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 Painted Accessories at NOVICA

Silk chiffon scarf, 'Lavender Paradise' - Spring-Themed Hand-Painted Lavender Sheer Silk Chiffon Scarf

Bestseller

Lavender Paradise, Spring-Themed Hand-Painted Lavender Sheer Silk Chiffon Scarf

Hasmik Movsesyan

$75.65 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $75.65

Hand-painted silk scarf, 'Primaveral Beige' - Hand-Painted Floral Soft Beige Silk Scarf from Armenia

Bestseller

Primaveral Beige, Hand-Painted Floral Soft Beige Silk Scarf from Armenia

Armine Aghajanyan

$84.15 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $84.15

Hand-painted silk scarf, 'Burgundy Flowers' - Burgundy Silk Scarf with Hand-Painted Floral Motifs in Gold

Bestseller

Burgundy Flowers, Burgundy Silk Scarf with Hand-Painted Floral Motifs in Gold

Armine Aghajanyan

$84.15 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $84.15

Silk scarf, 'Blossom Breeze' - Fantasy-Themed Floral Multicolor Silk Scarf Painted by Hand

Bestseller

Blossom Breeze, Fantasy-Themed Floral Multicolor Silk Scarf Painted by Hand

Karine and Gohar Matosyan

$84.15 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $84.15

Animal Instincts, Zebra Stripe and Leopard Spot Silk Chiffon Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Hand-painted silk scarf, 'Serene Blooming' - Hand-Painted Floral-Themed Soft Grey 100% Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Serene Blooming, Hand-Painted Floral-Themed Soft Grey 100% Silk Scarf

Armine Aghajanyan

$39.95 Wholesale

~~$47~~ $39.95

Silk scarf, 'Painted Perfection' - Hand-Loomed Bordered Silk Scarf with Hand-Painted Motifs

Bestseller

Painted Perfection, Hand-Loomed Bordered Silk Scarf with Hand-Painted Motifs

Somu and Soma

(21)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Treasured Tulips, Tulip Motif Signed Hand Painted Silk Batik Scarf

Azatuhi and Anna Stepanyan

(2)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Hand painted silk batik scarf, 'Autumn Colors' - Batik Motif Silk Scarf Hand Made in Armenia

Bestseller

Autumn Colors, Batik Motif Silk Scarf Hand Made in Armenia

Azatuhi and Anna Stepanyan

(2)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Silk scarf, 'Tree of Grace' - Hand-Painted Tree of Life-Themed Silk Scarf in a Peach Hue

Bestseller

Tree of Grace, Hand-Painted Tree of Life-Themed Silk Scarf in a Peach Hue

Karine and Gohar Matosyan

$33.15 Wholesale

~~$39~~ $33.15

Hand-painted silk scarf, 'Teal Blooming' - Hand-Painted Floral Soft Teal Silk Scarf from Armenia

Bestseller

Teal Blooming, Hand-Painted Floral Soft Teal Silk Scarf from Armenia

Armine Aghajanyan

$84.15 Wholesale

~~$99~~ $84.15

Hand-painted silk shawl, 'Snow Clad Leaves' - Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Shawl with Leaf Motif from India

Bestseller

Snow Clad Leaves, Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Shawl with Leaf Motif from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Hand painted silk batik scarf, 'Precious Pomegranate in Green' - Pomegranate Motif Silk Batik Scarf from Armenia

Bestseller

Precious Pomegranate in Green, Pomegranate Motif Silk Batik Scarf from Armenia

Azatuhi and Anna Stepanyan

(2)

$65.02 Wholesale

~~$76.49~~ $65.02

Balinese Seashells, Handpainted White Silk Shawl with Seashells

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Twilight Petals' - Blue and Green Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Painted in India

Bestseller

Twilight Petals, Blue and Green Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Painted in India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Pink Vine, Hand-Painted Striped Silk Scarf

Nutcharath

$72.24 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $72.24

Silk batik shawl, 'Ocean Summer' - Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Bestseller

Ocean Summer, Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.59 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $64.59

Sun-Kissed Spring, Yellow and Ivory Floral-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Silk chiffon scarf, 'Passionate Dream' - Floral Red and Blue Hand-Painted Sheer Silk Chiffon Scarf

Bestseller

Passionate Dream, Floral Red and Blue Hand-Painted Sheer Silk Chiffon Scarf

Hasmik Movsesyan

$75.65 Wholesale

~~$89~~ $75.65

Hand-painted silk scarf, 'School of Fish' - Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Scarf with Fish Motif from India

Bestseller

School of Fish, Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Scarf with Fish Motif from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Twilight Flora, Black and Brown Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Painted in India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Pomegranate Summer, Armenian Hand Painted Scarf in 100% Silk

Azatuhi and Anna Stepanyan

(2)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Echoes of Spring, Artisan-Made Hand-Painted Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

My City, Artisan-Made Hand-Painted Cityscape-Themed Green Silk Scarf

Karine and Gohar Matosyan

$41.65 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $41.65

Silk scarf, 'Serene Petals' - Handcrafted Armenian Floral Soft Silk Scarf in Green Hues

Bestseller

Serene Petals, Handcrafted Armenian Floral Soft Silk Scarf in Green Hues

Karine and Gohar Matosyan

$50.15 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $50.15

Tropical Birds, Hand Painted Bird Theme Signed Silk Chiffon Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$124.99 Wholesale

$124.99

Dreamy Lotus, Lotus-Themed Hand-Painted Pink Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Ever Spring' - Floral-Patterned Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Made in India

Bestseller

Ever Spring, Floral-Patterned Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Made in India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Philodendron Plant, 100% Silk Chiffon Hand-Painted Botanical Print Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99

Spring Rhapsody, Spring-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl Painted in India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Palette of Leaves' - Multicolor Leaf-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Bestseller

Palette of Leaves, Multicolor Leaf-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Purple Gerbera Blossoms, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Gerbera Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Aster Memories, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Aster Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Primaveral Hues, Nature-Themed Colorful Wool and Silk Blend Shawl from India

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

White River, Batik Printed Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Yellow Frangipani, Handpainted Floral Sheer Silk Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Flowers of Paradise, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Floral Motif from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Soleil, Hand Painted Rayon Bandana

Sandilou

(3)

$7.79 Wholesale

~~$12.99~~ $7.79

Ocean Sunset, Silk Batik Shawl in Orange and Green from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$62.99 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $62.99

Memories of Spring, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Blue Floral Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Delightful Stripes in Rainbow, Lightweight Rainbow Striped Linen Shawl from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Hill Reflection, Multicolored Hand Painted Pure Silk Scarf

Somu and Soma

(21)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Majestic Spider Mums, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Mum Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Lavender Orchid, Lavender Orchid Handpainted Silk Chiffon Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$124.99 Wholesale

$124.99

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Floral Rumors' - Hand-Painted Multicolor Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Bestseller

Floral Rumors, Hand-Painted Multicolor Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Firework Festival in Brown, Hand-Painted Thai Silk Shawl

Nutcharath

$131.74 Wholesale

~~$154.99~~ $131.74

Tulip Blossoms, Hand Painted Viscose Silk Blend Shawl Tulip Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Pink Chrysanthemums, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Chrysanthemum Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Harmonious Stripes, Hand-Painted Striped Silk Wrap Scarf from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Purple Fern Shadow, Handpainted Sheer White Silk Shawl with Purple Ferns

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Glorious Blossoms, Handmade Floral Silk Painted Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$124.99 Wholesale

$124.99

Violet Lotus, Silk and Rayon Watercolor Batik Shawl from Thailand

Sakornrat Sinthurat

(4)

$169.99 Wholesale

~~$199.99~~ $169.99

Deer Saga, Hand-Painted Bordered Silk Scarf with Deer Motif from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Elephant Family in Green, Hand Painted Thai Batik on Green Cotton Women's Scarf

Alaya Cholprasertsuk

(93)

$32.29 Wholesale

~~$37.99~~ $32.29

Whispering Waters, Hand-Painted Blue Batik Silk Shawl from Thailand

Akkharaphon

(13)

$55.24 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $55.24

Golden Daisy Blossoms, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Daisy Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

The Valley of Flowers, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Purple Floral Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Blue Primrose Blossoms, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Primrose Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Nature Charm, Hand-Carved Pinewood Keychain with Colorful Bird Painting

Hugo Pichiya

(1)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Abstract Lanna, Eco-Friendly Abstract-Motif Silk Shawl

Nutcharath

$131.74 Wholesale

~~$154.99~~ $131.74

Blue Sky Charm, Hand-Carved Pinewood Keychain with Spring Sky Painting

Hugo Pichiya

(1)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Antigua's Charm, Hand-Carved Pinewood Keychain with Antigua's Arch Painting

Hugo Pichiya

(1)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Ocean Currents, Thai Hand Crafted Silk Batik Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$89.24 Wholesale

~~$104.99~~ $89.24

Sweet Vine, Eco-Friendly Thai Silk Shawl

Nutcharath

$131.74 Wholesale

~~$154.99~~ $131.74

Blue Poppy Blossoms, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Blue Poppy Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Indigo Spring, Armenian-Made Spring-Themed Painted Blue Silk Chiffon Scarf

Hasmik Movsesyan

$41.65 Wholesale

~~$49~~ $41.65

Solola Sunset, Handcrafted Red Ombre Rayon Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Celadon Pineapple, Pineapple-Themed Silk Shawl in Celadon and Smoke from Bali

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Whispering Woods, Hand Crafted Batik Cotton Blend Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Firework Festival in Blue, Hand-Crafted Thai Silk Scarf

Nutcharath

$72.24 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $72.24

Nature's Whisper, Hand-Painted Ombre Batik Silk Shawl from Thailand

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Royal Game, Chess-Themed Hand-Painted Silk Scarf from India

Somu and Soma

(21)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Bay of Bengal, Lightweight Striped Linen Shawl in Blue from India

Arnab Roy

(15)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95

Dusty Rose Dots, Fringed Batik Cotton and Rayon Blended Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Speckled Lanna, Hand-Painted Speckled Silk Scarf

Nutcharath

$72.24 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $72.24

Purple Primrose, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Purple Primrose Blossom India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Banana Bunch, Hand-Painted Silk Chiffon Banana-Themed Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99

Azure Love, Hand-Dyed Batik Cotton Blend Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Mystical Barong, Colorful Rayon Scarf with Traditional Balinese Creature

Dayu Menuhari

(5)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Balinese Dragon, Hand Crafted Indonesian Silk Painted Shawl

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$124.99 Wholesale

$124.99

Pine Forest, Hand-Dyed Batik Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$66.29 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $66.29

Lanna Flower, Hand-Painted Flower-Motif Silk Shawl

Nutcharath

$131.74 Wholesale

~~$154.99~~ $131.74

Ocean Cliff, Silk Batik Shawl in Green and Blue from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$72.24 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $72.24

Ocean Hyacinth, Hand Painted Silk Batik Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $84.99

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