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 Jaquard Accessories at NOVICA

Bestseller

Paisley Grandeur, Viscose Blend Floral and Paisley Shawl from India

Seema

(171)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Bestseller

Floral Paisley, Paisley and Floral Jacquard Woven Shawl in Melon and Rose

Sajad

(155)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Bestseller

Himalayan Heirloom, Indian Jamawar Wool Shawl with Paisley Motifs

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95
Bestseller

Passionate Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Majestic Paisley, Paisley Floral-Themed Reversible Jamawar Jacquard Wool Shawl

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Mandarin Jet, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Black Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Paisley Dreams, Hand-Embroidered Midnight Blue Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Forever Green, Bright Green Hand Loomed Fringed Varanasi Silk Shawl

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Cyan Glamour, All-Wool Sky Blue Women's Shawl Handwoven in India

Sajad

(155)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Paisley Delight, Reversible Modal Jacquard Shawl in Muted Jewel Tones

Sajad

(155)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Bestseller

Morning Muse, Paisley-Patterned Jacquard Wool Shawl

Adil

(12)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Bestseller

Magic Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Paisley Patterned Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Bestseller

Paisley Extravagance, Red Jamawar Style Paisley and Floral Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Paisley Day, Hand-Embroidered Fringed Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Earthy Panache, Jacquard Weave Sienna Wool Shawl from Indian Artisan

Sajad

(155)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Bestseller

Icy Paisley, Hand-Embroidered Wool Shawl with Paisley Motif

Shahid

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Midnight Panache, Indian Midnight Blue Paisley Weave Wool Shawl for Women

Sajad

(155)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Red Paracas Shadows, Alpaca Blend Crimson and Cinnabar Scarf

Waldo Berrios

(98)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Turquoise and Blueberry, Turquoise and Blue Reversible Alpaca Blend Jacquard Scarf

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Magenta Glamour, Indian Hand Crafted Magenta Jacquard Wool Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Mandarin Dusk, Rich Purple and Gray Rayon Blend Jacquard Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Ikat Sweetness, Ikat Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf Handwoven in India

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Paisley Fanfare in Maize, Jacquard Woven Turquoise and Maize Modal Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Mandarin Ivory, Cream Colored Rayon and Silk Blend Jacquard Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Acanthus Garden, Leaf and Floral Motif Jacquard Modal Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Sunset Glamour, Artisan Crafted Orange Paisley Jacquard Wool Wrap

Sajad

(155)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Geometric Beauty, Woven Fringed Jamawar Wool Shawl in Black Yellow and Green

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Tangerine Ecstasy, Floral Paisley Varanasi Silk Shawl in Orange and White

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Sweet Mandarin, Artisan Crafted Thai Rayon Blend Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Green Bouquet, Spring Green Rayon and Silk Blend Floral Jacquard Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Fuchsia Passion, Fuchsia 100% Varanasi Silk Floral Shawl with Paisley Borders

Madhu Agrawal

(86)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Elegance in Pink, Pale Pink Floral Jacquard Shawl of a Rayon/Silk Blend

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Violet Sunsets, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Jacquard Shawl Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Mandarin Royal, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Floral Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Delightful Flare, Fringed Jacquard Wool Shawl with Stripes Woven in India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Mandarin Sky, Artisan Crafted Blue Rayon Blend Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Subtle Elegance in Black, Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl in Black Floral Damask

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Elegance in Jade, Jade Green Rayon and Silk Blend Floral Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Paisley Fanfare in Cardinal, Blue and Red Jacquard Woven Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Glamorous Flare, Fringed Jacquard Wool Shawl with Stripes in Orange and Red

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Mystical Waves, Jacquard Wave Pattern Viscose Blend Shawl from India

Seema

(171)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Ivory Bouquet, Floral Ivory Rayon Blend Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Featured Reviews

Rayon and silk blend shawl, 'Sweet Mandarin'

Stephanie

Sep 27, 2017

The vibrant color is so cheerful!

This scarf's flower motif is stunning and the energetic color is quite eye-catching! The fabric is exceptionally soft and drapes beautifully. This scarf is a versatile accessory, since I can pair it with both casual outfits and cocktail dresses. When I wear it, I always get compliments.

Hand-embroidered wool shawl, 'Magic Paisley'

Terry

Oct 3, 2024

Beautiful colors, heavy embroidery

This shawl's background material is fairly finely woven with a paisley pattern. The embroidery, in contrast, is made with fairly heavy thread. The colors are beautiful. The heavy embroidery makes this particularly good for wearing with a winter coat or on a very chilly day

Embroidered Stoles

Jaquard Accessories

Embroidered Accessories

Blue Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Wool Accessories

Paisley Accessories

Accessories