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 Alpaca Wool Shawls at NOVICA

100% alpaca shawl, 'Turquoise Whisper' - Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Turquoise Whisper, Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$94.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $94.99

100% alpaca shawl, 'Huancayo Blues' - Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Huancayo Blues, Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$112.09 Wholesale

~~$117.99~~ $112.09

Scarlet Leaves, Reversible Red and Black Alpaca Blend Shawl

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$63.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $63.99

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Mountain Sunset' - Bold Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Shawl

Bestseller

Mountain Sunset, Bold Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

100% alpaca shawl, 'Elegant Girl' - Geometric 100% Alpaca Shawl Woven in Peru

Bestseller

Elegant Girl, Geometric 100% Alpaca Shawl Woven in Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Muse in Grey, Charcoal Grey Sheer Knitted Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$91.79 Wholesale

~~$107.99~~ $91.79

Bordeaux Splendor, 100% Alpaca Bordeaux Shawl with Fringes Woven in Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$58.65 Wholesale

~~$69~~ $58.65

Deep Sky, Midnight Blue 100% Alpaca Woven Fringed Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$55.99 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $55.99

Simple Beauty in Smoke, 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Solid Smoke from Peru

Nataly and Alberto

(29)

$132.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $132.99

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Nights' - Handloomed Soft Indigo and Sepia 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Nights, Handloomed Soft Indigo and Sepia 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Muse in Plum' - Alpaca Wool Soft Hand Knit Shawl

Bestseller

Muse in Plum, Alpaca Wool Soft Hand Knit Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$121.49 Wholesale

~~$134.99~~ $121.49

Stylish Stripes, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Grey Hues from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Impressive Stripes' - Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Blue and Cyan

Bestseller

Impressive Stripes, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Blue and Cyan

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$123.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $123.49

Grey Matter, Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$80.74 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $80.74

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Watercolors' - Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Watercolors, Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$75.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $75.99

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Elysium' - Handloomed Soft Lilac and Plum 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Elysium, Handloomed Soft Lilac and Plum 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Reds and Grays, Hand-Woven Striped Red and Gray Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$91.79 Wholesale

~~$107.99~~ $91.79

Gray Squared, Super Soft Grey Plaid Alpaca Wool Patterned Scarf

Felipe Berckholtz

(77)

$142.79 Wholesale

~~$167.99~~ $142.79

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Andean Softness' - Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl From Peru

Bestseller

Andean Softness, Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl From Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$123.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $123.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Autumn Glory' - Handwoven Autumn-Colored Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Autumn Glory, Handwoven Autumn-Colored Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Andean Hues, Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Handwoven in Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Colorful Mixture, Handloomed Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Classic Shades, Handloomed Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Black and Grey

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$78.30 Wholesale

~~$87~~ $78.30

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Magic Morning' - Hand Woven Cerulean Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Magic Morning, Hand Woven Cerulean Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Power Executive' - Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Per

Bestseller

Power Executive, Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Per

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Heights' - Handloomed Soft Ivory and Beige 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Heights, Handloomed Soft Ivory and Beige 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Fuchsia Fiesta' - Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Fuchsia Fiesta, Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Mountain Rainbow, Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

Blue Dahlia, Andean Baby Alpaca Backstrap Loom Blue Floral Shawl

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$89.24 Wholesale

~~$104.99~~ $89.24

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Vibrant Andes' - Multicolor Shawl Hand Woven in Peru from Baby Alpaca Blend

Bestseller

Vibrant Andes, Multicolor Shawl Hand Woven in Peru from Baby Alpaca Blend

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Peruvian Gray, 100% alpaca shawl

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $50.99

100% alpaca shawl, 'Nature in Harmony' - Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Bestseller

Nature in Harmony, Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$123.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $123.49

Sepia Beauty, Handwoven Patterned Alpaca Blend Shawl in Sepia and Ivory

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$80.10 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $80.10

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Ivory Cloud' - Elegant Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Ivory Cloud, Elegant Baby Alpaca and Silk Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$83.59 Wholesale

~~$87.99~~ $83.59

Herringbone Brown, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$51.30 Wholesale

~~$57~~ $51.30

Desert Grace, Handloomed Striped Green and Brown Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Andean Delight in Azure, Alpaca Blend Shawl in Solid Azure from Peru

Cristina Villalobos

(18)

$108.79 Wholesale

~~$127.99~~ $108.79

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Muse' - Pure Alpaca Wool Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Muse, Pure Alpaca Wool Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$90.24 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $90.24

Amethyst Lady, Handloomed Purple Alpaca Blend Shawl with Fringes

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$84.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $84.99

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Geometric Andes' - Alpaca Blend Geometric Shawl in Brick and Slate from Peru

Bestseller

Geometric Andes, Alpaca Blend Geometric Shawl in Brick and Slate from Peru

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$90.24 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $90.24

Olive Fields, Alpaca and silk shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $59.99

Timeless in Charcoal, Backstrap Loom Handwoven Alpaca Shawl in Charcoal Grey

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$80.74 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $80.74

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Moss Elegance' - Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl in Moss Green from Peru

Bestseller

Moss Elegance, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl in Moss Green from Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$118.74 Wholesale

~~$124.99~~ $118.74

Pearly Stripes, Striped Grey and Pearly Ivory 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Felipe Berckholtz

(77)

$165.74 Wholesale

~~$194.99~~ $165.74

Blooming Crimson, Fringed Crimson Alpaca Blend Shawl with Floral Embroidery

Briseida Huete

(4)

$152.99 Wholesale

~~$179.99~~ $152.99

Whispering Navy, Navy Blue Patterned Handwoven Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$79.19 Wholesale

~~$87.99~~ $79.19

Burgundy Diamonds, Handwoven Geometric 100% Alpaca Shawl with Fringes

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$50.39 Wholesale

~~$62.99~~ $50.39

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Sunny Shake' - Handloomed Patterned Yellow Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Bestseller

Sunny Shake, Handloomed Patterned Yellow Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

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

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Sunset Celebration, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$80.74 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $80.74

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Simple Beauty in Forest Green' - 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Forest Green from Peru

Bestseller

Simple Beauty in Forest Green, 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Forest Green from Peru

Nataly and Alberto

(29)

$128.24 Wholesale

~~$134.99~~ $128.24

Cerulean Lagoon, Loomed Striped Cerulean and Midnight 100% Alpaca Shawl

Stefano Basso

(7)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Vibrant Violet, Baby Alpaca Blend Violet Fuchsia Blue Magenta Striped Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$88.40 Wholesale

~~$104~~ $88.40

Cozy Flair, Burgundy Baby Alpaca Blend Fringed Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.20 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $59.20

Nutmeg Zigzag, Women's Alpaca Wool Solid Shawl

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$59.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $59.49

Iris Fields, Iris Purple with Olive Green Woven Alpaca Fringed Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $59.99

Huancayo Intensity, 100% alpaca shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Passionate Woman in Blue' - Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl with Blue Stripes from Peru

Bestseller

Passionate Woman in Blue, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Shawl with Blue Stripes from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Magnificent Grey, Hand Woven Grey Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Rose Warmth, Handwoven Pink and Purple Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Rainbow in the Sky, 100% Alpaca Hand-woven Multicolored Striped Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Pomegranate, Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf in Red Orange Yellow & Green

Ulloa Family

(31)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Dewy Mist, Pearl Grey Alpaca Blend Eyelet and Cable Knit Shawl

Cristina Villalobos

(18)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Burgundy Windowpanes, Handwoven Patterned Burgundy and Brown Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$71.20 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $71.20

Eucalyptus Forest, Multicolored Striped Scarf Hand-woven with 100% Alpaca

Ulloa Family

(31)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Empress Beauty, Handwoven Geometric Purple and Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Berry Beauty, Handwoven Patterned Alpaca Blend Shawl in Berry and Jade

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Subtle Current, Chestnut and Maroon Subtle Patterns Alpaca Blend Woven Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$51.99 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $51.99

Purple Sparkle, Peru Handwoven Purple Alpaca Blend Shawl with Pima Cotton

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$62.04 Wholesale

~~$72.99~~ $62.04

Simple Beauty in Moss Green, 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Moss Green with Fringed Ends

Nataly and Alberto

(29)

$114.74 Wholesale

~~$134.99~~ $114.74

Pink Shake, Handloomed Patterned Pink Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Purple Affection, Peruvian Handloomed Herringbone Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Andean Delight in Sepia, Knit Alpaca Blend Shawl in Sepia from Peru

Cristina Villalobos

(18)

$98.99 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $98.99

Andean Delight in Eggplant, Knit Alpaca Blend Shawl in Eggplant from Peru

Cristina Villalobos

(18)

$108.79 Wholesale

~~$127.99~~ $108.79

Mountain Sky, Handwoven Striped Fringed Alpaca Blend Shawl in Periwinkle

Ulloa Family

(31)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Andean Cocoa, Handcrafted Women's Alpaca Wool Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Warm Mixes, Peruvian Handloomed Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl in Warm Colors

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$65.45 Wholesale

~~$77~~ $65.45

Simple Beauty in Taupe, 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl in Solid Taupe from Peru

Nataly and Alberto

(29)

$118.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $118.99

Andean Glamor, Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf in Ivory with Colorful Stripes

Ulloa Family

(31)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Glorious Warmth, Hand Woven Orange Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$83.29 Wholesale

~~$97.99~~ $83.29

Chestnut Windowpanes, Handwoven Patterned Chestnut Brown Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$71.99 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $71.99

Freesia, Striped Fringed Fuchsia Scarf Hand-Woven from 100% Alpaca

Ulloa Family

(31)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Life in Rose, Soft 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl Handwoven in Pink and Fuchsia

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$84.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $84.99

Crimson Sparkle, Handwoven Red Baby Alpaca Blend and Pima Cotton Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

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