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 Hair Accessories at NOVICA

Bestseller

Tiara, Garnet hairpin

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99
Extended delivery

Unique Soul, Handmade Adjustable Ivory and Grey Cotton Macrame Headband

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Floral Vista, Hand Embroidered Wool Headband

Alicia Huaman

(58)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Featured Sale

Eco Pastel, Set of 2 Eco-Friendly Pastel Hair Scunchies

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(15)

$10 Wholesale

~~$19.99~~ $10
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(36)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Featured Sale

Coastal Chic, Turquoise Bone and Wood Hair Pin Accessory from India

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(16)

$6.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $6.99
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(58)

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$19.99
Extended delivery

Night Falls, Black Cotton Headband Hand-Woven in Guatemala

San Antonio Palopo Cooperative

(7)

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Stripes of Joy, Multicolored Cotton Headband Hand-Woven in Guatemala

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(7)

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Palatial Grace, Set of 3 Hand-Carved Natural Brown Mango Wood Hairpins

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(136)

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Strawberry Splendor, Hand-Block Printed Red and White Cotton Bandana

Isha Jain

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Light Brown Spiral, Light Brown Sawo Wood Spiral Motif Hair Pin from Bali

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(113)

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Feathered Nature, Feather-Themed Hand-Painted Hairpin in Warm Hues

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Flowers and Strawberries, Floral and Strawberry Pattern Wool Headband from Peru

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Summer is Here, Striped Yellow & Beige Cotton Headband Handmade in Guatemala

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(7)

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$17.99
Angel of Passion, Wing Hairpin with Sterling Silver Accents and Garnet Jewel

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(249)

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(136)

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Blooming Geometry, Floral and Diamond-Patterned Cotton Bandana

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Tribal Beauty in Open Skies, Cotton-Blend Hair Scrunchies with Cotton Pompoms (Set of 3)

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(36)

$17.99 Wholesale

~~$19.99~~ $17.99
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Amongst Clouds, Light Blue and Green Cotton Headband Hand-Woven in Guatemala

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Quitapena Beauty, Handcrafted Folk Art Cotton Headband from Guatemala

Lopez Garcia Family

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Colorful Traditions, Multicolor Scrunchie Made from Upcycled Cotton in Guatemala

Lopez Garcia Family

(165)

$10.39 Wholesale

~~$12.99~~ $10.39
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Moonlit Ripples, Handcrafted Black and Grey Stripe Cotton Macramé Headband

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(7)

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Boysenberry Smooch, Geometric Patterned Cotton Scrunchie in Boysenberry Tone

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(7)

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Grassy Shores, Handcrafted Yellow and Blue Stripe Cotton Macramé Headband

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(7)

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Red Spell, Handloomed Cotton Red Scrunchie with Geometric Pattern

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(7)

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Spiced Vanilla, Handcrafted Ivory with Brown Stripe Cotton Macramé Headband

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(7)

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Geranium Style, Handcrafted Geranium Cotton Headband from Guatemala

San Antonio Palopo Cooperative

(7)

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Cappuccino, Artisan Crafted Brown and White Headband

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(7)

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Blue Origins, Blue Headband with Bow Handwoven with 100% Cotton Canvas

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(100)

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Pastels, Cotton Headband Hand-Woven in Guatemala with Pastel Stripes

San Antonio Palopo Cooperative

(7)

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Tribal Beauty in Desert, Hand Crafted Cotton-Blend Hair Scrunchies (Set of 3)

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(36)

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Ocher Origins, Ocher Headband with Bow Hand-woven with 100% Cotton Canvas

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(100)

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Cascade, Handmade Jute Headband with Cotton Macrame Accent in Ivory

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Wooded Trail, Handmade Jute Headband with Cotton Macrame Accent

Fatima Dawson

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Lovingly Red, Natural Fiber Hair Pin with Hand-Painted Red Resin Accent

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Lovingly Blue, Natural Fiber Hair Pin with Hand-Painted Blue Resin Accent

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$23
Sylvan Nymph, Hand-Carved Geometric Light Brown Walnut Wood Hair Pin

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Sylvan Queen, Hand-Carved Traditional Dark Brown Walnut Wood Hair Pin

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Featured Reviews

Garnet hairpin, 'Tiara'

Dec 9, 2018

This is my favorite

I have a hard time finding hairpins that stay in and this one does. I would love to buy more with different stones, onyx would be perfect.

Garnet Hairpin

Hairpin

Pretty Hair Accessories

Silver Hairpin

So Dressy

Value Accessories!

Sterling Silver Accessories

Silver Accessories

Accessories

Wood hairpins, 'Noble Grace' (set of 3)

The farm

Feb 17, 2025

Very nice

Smooth and silky. Glides through hair without catching. Stays put too. They do their job while adding some handmade craftsmanship to my style. Thank you NOVICA. So much better than anything from a local store everyone else s wearing.

Brown Accessories

Wood Accessories

Bohemian Accessories

Eco-Friendly Accessories

Embroidered wool headband, 'Floral Vista'

Abigail

Oct 2, 2025

Prettiest birthday present!

This was a 7th year birthday gift for my granddaughter. She loves it and says now she can wear flowers in her hair all the time! It is unique and a pretty addition for any girl's outfit, any time! And any age!

Artistic Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Wool Accessories

Floral Accessories

Hand Woven Accessories