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 Shawls at NOVICA

Bestseller

Shimmering Indigo, Deep Blue Handwoven Raw Silk Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

Midnight Breeze, Handcrafted Fringed Silk Shawl in Black from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Bold Spice, Handcrafted Thai Silk Patterned Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Pink Lipstick, Hot Pink Silk Batik Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Bold Rose, Handcrafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Bold Lily, Purple Hand Crafted Thai Raw Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Strawberry Lady, Hand-Dyed Soft Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Strawberry Red

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Featured Sale

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

Vinita

(739)

$51.99 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $51.99
Mint Lady, Hand-Dyed Soft Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Mint Green

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bold Azure, Handloomed Striped Blue and Azure Silk Shawl with Fringes

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Purple Reflecting Pools, Silk Tie Dye Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Bestseller

Elegance in Indigo, Dark Blue Women's Woven Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Bestseller

Breeze of Brown Purple, Hand Spun Cotton Shawl Wrap in Brown Purple and Pink

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Beautiful Sunset, Ombre Cotton Shawl in Red and Orange from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$23.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $23.99
Shimmering Vermilion, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Shimmering Green, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Featured Sale

Cool Stripes in Amber, Handwoven Striped Cotton Shawl in Amber from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99
Liquid Amber, Fringed Batik Cotton Shawl from Thailand

Kittiya Intaprom

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Psychedelic Tic-Tac-Toe, Dark Brown Silk Batik Shawl with Orange and Yellow

Chomsuda Samana

(75)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Hydrangea Spring, Blue and Green Fringed Silk Shawl Hand-Woven in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Blue Treasure, Handcrafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Featured Sale

Cool Stripes in Espresso, Handwoven Striped Cotton Shawl in Espresso from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $35.99
Bestseller

Cool Night, Ombre Cotton Shawl in Blue from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Inner Pink, Handcrafted Knit Wool Blend Capelet in Pink and Grey

Violet

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Pink Feelings, Handcrafted Pink and Brown Knit Acrylic Capelet with Tassels

Violet

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Firework Festival in Brown, Hand-Painted Thai Silk Shawl

Nutcharath

$154.99 Wholesale

$154.99
Fireworks on Maroon, Batik Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Elegance in Cream, Flowers on Cream Color Rayon Blend Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Teal Reflecting Pools, Thai Artisan Crafted Teal and Blue Tie Dyed Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Purple Delight, Hand-Spun Woven and Dyed Fringed Silk Batik Scarf in Purple

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Breeze of Blue Purple, Hand Woven Cotton Shawl Thai Blue Purple Wrap

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Mekong River, Hand Woven Red Pink and Yellow Tie Dyed Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Violet Lotus, Silk and Rayon Watercolor Batik Shawl from Thailand

Sakornrat Sinthurat

(4)

$199.99 Wholesale

$199.99

There are 121 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Indigo'

Anne

Oct 28, 2016

Gorgeous shawl

I absolutely love this shawl!! I bought it to go with a navy blue evening gown and was concerned the two blues wouldn't match. They look great together. The shimmering quality of the silk make it so it would complement many shades of navy.

A Beautifully Formal Shawl

Dry

Elegant Shawl

Elegant Wrap

Gorgeous Special Occasion Shawls

Great Dark Blue Outfit

Ladies Shawl

Navy Blue Scarves And Wraps

Shawl Wrap

So Funky !

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Spring'

Isabelle D.

Sep 23, 2017

Beautiful Shawl

I bought this shawl as a gift and they absolutely loved it. The colour is exactly the same as in the photo and the texture exquisite. It's such a beautiful work of art. Thank you

Blue

Evening Dinner Night Out

Formal Dress Cover Ups

Formal Shawl

Formal Shawls

Shimmer Shawl

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Cinnamon'

Lady Purrl

Jun 17, 2016

Love this!

Showed more pink on my monitor, but they said shades of brown and that's what it is. Cool pink-tinted cinnamon blending to a rich, cool chocolate, darker than I expected but actually more stunning because of it! My only problem is nothing to wear it with (which I knew when I bought it). I plan on making a dress just so I have something to show this off... The artist did such a lovely job! Thank you!!!

Cool

Popular Wedding Shawls

Quality Silk Shawl

So Funky !!

Very Nice Ombre Shawl