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 Pima Cotton Accessories at NOVICA

Bestseller

Fuchsia Fiesta, Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Fuchsia Surprise, Andean Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

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(169)

$58.49 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $58.49
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Color Play, Baby Alpaca Blend Multicolored Striped Scarf from Peru

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(169)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
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Freesia, Striped Fringed Fuchsia Scarf Hand-Woven from 100% Alpaca

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

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Grey Matter, Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

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(169)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
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Magnificent Grey, Hand Woven Grey Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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$89.99
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Tranquil Paradise, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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(169)

$61.19 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $61.19
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Blazing Warmth, Handwoven Red and Orange Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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(169)

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Empress Beauty, Handwoven Geometric Purple and Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl

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(169)

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$109.99
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Amethyst Lady, Handloomed Purple Alpaca Blend Shawl with Fringes

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(169)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Emboldened, Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$58.49 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $58.49
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Vibrant Andes, Multicolor Shawl Hand Woven in Peru from Baby Alpaca Blend

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(169)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99
Inviting Beauty, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Perfect Pink, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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(169)

$58.49 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $58.49
Bestseller

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

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(31)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Joyous Harmony, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

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(169)

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$64.99
Featured Sale

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.20 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $59.20
Sunset Celebration, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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(169)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Rose Warmth, Handwoven Pink and Purple Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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(169)

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

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Andean Splendor, Multicolored Striped Fringed Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf

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Ocean Blues, Cool Shades Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

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(169)

$53.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $53.99
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Eucalyptus Forest, Multicolored Striped Scarf Hand-woven with 100% Alpaca

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

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(31)

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$67.99
Peacock Path, Teal Patterned Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$53.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $53.99
Glorious Warmth, Hand Woven Orange Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

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(169)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99
Cherries, Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf with Red Green & Yellow Stripes

Ulloa Family

(31)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Street Tangerine, Warm-Toned Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Fiesta Harmony, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Andean Elegance, Striped Fringed Hand-Woven 100% Alpaca Scarf in Blue and Red

Ulloa Family

(31)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Featured Sale

Vibrant Blocks of Color, Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl in Stripes Handwoven from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$66.60 Wholesale

~~$74~~ $66.60
Violet Sunsets, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Jacquard Shawl Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Coming back

Twilight in the Andes, Unisex Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Scarf Hand-woven in Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Coming back

Alluring Grace, Hand Woven Striped Alpaca Blend Wrap Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$61.19 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $61.19
Coming back

Ablaze, Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl in Fuchsia from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Coming back

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

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(169)

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$89.99

Featured Reviews

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Color Play'

Ginny

Oct 16, 2020

Beautiful and then some!!!!

While the colors on the picture of the scarf were lovely the actual scarf was simply brilliant. Will be an asset on any outfit.

Interesting Colors

Striped Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Primary or Jewel Colors Accessories

Wrap Accessories

Cotton Accessories

Rayon Accessories

Pima Cotton Accessories

Alpaca Wool Accessories

Alpaca Accessories

Scarves

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Sunset Celebration'

Lynda

Nov 11, 2021

Absolutely stunning hand crafted piece.

This piece is absolutely breathtaking. It is so soft. The detailing is amazing, and you can tell the artist really took her time creating this. This will be a great staple piece for the holiday season and something I can pass down to my daughters. Thank you so much.

A Shawl!!

Shawls For Evening Dresses

Sunset Colors

Red Accessories

Hand Woven Accessories

Shawls