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.

Thai Women's Accessories at NOVICA

Curated gift box, 'Violet Spring' - Thai Purple Cotton Scarves with Gemstone Jewelry Set

Gift Set | Violet Spring, Thai Purple Cotton Scarves with Gemstone Jewelry Set

$108.68

~~$142.97~~ $108.68

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)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Tie-dyed silk scarf, 'Ruby Love' - Ruby Red Tie-Dyed Handwoven Silk Scarf with Fringe

Bestseller

Ruby Love, Ruby Red Tie-Dyed Handwoven Silk Scarf with Fringe

Vinita

(739)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Silk scarf, 'Roses and Red Wine' - Handcrafted Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Roses and Red Wine, Handcrafted Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

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

Bestseller

Smiling Sea, Fringed Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Curated gift set, 'Ocean Bound' - Curated Gift Set with Earrings Anklet and 2 Scarfs in Blue

39.99

44.95

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Ocean Bound, Curated Gift Set with Earrings Anklet and 2 Scarfs in Blue

$106.19

~~$124.93~~ $106.19

Coconut shell belt, 'Thai Forest' - Coconut Shell Belt

Bestseller

Thai Forest, Coconut Shell Belt

Sasithon Saisuk

(142)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Charming Candy, Handwoven Cotton Scarf with Candy Colors from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$14.99 Wholesale

~~$19.99~~ $14.99

Cotton infinity scarf, 'Burgundy Horizon' - Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Burgundy Horizon, Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Green Wilderness, Tie Dye Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Curated gift set, 'Glam Blue' - Blue Infinity Scarf Earrings and Catchall Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Glam Blue, Blue Infinity Scarf Earrings and Catchall Curated Gift Set

$90.06

~~$102.93~~ $90.06

Silk scarf, 'Lava Sea' (medium) - Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Medium)

Lava Sea, Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Medium)

Vinita

(739)

$51.99 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $51.99

Summer Jungle, Women's Pleated 100% Silk Scarf in Brown Olive and Ochre

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

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)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Curated gift set, 'Sweet Style' - Purple and Pink 2 Scarves Necklace Earrings Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Sweet Style, Purple and Pink 2 Scarves Necklace Earrings Curated Gift Set

$89.97

~~$99.97~~ $89.97

Cotton scarves, 'Innocent Colors' (pair) - Two Handwoven Ombre Cotton Wrap Scarves from Thailand

Bestseller

Innocent Colors, Two Handwoven Ombre Cotton Wrap Scarves from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$38.39 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $38.39

Purple Wilderness, Thai Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

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

Bestseller

Shimmering Vermilion, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Evolving Olive, Handcrafted Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

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)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

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

$126.87

~~$140.97~~ $126.87

Handmade scarves, 'Classy Warmth' (set of 2) - Set of 2 Lightweight Scarves in Olive and Mushroom

Bestseller

Classy Warmth, Set of 2 Lightweight Scarves in Olive and Mushroom

Kitthanapong

(1)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Cotton scarves, 'Summer Morning' (pair) - Handwoven Cotton Scarves in Cool Tones from Thailand (Pair)

Bestseller

Summer Morning, Handwoven Cotton Scarves in Cool Tones from Thailand (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Cocoa Mystique, Fair Trade Silk Tie Dye Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $39.99

Rayon and silk blend shawl, 'Mandarin Jet' - Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Black Shawl with Floral Motif

Bestseller

Mandarin Jet, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Black Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Hand-dyed silk scarf, 'Passionate Transition' - Hand-Dyed Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Passionate Transition, Hand-Dyed Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$46.39 Wholesale

~~$57.99~~ $46.39

Curated gift box, 'To Infinity' - Infinity-Themed Earrings Bracelet & Scarf Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | To Infinity, Infinity-Themed Earrings Bracelet & Scarf Curated Gift Set

$95.37

~~$105.97~~ $95.37

Cotton infinity scarf, 'Foggy Night' - Dark Blue and White 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Foggy Night, Dark Blue and White 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Curated gift set, 'Dazzling Style' - Curated Gift Set with Red Earrings Necklace and Shawl

29.99

39.99

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Dazzling Style, Curated Gift Set with Red Earrings Necklace and Shawl

$82.48

~~$109.97~~ $82.48

Cotton-blend hair scrunchies, 'Hmong Spirit in Green' (pair) - Artisan Crafted Cotton-Blend Hair Scrunchies (Pair)

Hmong Spirit in Green, Artisan Crafted Cotton-Blend Hair Scrunchies (Pair)

Thikaporn

(36)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Silk batik scarf, 'Orchid Duality' - Handcrafted Batik Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Orchid Duality, Handcrafted Batik Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Indigo' - Deep Blue Handwoven Raw Silk Shawl from Thailand

Bestseller

Shimmering Indigo, Deep Blue Handwoven Raw Silk Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Mae Nam Khong Valley, Silk batik scarf

Vinita

(739)

$38.39 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $38.39

Charmed Sea, Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Abstract Patterned 100% Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Batik cotton scarves, 'Mangosteen Colors' (pair) - 2 Tie-Dyed Handwoven Batik Cotton Scarves in Purple and Blue

Bestseller

Mangosteen Colors, 2 Tie-Dyed Handwoven Batik Cotton Scarves in Purple and Blue

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Handmade scarves, 'Bright Charm' (set of 2) - Two Handwoven Lightweight Orange and Green Scarves

Bestseller

Bright Charm, Two Handwoven Lightweight Orange and Green Scarves

Kitthanapong

(1)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Handmade scarves, 'Gorgeous Green' (set of 2) - Two Hand-Woven Lightweight Scarves in Green Shades

Gorgeous Green, Two Hand-Woven Lightweight Scarves in Green Shades

Kitthanapong

(1)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Silk batik scarf, 'Mae Nam Khong Waters' - Batik Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Mae Nam Khong Waters, Batik Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$27.99 Wholesale

~~$34.99~~ $27.99

Cotton scarves, 'Sunrise Breeze' (pair) - Handwoven Bright Striped Cotton Wrap Scarves (Pair)

Sunrise Breeze, Handwoven Bright Striped Cotton Wrap Scarves (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Sweet Transition, Blue Green Grey Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Silk scarf, 'Summer Teal' - Teal Silk Scarf Crafted from Hand Spun Yarns in Thailand

Bestseller

Summer Teal, Teal Silk Scarf Crafted from Hand Spun Yarns in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Batik cotton scarf, 'Vibrant Glam' - Hand-Spun Dyed Wrinkled Batik Cotton Scarf in Blue and Green

Bestseller

Vibrant Glam, Hand-Spun Dyed Wrinkled Batik Cotton Scarf in Blue and Green

Vinita

(739)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Silk scarf, 'Lava Sea' (small) - Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Small)

Bestseller

Lava Sea, Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Small)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

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)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Coconut shell belt, 'Thai Circle of Love' - Hand Crafted Modern Coconut Shell Belt

Bestseller

Thai Circle of Love, Hand Crafted Modern Coconut Shell Belt

Sasithon Saisuk

(142)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

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

Vinita

(739)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95

Magical Sky, Dyed Blue Silk Shawl with Fringe Hand-Woven in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$51.99 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $51.99

Purple Skies, Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf in Purple and White

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Friendly Touch, Hand Woven Orange Striped Silk Blend Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Silk shawl, 'Bold Rose' - Handcrafted Silk Shawl

Bestseller

Bold Rose, Handcrafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Handmade scarves, 'Dulcet Duo' (set of 2) - Set of 2 Handwoven Soft Azalea and Steel Blue Scarves

Dulcet Duo, Set of 2 Handwoven Soft Azalea and Steel Blue Scarves

Kitthanapong

(1)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Strawberry Lady, Hand-Dyed Soft Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Strawberry Red

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Pink Lipstick, Hot Pink Silk Batik Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Evening Breeze, Handmade 100% Cotton Loose Weave Scarf in Green and Orange

Vinita

(739)

$18.74 Wholesale

~~$24.99~~ $18.74

Mint Lady, Hand-Dyed Soft Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Mint Green

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Cotton scarf, 'Winter Star' - Dark Blue Cotton Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Winter Star, Dark Blue Cotton Scarf from Thailand

Jamriang

(161)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Cotton scarf, 'Amethyst Sky' - Thai Tie-Dyed Blue and Purple Cotton Scarf

Bestseller

Amethyst Sky, Thai Tie-Dyed Blue and Purple Cotton Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Bold Lily, Purple Hand Crafted Thai Raw Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Aubergine Autumn, Purple Thai Silk Scarf with Fringe

Vinita

(739)

$63.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $63.99

Silk shawl, 'Bold Spice' - Handcrafted Thai Silk Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Bold Spice, Handcrafted Thai Silk Patterned Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Curated gift set, 'Fire Orchid' - Curated Gift Set with Necklace Earrings and Scarf in Red

Gift Set | Fire Orchid, Curated Gift Set with Necklace Earrings and Scarf in Red

$149.72

~~$177.97~~ $149.72

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

Bestseller

Candy Sea, Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Macaw Colors, Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf in Claret and Avocado from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk scarf, 'Golden Brown Transition' - Hand-dyed Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Golden Brown Transition, Hand-dyed Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Batik cotton scarves, 'Sea Splendor' (pair) - 2 Tie-Dyed Hand-Woven Blue and Green Batik Cotton Scarves

Sea Splendor, 2 Tie-Dyed Hand-Woven Blue and Green Batik Cotton Scarves

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Cotton infinity scarf, 'Smoke' - Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf in Black and White

Bestseller

Smoke, Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf in Black and White

Vinita

(739)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Cozy Olive, Hand-Woven Hill Tribe Fringed Striped Cotton and Rayon Scarf

Thai Tribal Crafts

(71)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Winter Begins, Hand-Woven Bark Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Blues Evolution, Blue and Purple Tie Dye Thai Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $47.99

Handmade scarves, 'Brilliant Warmth' (set of 2) - Pair of Hand-Woven Lightweight Grey and Ivory Scarves

Brilliant Warmth, Pair of Hand-Woven Lightweight Grey and Ivory Scarves

Kitthanapong

(1)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Red Thai Maze, Red and White Silk Shawl Dyed by Hand

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $67.99

Purple Striped, Artisan-Made Rayon and Silk Blend Fringed Scarf in Purple

Vinita

(739)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Vivid Night, Handmade Batik Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59 Wholesale

$59

Ocean Delight, Batik Printed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$54.39 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $54.39

Cotton scarves, 'Colors of Experience' (pair) - Two Handwoven Cotton Wrap Scarves from Thailand

Bestseller

Colors of Experience, Two Handwoven Cotton Wrap Scarves from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Purple Reflecting Pools, Silk Tie Dye Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Silk scarf, 'Rose Magnificence' - Pleated Ombre Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Rose Magnificence, Pleated Ombre Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Silk scarf, 'Blue Thai Sky' - Unique Tie Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Blue Thai Sky, Unique Tie Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Lime Ruffles, Scarf

Banlue Lueruang

(25)

$41.24 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $41.24

Gray Embrace, Batik Patterned Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$27.99 Wholesale

~~$34.99~~ $27.99

Silk shawl, 'Midnight Breeze' - Handcrafted Fringed Silk Shawl in Black from Thailand

Bestseller

Midnight Breeze, Handcrafted Fringed Silk Shawl in Black from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Subtle Colors, Tie-Dyed Fringed Cotton Wrap Scarf in Brown from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Fabulous Sea, Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Tie-dyed cotton scarf, 'Heated Colors' - Tie-Dyed Cotton Wrap Scarf in Red from Thailand

Bestseller

Heated Colors, Tie-Dyed Cotton Wrap Scarf in Red from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

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