kamala Earflap Hat

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$54.95 Wholesale

$54.95

Featured Reviews

Hand knit wool hat, 'Sundari'

Steven

Feb 4, 2026

Beautiful hat and mittens!

Bought the hat an mittens for my wife, she just loves them. Thank for your hard work and skill in making these items. They will be worn and appreciated for many years.

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