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.

Unique Spring Accessories at NOVICA

Royal Art, Blue Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95

Jacquard shawl, 'Paisley Grandeur' - Viscose Blend Floral and Paisley Shawl from India

Bestseller

Paisley Grandeur, Viscose Blend Floral and Paisley Shawl from India

Seema

(171)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95

Rayon chenille scarf, 'Enchanted Sky' - Handwoven Mint and Aqua Rayon Chenille Scarf from Guatemala

Bestseller

Enchanted Sky, Handwoven Mint and Aqua Rayon Chenille Scarf from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Silk batik shawl, 'Euphoria' - Handcrafted Floral Silk Wrap Shawl

Bestseller

Euphoria, Handcrafted Floral Silk Wrap Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Cattleman Ranger, Golden Tan Men's Leather Hat

Gabriela Veronica

(24)

$129.95 Wholesale

$129.95

Silk batik scarf, 'Sky Blue Blossom' - Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

Bestseller

Sky Blue Blossom, Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

Melati's Collection

(86)

$79 Wholesale

$79

Rayon shawl, 'Nature's Ethereal Inspiration' - Guatemalan Rayon Shawl

Bestseller

Nature's Ethereal Inspiration, Guatemalan Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$129 Wholesale

$129

Silk scarf, 'Peacock Blue' - Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Peacock Blue, Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Silk shawl, 'Comforting Turquoise' - Handwoven Fringed Silk Shawl in Emerald from Thailand

Bestseller

Comforting Turquoise, Handwoven Fringed Silk Shawl in Emerald from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Hand-woven cotton and silk shawl, 'Sandy Pyramids' - Hand Woven Cotton Muslin and Silk Shawl

Bestseller

Sandy Pyramids, Hand Woven Cotton Muslin and Silk Shawl

Aftab

(164)

$44 Wholesale

$44

Sapphire Dreamer, Rayon Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$69 Wholesale

$69

Silk batik fan, 'Deep Blue Blossom' - Batik Silk Fan from Indonesia

Bestseller

Deep Blue Blossom, Batik Silk Fan from Indonesia

Melati's Collection

(86)

$37 Wholesale

$37

Rayon chenille scarf, 'Orchid Dreamer' - Rayon Chenille Scarf

Bestseller

Orchid Dreamer, Rayon Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$64 Wholesale

$64

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Spring' - Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Bestseller

Shimmering Green, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Jade Jasmine, Green Batik Silk Scarf

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Lucky Green, Artisan-Made Forest Green 100% Cotton Bucket Hat from Bali

Maura Marlyna

$49.95 Wholesale

$49.95

Men's black leather belt, 'Timeless Style in Black' - Men's Black Leather Belt with Brass Buckle

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

Anoop Rana

(27)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95

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

Vinita

(739)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95

Balinese Springtime, Women's Floral Silk Batik Fan

Melati's Collection

(86)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Aqua Bouquet, Aqua Floral Pattern Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Cotton sun hat, 'Floral Space' (4.5-inch brim) - Floral Cotton Sun Hat with Ivory Piping and 4.5-Inch Brim

Floral Space, Floral Cotton Sun Hat with Ivory Piping and 4.5-Inch Brim

Olivier Thuillard

(1)

$74 Wholesale

$74

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

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$59 Wholesale

$59

San Juan Fiesta, Colorful Cotton Shawl Crafted in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$99.95 Wholesale

$99.95

Rayon scarf, 'Mystic Maya Meadows' - Backstrap Loom Handwoven Green Rayon Scarf

Bestseller

Mystic Maya Meadows, Backstrap Loom Handwoven Green Rayon Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$54 Wholesale

$54

Kawung Biru, Blue and Green Traditional Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Geometric Charm, Rhombus-Themed Beige Blue Handloomed Fringed Cotton Scarf

Miriam and Debora

(14)

$114 Wholesale

$114

Irish linen patchwork cap, 'Donegal Skies' - Blue Irish Linen Patchwork Cap

Bestseller

Donegal Skies, Blue Irish Linen Patchwork Cap

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$74.95 Wholesale

$74.95

Silk batik fan, 'Red Fern' - Indonesian Silk Patterned Fan

Bestseller

Red Fern, Indonesian Silk Patterned Fan

Melati's Collection

(86)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Men's straw hat, 'Equator' - Men's Ecuadorian Straw Panama Hat with Ribbon Trim

Bestseller

Equator, Men's Ecuadorian Straw Panama Hat with Ribbon Trim

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(597)

$139.95 Wholesale

$139.95

Hand-woven batik silk scarves, 'Teal Sea' (pair) - Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Teal (Pair)

Bestseller

Teal Sea, Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Teal (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Subtle Movement in Purple, Purple and Beige Handwoven Fringed Scarf with Tassels

Petrona Perez and the Women Artisans Association

(11)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Smooth Breeze in Blue, Handwoven Rayon Wrap Scarf in Blue from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Curated gift box, 'Feeling Lucky' - Blue-Toned Traditional Gift Set Handcrafted by Thai Artisans

Gift Set | Feeling Lucky, Blue-Toned Traditional Gift Set Handcrafted by Thai Artisans

$126.90

~~$141~~ $126.90

Cotton and silk blend shawl, 'Yellow Paisley Dreams' - Paisley Shawl in Cotton and Silk Blend with Embroidery

Bestseller

Yellow Paisley Dreams, Paisley Shawl in Cotton and Silk Blend with Embroidery

Uma Tripathi

(13)

$69 Wholesale

$69

Tie-dyed silk scarf, 'Candy Sea' - Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Candy Sea, Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Rayon shawl, 'Peaceful' - Green and Turquoise Hand Woven Rayon Shawl

Bestseller

Peaceful, Green and Turquoise Hand Woven Rayon Shawl

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$119 Wholesale

$119

Paths, Earth-Tone Rayon Chenille Scarf from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$69 Wholesale

$69

Jamawar wool shawl, 'Himalayan Heirloom' - Indian Jamawar Wool Shawl with Paisley Motifs

Bestseller

Himalayan Heirloom, Indian Jamawar Wool Shawl with Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95

Cotton sun hat, 'Floral World' (6-inch brim) - Floral Cotton Sun Hat with Ivory Piping and 6-Inch Brim

Floral World, Floral Cotton Sun Hat with Ivory Piping and 6-Inch Brim

Olivier Thuillard

(1)

$84 Wholesale

$84

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

Anoop Rana

(27)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95

Silk batik shawl, 'Ocean Summer' - Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Bestseller

Ocean Summer, Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Rayon chenille scarf, 'Radiant Lagoon' - Blue Backstrap Loom Rayon Chenille Scarf

Bestseller

Radiant Lagoon, Blue Backstrap Loom Rayon Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Balinese Seashells, Handpainted White Silk Shawl with Seashells

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$109 Wholesale

$109

Bold Teal, Handmade Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$34 Wholesale

$34

Rainforest, Guatemalan Rayon Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Cotton scarves, 'Wave of Love' (pair) - Pair of Cotton Tie-Dye Scarves in Blue and Yellow

Wave of Love, Pair of Cotton Tie-Dye Scarves in Blue and Yellow

Vinita

(739)

$37 Wholesale

$37

100% alpaca scarf, 'Coastal Colors' - Unisex Teal Alpaca Scarf

Bestseller

Coastal Colors, Unisex Teal Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$69 Wholesale

$69

White Geometric Charm, Handwoven Fringed White Cotton Scarf with Rhombus Motifs

Miriam and Debora

(14)

$114 Wholesale

$114

Wool belt, 'Inca Flowers' - Hand-Embroidered Floral Wool Belt from Peru

Bestseller

Inca Flowers, Hand-Embroidered Floral Wool Belt from Peru

Alicia Huaman

(58)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Curated gift set, 'Orchid Spring' - Spring-Themed Floral Curated Gift Set from Thailand

Gift Set | Orchid Spring, Spring-Themed Floral Curated Gift Set from Thailand

$116.10

~~$129~~ $116.10

Sunshine Illusion, Handwoven Thai Silk Scarf in Golden Yellows

Vinita

(739)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Cotton scrunchies, 'United Femininity' (set of 5) - Set of 5 Colorful Cotton Scrunchies from Guatemala

Bestseller

United Femininity, Set of 5 Colorful Cotton Scrunchies from Guatemala

San Antonio Palopo Cooperative

(7)

$19 Wholesale

$19

Aqua Mist, Maya Backstrap Handwoven Aqua Chenille Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Blue Geometric Charm, Geometric-Themed Hand-Woven Fringed Cotton Scarf in Blue Hue

Miriam and Debora

(14)

$117 Wholesale

$117

Cotton scarf, 'Youthful Spring' - Handwoven Striped Cotton Scarf in Wisteria from Guatemala

Bestseller

Youthful Spring, Handwoven Striped Cotton Scarf in Wisteria from Guatemala

Candelaria Julajuj

(1)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Dimensions of Kawung, Red, Yellow, and Brown Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$57 Wholesale

$57

Cerise Denpasar, Ikat-Patterned Cerise 100% Cotton Bucket Hat Made in Bali

Maura Marlyna

$59 Wholesale

$59

Silhouette in Burnt Sienna, Hand Woven Ikat Pattern Burnt Sienna Scarf

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Sky of Flowers, Handcrafted Cotton Muslin and Silk Shawl from India

Aftab

(164)

$44 Wholesale

$44

Tie-dyed silk scarf, 'Smiling Sea' - Fringed Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Smiling Sea, Fringed Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Tropical Birds, Hand Painted Bird Theme Signed Silk Chiffon Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$109 Wholesale

$109

Silk batik scarf, 'Jasmine Mist' - Indonesian Handmade Teal Batik Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Jasmine Mist, Indonesian Handmade Teal Batik Silk Scarf

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$40.79 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $40.79

Cotton scarves, 'Delightful Breeze in Red' (pair) - Cotton Wrap Scarves in Red Pink and Orange (Pair)

Bestseller

Delightful Breeze in Red, Cotton Wrap Scarves in Red Pink and Orange (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$37 Wholesale

$37

Hand-woven batik silk scarves, 'Stormy Sky' (pair) - Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Purple and Grey (Pair)

Bestseller

Stormy Sky, Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Purple and Grey (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$44 Wholesale

$44

India Sun, Cotton and silk shawl

Isha Jain

(152)

$27.30 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $27.30

Sun Flare, Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Shawl from India

Khitish

(31)

$64 Wholesale

$64

Upcycled Sari scrunchie, 'Sari Splendor' (color will vary) - Various Color Upcycled Sari Hair Ribbon from India

Bestseller

Sari Splendor, Various Color Upcycled Sari Hair Ribbon from India

GlobeIn Collection

(16)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99

Flower Vine, Floral Cotton Necktie Crafted in Ghana

Michael Butler

(1)

$29 Wholesale

$29

Rayon scarf, 'Iridescent Sunset' - Handwoven Orange and Purple Bamboo Rayon Fringed Scarf

Bestseller

Iridescent Sunset, Handwoven Orange and Purple Bamboo Rayon Fringed Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$57 Wholesale

$57

Autumn Memories, Striped Rayon Wrap Scarf in White from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$57 Wholesale

$57

Sunrise Orange, Handwoven Orange Rayon Chenille Scarf from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Silk batik scarf, 'Royal Java Blue' - Handmade Silk Batik Scarf from Indonesia

Bestseller

Royal Java Blue, Handmade Silk Batik Scarf from Indonesia

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$44 Wholesale

$44

Cotton shawl, 'Breeze of Nature' - Natural Cotton Hand Woven Shawl Wrap from Thailand

Bestseller

Breeze of Nature, Natural Cotton Hand Woven Shawl Wrap from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$23 Wholesale

$23

Cotton scarves, 'Sea of Love' (pair) - Pair of Cotton Scarves in Shades of Blue

Bestseller

Sea of Love, Pair of Cotton Scarves in Shades of Blue

Vinita

(739)

$37 Wholesale

$37

Classy Accent in Pink, Handcrafted Pink Leather Hat with Polyester Hatband

Gabriela Veronica

(24)

$99.95 Wholesale

$99.95

Rayon scarf, 'Pacific Love' - Pacific Blue Purple Stripes Handwoven Rayon Scarf

Bestseller

Pacific Love, Pacific Blue Purple Stripes Handwoven Rayon Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Mist Illusion, Hand Made Thai Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Wine Festival, Multicolored Rayon Chenille Scarf from Guatemala

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Lagoon Shades, Handloomed Green and Turquoise Cotton Shawl with Fringes

Tejedoras de Cajolá

(1)

$74 Wholesale

$74

Fabulous Sea, Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Pride of Africa, Zigzag Pattern Rayon and Cotton Blend Kente Shawl from Ghana

Akoma of West Africa

(5)

$154 Wholesale

$154

Jade Duality, Handwoven Silk Scarf in Green from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$49 Wholesale

$49

Silk batik scarf, 'Blue Jasmine' - Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

Bestseller

Blue Jasmine, Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Warming Relief, Colorful Cotton and Flaxseed Neck Warmer from India

GlobeIn Collection

(16)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99

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