Over $140.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Passport Club

Scarves

892 items

Explore NOVICA's unique collection of Women's Scarves, showcasing the finest handcrafted traditional and contemporary designs by global artisans. This vibrant, tactile collection of plain and patterned scarves ranges from fine silks to soft wools. You'll discover scarves perfect for any climate and every occasion.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - 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.

+ - How warm are shawls?

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.

Answers to your most pressing questions about handmade shawls

From knitted alpaca wool to delicate batik silk, earth tones to bright hues, handmade shawls are a beautiful way to integrate art into your...... read more

Top Scarf Categories

Alpaca Scarves

Batik Scarves

Silk Scarves

Wool Scarves

Cotton Scarves

Floral Scarves

Striped Scarves

Featured Reviews

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Teal Gossamer'

Wendy

Jan 14, 2024

Soft, elegant, light as a feather

This is the prettiest scarf! I love that it is airy and light, so it can be worn inside, and isn't just an outerwear accessory, and also love that it won't have to put away during the warmer months. It makes any outfit look more upscale and elegant. It is also a quality piece, with a lovely smoothness to it, and precise, even stitching.

Patterned Accessories

Solid Accessories

Blue Accessories

Wrap Accessories

Alpaca Wool Accessories

Alpaca Accessories

Accessories

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Petal Pink Gossamer'

Mary

Jul 19, 2021

Wonderful gift

So soft and warm! My friend (who is always very fashion forward) loved getting this for Christmas. The light weight and delicacy of this scarf means it can be worn in winter, spring, or fall.

Beautiful

Fair Trade Alpaca

Fair Trade Alpaca Scarves

Gifts For Therapists

Pink

Soft

Very Soft

Patterned Accessories

Solid Accessories

Pink Accessories

Scarves

100% baby alpaca scarf, 'Slate Gossamer'

Trent

May 18, 2022

A luxurious handmade article

The alpaca scarf is luxuriously soft, a perfect ensemble for men or women, very cashmere like except warmer, and blends with nearly any color coordination. This is my second piece from this artist and he is really a first tier craftsman. Highly recommended, you will not be disappointed.

Alpaca Wool Accessories

Alpaca Accessories

Accessories

Featured Artist

Vinita Batik accessories

(739)

When asked about any challenges to overcome, I would say that I never have any obstacles. I think I do what I can do and don't force things that aren't ready or things that I cannot do.'

"Hello, My name is Vinita Tongtawat. My first name comes from the combination of my father's (Pinit) and my mother's (Viboonwan) names. Although... read more

Fall Fashion Trends

As the days grow shorter and the nights get cooler, there’s always something exciting about preparing... read more

Black History Month – Showcasing Kente Cloth From West Africa

In honor of Black History Month this February, were showcasing artisans and artifacts that celebrate West... read more

Meet Elena Ixtamer, WeaverofJoy

Elena Ixtamerweaves gratitude into every piece she makes. It is evident in the vibrancy of her colors, the... read more

World Artisan Day Why does it matter?

Art’s Profound Impact The first-ever World Artisan Day is around the corner and its a really big... read more

Surprising someone with a small gift

An unexpected gift has the power to brighten someone’s day and bring a smile to his or her face. There... read more

Colors that Complement: Matching and Accenting

When selecting an outfit there are a few rules of thumb that can help you easily decide which pieces... read more

Fall Fashion: Adding Color with a Scarf

The weather is starting to cool down a bit here in Vermont and I am transitioning out some of my favorite... read more

How To Revamp Your Wardrobe

Most of us are familiar with the frustration of scanning a closet filled with clothes and feeling like... read more

Colorful Scarves Are The Perfect Accessory

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler days, crunchy leaves and all the beautiful colors around... read more

We’re older and wiser – here’s what we’ve learned

Older and Wiser At the ripe age of 22, we feel like weve learned a few things about life. Mainly this... read more

Monsoon: The Kerala Floods — 6 feet Under

In India, monsoons symbolize abundance and prosperity and are considered the harbinger of good times. They are... read more

More useful facts

About Scarves

The scarf today is worn in a lot of different ways, whether it's for fashion, religion, or to keep warm. Scarves have become a popular accessory for men and women around the world. It is believed that the use of scarves first developed in Ancient Rome. The Romans referred to a scarf as a sudarium – sweat cloth in Latin – and was primarily used to keep clean, especially of any sweat around the neck judging from the name. Chinese warriors also used scarves as a symbol of their ranking during under the powerful rule of Chinese Emperor Cheng. In the 19th century, the scarf trend really began to develop as a fashion symbol, worn in a variety of ways, from a simple wrap around the neck to an edgy knot.

At Novica, we have gathered a wide selection of unique scarves hand-woven by talented artisans around the world. Keep cozy with our luxurious alpaca wool scarves from Peru. This fiber was valued by the Incas and the tradition has been passed down many generations to ensure warmth during the cold seasons. For those hot summer days, keep fresh and accessorize with any of our silk scarves decorated with a wax-resist dyeing technique known as batik. The natural sheen and texture of silk can be easily dyed, allowing unique designs to shimmer with the colors of your outfit. Our artisans are masterful weavers who create one-of-a-kind scarves just for you!