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 Triple Layer Accessories at NOVICA

Fresh Checks, Coordinated Face Mask and Hair Accessory Set (3 Pieces)

Radhika

(12)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Thai Flora, Hand Crafted Floral Cotton Face Masks (Set of 3)

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(81)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Subtle Nature, Set of 3 Artisan Crafted Neutral Hemp and Cotton Face Masks

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(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Balinese Glamour, 2 Beaded Embroidered Cotton Face Masks in Orange and Pink

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(315)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Featured Sale

Happy Mind, 2 Green-White Brocade & Lime Green Cotton Handwoven Masks

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Featured Sale

Patience and Hope, 2 Handwoven 3-Layer Masks in Stripe & Solid Blue Cotton

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Featured Sale

Blue Denim Style, Dark Blue Cotton Denim Three-Layer Face Masks Large (Pair)

Maura Parra

(12)

$9.09 Wholesale

~~$12.99~~ $9.09
Glamour and Sparkle, 2 Hand Beaded Cotton Contoured Face Masks in White and Blue

Made Suciati

(315)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Zigzag Brocade, 2 Handwoven Cotton Masks in Green Brocades & Solid Brown

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(4)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Green Maya Brocade, 2 Handwoven 3-Layer Masks in Green Cotton Brocades

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(4)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Happy Spirit, 3 Handmade Floral & Gingham Cotton Masks with Filter Pockets

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(81)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Featured Sale

Maya Handlooms, Brown Striped & Blue Handwoven Cotton Face Masks

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Featured Sale

Blue Denim Classic, 2 Ties-On Dark Blue Cotton Denim 3-Layer Unisex Face Masks

Maura Parra

(12)

$10.39 Wholesale

~~$12.99~~ $10.39
Feeling Glamorous, 2 Hand Beaded Cotton Contoured Masks in Green and Orange

Made Suciati

(315)

$12.99 Wholesale

$12.99
Feminine Glam, 2 Hand Beaded Cotton Contoured Face Masks in Black and Pink

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(315)

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$14.99
Cool Thai Blues, 3 Thai Handmade White & Navy Blue Cotton Face Masks

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(161)

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$9.99
Chambray Kitty Cat, Blue Cotton Chambray 3-Layer Ear Loop Cat Face Mask

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$9.49 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $9.49
Rosy Dots and Posies, 3 Pink-White-Sepia Print Ear Loop Cotton Face Masks Set

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(81)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Banana Leaves, 3 Banana Leaf Print Adjustable-Ear Loop Cotton Face Masks

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(81)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Quiet Spirit, 1 Hemp and 2 Cotton Handcrafted Thai Face Masks (set of 3)

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(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
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Candy Stripe Brown, 2 Adults Handwoven Cotton Masks in Brown-Red Stripes & Brown

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Featured Sale

Psychedelic Brocade, 2 Handwoven Cotton Masks in Blue-Brown Brocade & Solid Lilac

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Weekend Casual, Cotton Handcrafted Thai Face Masks (Set of 4--2 L/ 2 SM)

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Glamorous Grey and Turquoise, 2 Beaded Embroidered Cotton Face Masks in Gray and Turquoise

Made Suciati

(315)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Cheerful Floral Trio, 3 Colorful Floral Embroidery Cotton Contoured Face Masks

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(315)

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$14.99
Today's Styles, 3 Handcrafted Thai Cotton Filter Pocket Adult Face Masks

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Tropical Breeze, Hand Crafted Tropical Cotton Face Masks (Set of 3)

Russamee Thepphanakit

(81)

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$9.99
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Blue Diamond Brocade, 2 Handwoven Blue Cotton Masks in Brocade & Solid Navy

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Featured Sale

Spirit of the Sea, Three Handcrafted Thai Face Masks-1 Hemp and 2 Blue Cotton

Jamriang

(161)

$7.99 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $7.99
Chambray Rainbow, Blue Cotton Chambray 3-Layer Ear Loop Face Mask

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$9.49 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $9.49
Young Ones, Family Set of 3 Cotton Masks Family Pack Masks

Arti Sharma

(136)

$5 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $5
Casual Style, 4 Cotton Handcrafted Thai Face Masks in 2 Sizes

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Grey Chambray Pup, Hand-Painted Cotton Chambray 3-Layer Ear Loop Dog Mask

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$9.49 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $9.49
Little Green Skull, Hand-Painted Cotton 3-Layer Green Floral Skull Motif Mask

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$9.49 Wholesale

~~$9.99~~ $9.49
Cheerful Squares, 2 Handwoven Cotton Masks in Green Check & Solid Blue

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Natural Care, Handmade Hemp/Cotton Face Mask

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Sky Stripes, Triple-Layer Cotton Face Mask

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Glamorous Tan and Ivory, 2 Beaded Embroidered Cotton Face Masks in Tan and Ivory

Made Suciati

(315)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Chiang Mai Blues, Handcrafted Cotton Face Mask

Jamriang

(161)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Resilience, 2 Handwoven Masks in Berry Stripes & Solid Mauve Cotton

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Blooming in Reds, Set of 3 Cotton Triple Layer Reusable Face Masks

Russamee Thepphanakit

(81)

$9.99 Wholesale

$9.99
Maya Hope, 2 Handwoven 3-Layer Masks in Beige Stripe & Blue Cotton

Emma Gutierrez

(4)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99

Featured Reviews

Cotton face masks, 'Happy Spirit' (set of 3)

Cecile

Nov 4, 2020

A Lovely Choice

It's wonderful to put a mask on that is called "Happy Spirit." It's like a comforting energy. I had to wear my mask for several hours without being able to take it off, and I was comfortable. It fits well and is well-constructed, with three layers of fabric so a PM2.5 insert can be placed between the layers. Yes, it's a perfect fit.

Fashionable Facemasks

Fitted Facemasks

Masks

Pretty Facemasks

Quality Facemasks

Cotton face mask, 'Grey Chambray Pup'

Laura

Sep 10, 2020

I love it!

I have no idea how it perfectly happened that this little handpainted dog looks EXACTLY like my dog, down to the colors and marking, around the same eye! So obviously I had to buy it. I love the metal fastener for your nose, it makes me feel safer that it's in place. The only thing is, there's a little bit of extra bunched up fabric in the nose area when I tighten the metal, but I don't even care. Love the 3 layers, I won't buy less! Thank u for the lovely handpainted doggie.

3 Layers

Chic!!

Dog

Handpainted

Lightweight Facemasks

Mask

Hemp and cotton face masks, 'Spirit of the Sea' (set of 3)

Mark

Oct 29, 2020

Part of daily wear

I’m a physician and wear this over an N-95 mask everyday at the hospital. It looks good, fits well and gives several more layers of protection. Highly recommend it.

A Colorful

A Stylish

Cloth Facemasks

Comfortable Facemasks

Covid!

Daily Facemasks

Fabric Facemasks

Face .

Fashionable Facemasks

Fitted Facemasks