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 Yellow Shawls at NOVICA

Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Mountain Sunset, Bold Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Crimson Beauty, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Fringed Shawl in Red & Yellow

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Featured Sale

Cool Stripes in Amber, Handwoven Striped Cotton Shawl in Amber from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99
Chartreuse India, Paisley Chartreuse Wool and Silk Shawl with Colorful Tassels

Arnab Roy

(15)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Bestseller

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

Dewa De Wardana

(6)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Serene Garden, Red and Yellow Hand-Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

Yuni Kristina

(280)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Sun-Kissed Spring, Yellow and Ivory Floral-Themed Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Liquid Amber, Fringed Batik Cotton Shawl from Thailand

Kittiya Intaprom

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Yellow Paisley Dreams, Paisley Shawl in Cotton and Silk Blend with Embroidery

Uma Tripathi

(13)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Spring Dream, Floral Printed Yellow and Orange Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Blooming Sunshine, Floral Wool and Silk Blend Shawl in a Honey Base Hue

Saqib Khan

(2)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Mekong River, Hand Woven Red Pink and Yellow Tie Dyed Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Golden Daisy Blossoms, Hand Painted Silk Blend Shawl Daisy Blossom from India

Anu and Mohit

(1)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99
Mimosa, Orange and Yellow Block Printed Shawl in 100% Silk

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Sunny Paisley, Yellow Silk Shawl with Hand-Block Printed Paisley Pattern

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Chartreuse Thai Maze, Bright Chartreuse and White Spiral Motif Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Safron Vines, Block-Printed Cotton Shawl with Leafy and Floral Pattern

Rajnandinee and Srabonti

(23)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Spring Joy, Floral Printed Red and Yellow Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Regal Charm, Cotton & Wool Shawl with Paisley Pattern Woven in India

Sandeep Malhotra

(285)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Golden Chrysanthemums, Chain Stitch Embroidered Brown and Yellow Floral Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Garden of Vermilion, Floral Handwoven Wool and Rayon Embroidered Vermilion Shawl

Sajad

(155)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Ocean Currents, Thai Hand Crafted Silk Batik Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Cheerful Blossoms, Stitch-Accent Wool Shawl with Screen-Printed Floral Motifs

Shahid

(16)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Featured Sale

Sun and Shadow, Handwoven Zapotec Black and Yellow Cotton Shawl

Carmen Ruiz

(88)

$67.49 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $67.49
Extended delivery

Cherry Essences, Handloomed Yellow Cotton Shawl with Cherry Red Accents

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99
Golden Sunrise, Gold and Rust Embroidered Wool Shawl from India

Sajad

(155)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Harmonious Fusion, Fringed 100% Silk Reversible Shawl with Colorful Stripes

Khitish

(31)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Leafy Fantasy, Leafy and Floral Printed Jonquil Wool and Silk Blend Shawl

Saqib Khan

(2)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Friendly Essence, Hand Woven Yellow and Brown Silk Blend Shawl with Fringe

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Mustard Charm, Indian Handloomed Striped Silk Shawl in Mustard

Khitish

(31)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Golden Warm, Wool and silk shawl

Syed Izaz Hussein

(83)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Extended delivery

Hillside Lullaby, Unique Central American Embroidered Yellow Shawl

Nu'Kem Association of Textile Artisans

(2)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$84.99~~ $67.99
Maheshwari Sun, Hand Made Women's Wrap Cotton Silk Blend Shawl

Rajveer

(4)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Vibrant Flair, Patterned Cotton Shawl in Fuchsia and Daffodil from India

Ritu Agnihotri

(153)

$29.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $29.99
Goldenrod Pleasure, Goldenrod-Toned Cotton and Silk Blend Shawl with Tassels

Arnab Roy

(15)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Yellow Fanfare, Woven Wool and Silk Blend Shawl in Maize from India

Sajad

(155)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Featured Reviews

Cotton shawl, 'Vibrant Flair'

Meg

Apr 6, 2019

Soft and Summery

Talented lady , this shawl is big enough to cover your back and arms and used instead of wearing a cardigan , the colors are beautiful together and seem to glow , i love my shawl, it looks elegant and i like that feeling , " Thank you for my beautiful shawl ". Now i have to have another but in a blue and green hue lol.

Large Feminine Shawl.

Patterned Accessories

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Mountain Sunset'

Melissa

Jan 23, 2021

Beautiful quality work!

I bought this for a Christmas gift and I was very impressed by the quality and softness of this piece! The girl I gave it to was super delighted!!! Loves it!!

Colorful Scarf!

Colorful Shawl For Jeans

Designer Pashmina Shawls

Funky Shawls

Gift For Women Friends

Shawls