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 Striped Accessories at NOVICA

100% alpaca shawl, 'Turquoise Whisper' - Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Turquoise Whisper, Peruvian Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$94.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $94.99

100% alpaca shawl, 'Huancayo Blues' - Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Bestseller

Huancayo Blues, Alpaca Wool Patterned Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$112.09 Wholesale

~~$117.99~~ $112.09

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Mountain Sunset' - Bold Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Shawl

Bestseller

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Bohemian Rainbow' - Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Striped Multicolored Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Bohemian Rainbow, Hand Woven Alpaca Blend Striped Multicolored Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Bohemian Caribbean Blue' - Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Striped Blue Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Bohemian Caribbean Blue, Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Striped Blue Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$71.24 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $71.24

Tarma Trek, Unisex Striped Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$64.95 Wholesale

$64.95

Sweet Sensations, Striped & Fringed Shawl Hand-Woven from Cotton in Guatemala

Marcela Par

(5)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Memories of Paruro, Traditional Knit Striped 100% Alpaca Gloves from Peru

Raul Huacarpuma

(2)

$52.24 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $52.24

Seaside Breezes, Artisan Crafted 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95

Alpaca blend scarf, 'Rioja Flavor' - Alpaca Blend Scarf in Paprika and Carrot from Peru

Bestseller

Rioja Flavor, Alpaca Blend Scarf in Paprika and Carrot from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$61.74 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $61.74

Cotton scarves, 'Summer Morning' (pair) - Handwoven Cotton Scarves in Cool Tones from Thailand (Pair)

Bestseller

Summer Morning, Handwoven Cotton Scarves in Cool Tones from Thailand (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Tarma Rainbow, Multi Stripe 100% Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$64.59 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $64.59

100% alpaca scarf, 'Sky Flame' - Scarlet and Multi-Color Stripe Handwoven 100% Alpaca Scarf

Bestseller

Sky Flame, Scarlet and Multi-Color Stripe Handwoven 100% Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$61.74 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $61.74

100% alpaca gloves, 'Memories of the Region' - Traditional Knit Striped 100% Alpaca Gloves in Warm Hues

Bestseller

Memories of the Region, Traditional Knit Striped 100% Alpaca Gloves in Warm Hues

Raul Huacarpuma

(2)

$52.24 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $52.24

Aqua Lines, Blue Striped Baby Alpaca Scarf

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$47.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $47.99

100% alpaca hat, 'Patterned Symphony' - Colorful Knit 100% Alpaca Hat with Andean Patterns & Tassel

Bestseller

Patterned Symphony, Colorful Knit 100% Alpaca Hat with Andean Patterns & Tassel

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $35.99

Batik silk scarf, 'Bold Khaki' - Batik Hand-Loomed 100% Silk Scarf with Stripes and Fringes

New Arrival

Bold Khaki, Batik Hand-Loomed 100% Silk Scarf with Stripes and Fringes

Vinita

(739)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Autumn Charm, Brown and Ivory 100% Alpaca Scarf with Floral Motifs

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$47.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $47.99

Earthy Muse, Earthy-Toned Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Batik silk scarf, 'Bold Ochre' - Batik Handwoven Striped Fringed Silk Scarf in Earthy Hues

New Arrival

Bold Ochre, Batik Handwoven Striped Fringed Silk Scarf in Earthy Hues

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Diamonds from Adana, Cotton Blend Socks Featuring Traditional Armenian Designs

Daniel Ghazaryan

$45.90 Wholesale

~~$54~~ $45.90

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Nights' - Handloomed Soft Indigo and Sepia 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Nights, Handloomed Soft Indigo and Sepia 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Wool shawl, 'Periwinkle Sweet' - Indian-Made Ombre-Patterned Blue and Brown 100% Wool Shawl

New Arrival

Periwinkle Sweet, Indian-Made Ombre-Patterned Blue and Brown 100% Wool Shawl

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Stylish Stripes, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Grey Hues from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Impressive Stripes' - Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Blue and Cyan

Bestseller

Impressive Stripes, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Blue and Cyan

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$123.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $123.49

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Earthy Ways' - Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf Handloomed in Peru

Bestseller

Earthy Ways, Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf Handloomed in Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$56.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $56.99

Grey Matter, Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$80.74 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $80.74

Turquoise Waters, Woven 100% Wool Striped Shawl in a Turquoise Blue Palette

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Wool shawl, 'Spring Green Dame' - Spring Green Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

New Arrival

Spring Green Dame, Spring Green Ombre-Patterned 100% Wool Shawl from India

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Sunset Dessert, Ombre-Palette Striped Wool Shawl in Pink and Orange Hues

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Firelight' - Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf in Fiery Reds

Bestseller

Firelight, Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf in Fiery Reds

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$90.24 Wholesale

~~$94.99~~ $90.24

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Watercolors' - Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Watercolors, Hand-Woven Striped Fringed 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl from Peru

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$75.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $75.99

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Elysium' - Handloomed Soft Lilac and Plum 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Elysium, Handloomed Soft Lilac and Plum 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Valley of Lavender, Hand Woven Cotton Shawl in Blues and Lilacs

Creative Artisan Women's Group

(22)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$91.79 Wholesale

~~$107.99~~ $91.79

Andean Hues, Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Handwoven in Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Autumn Glory' - Handwoven Autumn-Colored Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Autumn Glory, Handwoven Autumn-Colored Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Colorful Mixture, Handloomed Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

Wool shawl, 'Caribbean Gala' - Striped Wool Fringed Shawl in Caribbean Blue and Grey Hues

New Arrival

Caribbean Gala, Striped Wool Fringed Shawl in Caribbean Blue and Grey Hues

Shahid

(16)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Huancayo Heritage, Hand Loomed Baby Alpaca Scarf

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$55.24 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $55.24

Classic Shades, Handloomed Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Black and Grey

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$78.30 Wholesale

~~$87~~ $78.30

Andean Art, Striped 100% Alpaca Knit Hat from Peru

Fernando Cano

(768)

$42.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $42.49

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

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Andean Dusk' - Purple Fuchsia Hand-Loomed Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Bestseller

Andean Dusk, Purple Fuchsia Hand-Loomed Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$61.74 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $61.74

Planet Colors, Unisex Striped Colorful Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$101.99 Wholesale

~~$119.99~~ $101.99

Brown Iridescence, Hand Spun Silk Brown and Orange Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

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

Somu and Soma

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Rayon scarf, 'Mystic Maya Meadows' - Backstrap Loom Handwoven Green Rayon Scarf

Bestseller

Mystic Maya Meadows, Backstrap Loom Handwoven Green Rayon Scarf

K'amolon K'i K'ojonel

(218)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Wool and silk blend shawl, 'Magical Blue' - Blue Woven Wool Silk Blend Shawl with Zari Silver Stripes

Bestseller

Magical Blue, Blue Woven Wool Silk Blend Shawl with Zari Silver Stripes

Shuja Ahmed

(51)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Inca Earth, Earth-Tone 100% Alpaca Knit Hat from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$30.39 Wholesale

~~$37.99~~ $30.39

100% baby alpaca shawl, 'Andean Heights' - Handloomed Soft Ivory and Beige 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Bestseller

Andean Heights, Handloomed Soft Ivory and Beige 100% Baby Alpaca Shawl

Wilmer Vilchez

(99)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Power Executive' - Handwoven Black and Grey Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl from Per

Bestseller

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Dual Elegance, Hand-Woven Striped Fringed Rayon Scarf in Blue Shades

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Dual Sophistication, Pink Fringed Striped Rayon Scarf Hand-Loomed in Guatemala

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Color Block, Unisex Wool Colorblock Scarf

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$89.95 Wholesale

$89.95

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Favorite Cabernet, 100% Alpaca Wool Dark Red Off White and Black Striped Scarf

Stefano Basso

(7)

$140.24 Wholesale

~~$164.99~~ $140.24

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

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$55.24 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $55.24

Cyan Vitality, Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf with Cyan Stripes

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$50.15 Wholesale

~~$59~~ $50.15

Alpaca blend shawl, 'Fuchsia Fiesta' - Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Bestseller

Fuchsia Fiesta, Hand Woven Fuchsia Alpaca Blend Shawl from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$85.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $85.49

Mountain Rainbow, Multi-Color Striped Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

Mae Nam Khong Roses, Silk batik scarf

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Slate Stars, Alpaca Blend Gloves in Slate Grey and Ivory from Peru

Sebastian Alayna Condere

(20)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

Friendly Touch, Hand Woven Orange Striped Silk Blend Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Baby alpaca blend shawl, 'Vibrant Andes' - Multicolor Shawl Hand Woven in Peru from Baby Alpaca Blend

Bestseller

Vibrant Andes, Multicolor Shawl Hand Woven in Peru from Baby Alpaca Blend

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Peruvian Gray, 100% alpaca shawl

Paola Cuentas

(64)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $50.99

Handwoven Cotton shawl, 'Mystic Twilight' - Handloomed Black Cotton Shawl with Blue Stripes and Fringes

Bestseller

Mystic Twilight, Handloomed Black Cotton Shawl with Blue Stripes and Fringes

Tejedoras de Cajolá

(1)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

San Juan Fiesta, Colorful Cotton Shawl Crafted in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95

Draped with Color, Baby Alpaca Blend Hand Woven Colorful Striped Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$71.24 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $71.24

100% alpaca shawl, 'Nature in Harmony' - Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Bestseller

Nature in Harmony, Striped and Fringed 100% Alpaca Shawl Hand-Woven in Peru

Ulloa Family

(31)

$123.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $123.49

Color Play, Baby Alpaca Blend Multicolored Striped Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$57.79 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $57.79

Endless Elegance, Striped Handwoven Green Brown and Beige Rayon Infinity Scarf

Ranm Ixoqi'

(4)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Amber Wrap, 100% Cotton Loom Woven Mustard Yellow Rectangular Shawl

Marcela Par

(5)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Mystic Magenta, Purple Textured Fringed Cotton Scarf Hand-Woven in Guatemala

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Dreaming, Hand Woven Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$58.49 Wholesale

~~$64.99~~ $58.49

Evening Breeze, Handmade 100% Cotton Loose Weave Scarf in Green and Orange

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cotton scarf, 'Youthful Spring' - Handwoven Striped Cotton Scarf in Wisteria from Guatemala

Bestseller

Youthful Spring, Handwoven Striped Cotton Scarf in Wisteria from Guatemala

Candelaria Julajuj

(1)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Maya Chocolate Shimmer, Artisan Crafted Cotton Blend Scarf from Central America

Maya Traditions

(9)

$33.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $33.99

Coastal Colors, Unisex Teal Alpaca Scarf

Ulloa Family

(31)

$66.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $66.49

Monochromatic Shades, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Grey Silver and Black Hues from Peru

Ana Fernandez

(393)

$40.49 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $40.49

Baby alpaca blend scarf, 'Andean Sky' - Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Colorful Striped Scarf from Peru

Bestseller

Andean Sky, Handwoven Baby Alpaca Blend Colorful Striped Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$74.09 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $74.09

Desert Grace, Handloomed Striped Green and Brown Baby Alpaca Blend Shawl

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$76.49 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $76.49

Tradition, Cotton shawl

Aj Quen

(19)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Summer Rays, Backstrap Loom Woven Cotton Scarf from Guatemalan Artisan

Elena Ixtamer

(50)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

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