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.

Thai Accessories at NOVICA

Curated gift set, 'Ocean Bound' - Curated Gift Set with Earrings Anklet and 2 Scarfs in Blue

39.99

44.95

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Ocean Bound, Curated Gift Set with Earrings Anklet and 2 Scarfs in Blue

$106.19

~~$124.93~~ $106.19

Silk scarf, 'Summer Rain' - Teal Ombre Crinkled All-Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Summer Rain, Teal Ombre Crinkled All-Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Curated gift set, 'Evening Elegance' - Curated Gift Set with Gold-Plated Earrings Bag and Scarf

Gift Set | Evening Elegance, Curated Gift Set with Gold-Plated Earrings Bag and Scarf

$211.23

~~$324.97~~ $211.23

Curated gift set, 'Heart Catcher' - Heart Themed 3 Item Curated Gift Set from Thailand

Gift Set | Heart Catcher, Heart Themed 3 Item Curated Gift Set from Thailand

$101.47

~~$115.97~~ $101.47

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

Vinita

(739)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95

Curated gift set, 'Glam Blue' - Blue Infinity Scarf Earrings and Catchall Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Glam Blue, Blue Infinity Scarf Earrings and Catchall Curated Gift Set

$90.06

~~$102.93~~ $90.06

Macaw Colors, Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf in Claret and Avocado from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk shawl, 'Red Thai Maze' - Red and White Silk Shawl Dyed by Hand

Bestseller

Red Thai Maze, Red and White Silk Shawl Dyed by Hand

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Elephant Family in Green, Hand Painted Thai Batik on Green Cotton Women's Scarf

Alaya Cholprasertsuk

(93)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

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

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Spring' - Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Bestseller

Shimmering Green, Artisan Crafted Silk Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Shimmering Crimson, Hand Woven Fringed Silk Scarf in Crimson from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Mae Nam Khong Valley, Silk batik scarf

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Rayon and silk blend shawl, 'Elegance in Indigo' - Dark Blue Women's Woven Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl

Bestseller

Elegance in Indigo, Dark Blue Women's Woven Rayon and Silk Blend Shawl

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

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

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

Curated gift set, 'Beautiful in Blue' - Scarf Necklace Earrings Curated Gift Set in Blue and Purple

Gift Set | Beautiful in Blue, Scarf Necklace Earrings Curated Gift Set in Blue and Purple

$97.48

~~$129.97~~ $97.48

Magenta Mystery, Bright Magenta Hand Spun Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Silk batik scarf, 'Bluebell Duality' - Handcrafted Batik Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Bluebell Duality, Handcrafted Batik Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Curated gift set, 'Love that Blue' - Lapis Lazuli Necklace Cotton Bag Silk Scarf Curated Gift Set

49.99

37.99

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Love that Blue, Lapis Lazuli Necklace Cotton Bag Silk Scarf Curated Gift Set

$114.77

~~$137.97~~ $114.77

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

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Silk shawl, 'Shimmering Indigo' - Deep Blue Handwoven Raw Silk Shawl from Thailand

Bestseller

Shimmering Indigo, Deep Blue Handwoven Raw Silk Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Silk batik shawl, 'Ocean Summer' - Silk Batik Shawl in Yellow and Purple Hues Made in Thailand

Bestseller

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

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Purple Monarch, Handwoven Black and Purple Tie-Dye Silk Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Curated gift set, 'Elephant Love' - Elephant-Themed Bracelet Scarf & Sling Bag Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Elephant Love, Elephant-Themed Bracelet Scarf & Sling Bag Curated Gift Set

$229.47

~~$269.97~~ $229.47

Silk pin tuck scarf, 'Olive Sage Transition' - Thai Silk Pin Tuck Scarf Shading from Sage to Olive

Bestseller

Olive Sage Transition, Thai Silk Pin Tuck Scarf Shading from Sage to Olive

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Pink Vine, Hand-Painted Striped Silk Scarf

Nutcharath

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Curated gift set, 'Dazzling Style' - Curated Gift Set with Red Earrings Necklace and Shawl

29.99

39.99

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Dazzling Style, Curated Gift Set with Red Earrings Necklace and Shawl

$82.48

~~$109.97~~ $82.48

Golden Brown Transition, Hand-dyed Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Silk scarf, 'Violet Duality' - Handmade Purple Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Violet Duality, Handmade Purple Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Cotton reversible scarf, 'Jade Green Duet' - 2-in-1 Hand-woven Cotton Reversible Scarf

Bestseller

Jade Green Duet, 2-in-1 Hand-woven Cotton Reversible Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Tie-dyed silk scarf, 'Candy Sea' - Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Candy Sea, Hand Crafted Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Black Red Kaleidoscopic, Fiery Tie-dye Silk Rayon Scarf Crafted by Hand in Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

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

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

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

Vinita

(739)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Silk scarf, 'Peacock Blue' - Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Peacock Blue, Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Silk scarf, 'Crimson Wilderness' - Unique Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Crimson Wilderness, Unique Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk shawl, 'Comforting Turquoise' - Handwoven Fringed Silk Shawl in Emerald from Thailand

Bestseller

Comforting Turquoise, Handwoven Fringed Silk Shawl in Emerald from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Curated gift set, 'Sophisticated Aura' - Scarf Earrings and Natural Flower Hair Clip Curated Gift Set

Gift Set | Sophisticated Aura, Scarf Earrings and Natural Flower Hair Clip Curated Gift Set

$96.18

~~$147.97~~ $96.18

Silk scarf, 'Blue Thai Sky' - Unique Tie Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Blue Thai Sky, Unique Tie Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99

Batik silk scarf, 'Colorful Glamor' - Hand-Woven Batik Tie-Dyed 100% Silk Scarf with Fringes

Bestseller

Colorful Glamor, Hand-Woven Batik Tie-Dyed 100% Silk Scarf with Fringes

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Silk scarf, 'Siam Adventure' - Hand-spun Silk Tie Dye Scarf

Bestseller

Siam Adventure, Hand-spun Silk Tie Dye Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Otherworldly in Magenta, Hand Woven Fringed Silk Scarf in Magenta from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Red Peony, Artisan Crafted 100% Silk Shawl with Fringe from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Curated gift set, 'Trendy Red' - Curated Gift Set with Shawl Earrings and Jewelry Roll in Red

Gift Set | Trendy Red, Curated Gift Set with Shawl Earrings and Jewelry Roll in Red

$110.53

~~$133.97~~ $110.53

Silk scarf, 'Sapphire Mystique' - Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Sapphire Mystique, Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $35.99

Cotton scarves, 'Delightful Breeze in Blue' (pair) - Cotton Wrap Scarves in Blue from Thailand (Pair)

Bestseller

Delightful Breeze in Blue, Cotton Wrap Scarves in Blue from Thailand (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Cotton shawl, 'Breeze of Brown Purple' - Hand Spun Cotton Shawl Wrap in Brown Purple and Pink

Bestseller

Breeze of Brown Purple, Hand Spun Cotton Shawl Wrap in Brown Purple and Pink

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Otherworldly in Iron Grey, Hand Woven Fringed Silk Scarf in Iron Grey from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

United Generations, Inspirational Brass Key Chain with Brushed-Satin Finish

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Silk scarf, 'Charming Instant' - Handwoven Earthy-Toned Soft 100% Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Charming Instant, Handwoven Earthy-Toned Soft 100% Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Black Bouquet, Black Floral Silk and Rayon Blend Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Silk scarf, 'Bold Spice' - Unique Silk Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Bold Spice, Unique Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Mandarin Jet, Artisan Crafted Rayon Blend Black Shawl with Floral Motif

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Ocean Delight, Batik Printed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Cotton shawl, 'Cool Night' - Ombre Cotton Shawl in Blue from Thailand

Bestseller

Cool Night, Ombre Cotton Shawl in Blue from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Handmade scarves, 'Bright Charm' (set of 2) - Two Handwoven Lightweight Orange and Green Scarves

Bestseller

Bright Charm, Two Handwoven Lightweight Orange and Green Scarves

Kitthanapong

(1)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Curated gift set, 'Fire Orchid' - Curated Gift Set with Necklace Earrings and Scarf in Red

Gift Set | Fire Orchid, Curated Gift Set with Necklace Earrings and Scarf in Red

$155.72

~~$177.97~~ $155.72

Orchid Duality, Handcrafted Batik Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Golden Instant, Handwoven Golden and Brown Soft Silk Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Elegance in Cream, Flowers on Cream Color Rayon Blend Shawl from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Silk shawl, 'Midnight Breeze' - Handcrafted Fringed Silk Shawl in Black from Thailand

Bestseller

Midnight Breeze, Handcrafted Fringed Silk Shawl in Black from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Cotton scarf, 'Vibrant Caprice' - Hand-Spun Wrinkled Cotton Scarf Dyed in Magenta and Pink

Bestseller

Vibrant Caprice, Hand-Spun Wrinkled Cotton Scarf Dyed in Magenta and Pink

Vinita

(739)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Rayon scarf, 'Aqua Rhythm' - Artisan-Made Aqua Turquoise 100% Rayon Scarf from Thailand

New Arrival

Aqua Rhythm, Artisan-Made Aqua Turquoise 100% Rayon Scarf from Thailand

Weave Fair Trade

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Rayon scarf, 'Lilac Rhythm' - Handwoven Lilac Purple 100% Rayon Scarf Made in Thailand

New Arrival

Lilac Rhythm, Handwoven Lilac Purple 100% Rayon Scarf Made in Thailand

Weave Fair Trade

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Rayon scarf, 'Lapis Rhythm' - Striped Lapis Blue 100% Rayon Scarf Crafted in Thailand

New Arrival

Lapis Rhythm, Striped Lapis Blue 100% Rayon Scarf Crafted in Thailand

Weave Fair Trade

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Silk scarf, 'Spring Shimmer' - Hand Woven Silk Scarf in Purple and Blue from Thailand

Bestseller

Spring Shimmer, Hand Woven Silk Scarf in Purple and Blue from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk scarf, 'Lava Sea' (small) - Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Small)

Bestseller

Lava Sea, Handcrafted Tie-Dyed Patterned 100% Silk Scarf (Small)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Rayon scarf, 'Azalea Pulse' - Handwoven Azalea 100% Rayon Scarf with a Zigzag Pattern

New Arrival

Azalea Pulse, Handwoven Azalea 100% Rayon Scarf with a Zigzag Pattern

Weave Fair Trade

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Rayon scarf, 'Viridian Pulse' - Handcrafted Zigzag-Patterned Fringed Viridian Rayon Scarf

New Arrival

Viridian Pulse, Handcrafted Zigzag-Patterned Fringed Viridian Rayon Scarf

Weave Fair Trade

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Cotton scarves, 'Delightful Breeze in Red' (pair) - Cotton Wrap Scarves in Red Pink and Orange (Pair)

Bestseller

Delightful Breeze in Red, Cotton Wrap Scarves in Red Pink and Orange (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Winsome Elephants, Thai Artisan Made Cotton Batik Scarf with Elephants

Alaya Cholprasertsuk

(93)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Silk scarf, 'Aubergine Autumn' - Purple Thai Silk Scarf with Fringe

Bestseller

Aubergine Autumn, Purple Thai Silk Scarf with Fringe

Vinita

(739)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Hand-woven batik silk scarves, 'Stormy Sky' (pair) - Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Purple and Grey (Pair)

Bestseller

Stormy Sky, Hand-Woven Batik Silk Scarves in Purple and Grey (Pair)

Vinita

(739)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Curated gift set, 'Amazing Azure' - Curated Gift Set with Blue Earrings Bracelet and 2 Scarves

Gift Set | Amazing Azure, Curated Gift Set with Blue Earrings Bracelet and 2 Scarves

$77.98

~~$103.97~~ $77.98

Tie-dyed silk scarf, 'Smiling Sea' - Fringed Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Bestseller

Smiling Sea, Fringed Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Firework Festival in Blue, Hand-Crafted Thai Silk Scarf

Nutcharath

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Cotton scarf, 'Tender Feeling in Grey' - Hand Made Grey Cotton Scarf from Thailand

Bestseller

Tender Feeling in Grey, Hand Made Grey Cotton Scarf from Thailand

Jamriang

(161)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

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

Vinita

(739)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99

Dreamscape in Snow White, Knit Cotton Convertible Scarf in Snow White from Thailand

Ying and Joy

(176)

$50.99 Wholesale

~~$67.99~~ $50.99

White River, Batik Printed Cotton and Rayon Shawl

Akkharaphon

(13)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Bird Home in Lime, Batik Painted Bird Rayon Scarf in Lime from Thailand

Sakornrat Sinthurat

(4)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Dreamscape in Blue, Knit Cotton Convertible Scarf in Blue from Thailand

Ying and Joy

(176)

$52.49 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $52.49

Aqua Bouquet, Aqua Floral Pattern Scarf from Thailand

Vinita

(739)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Welcome!

New Wishlist

Unique Gifts

Curated Gift Boxes

Build Your Own Gift Sets

Express Gifts

Gift Cards

Special Collections

Women's Jewelry

Men's Jewelry

Materials

Collections

Popular & New

Women's Clothing

Women's Accessories

Men's Fashion

Handbags

Seasonal Collections

Home Accessories

Home Furnishings

Kitchen and Dining

Decor Collections

Special Collections

Discipline

Subject Matter

Color Themes

Special Collections

Explore, Empower, Impact

Call 1-877-266-8422

Thai Accessories

Related Categories

Unique Finds

The Village Council

Featured Reviews

Vinita Batik accessories

The Fall Catalog