What is a Shawl
A shawl is a rectangular or squared piece of clothing worn loosely on arms, upper body and over the shoulders or head. Triangle and oblong shaped shawls are also available in the market.
Shawls are known to be originated from Persia and first worn around 1662. One common way to wear it is to fold it in half making a triangle and draping it over the shoulder. A pin or brooch can be used to secure it.
Shawls are made from variety of fabrics. Wool, viscose, velvet, cashmere, cotton, silk, satin, handloom, organza, jacquard and pashmina are the most common fabrics used in making shawls. They are available in different colors, sizes and designs. Printed, fringed, embroidered and plain classic shawls are widely available in the market. Usually, shawls are spun, knitted, crocheted, stitched or woven.
Shawls are Versatile Fashion Pieces
Shawls like scarves are part of the most versatile piece in fashion. It can be mixed and matched with anything a person wears while keeping the wearer warm or stylish or both. It adds an accent to the look. Another similarity with scarves is, shawls are also compact that it can be easily be tucked into small purses or clutches. This is especially true to formal occasions in the evening where women have to wear dresses or gowns and adding a jacket to keep warm is considered inappropriate or unfashionable.
Some people from certain cultures or religions wear shawls to signify a certain message or occasion. An example is the Tallit shawl worn by Jewish men when praying and attending ceremonies. While some wear it as part of a costume.
There is one special type of shawl popular in South America, particularly in the Andes Mountains. The soft Alpaca Shawls.
Soft Alpaca Shawls
This type of shawl is made from alpaca fibers. It is a naturally rich fiber produced by the alpacas, a domesticated animal roaming the Andes Mountains. Before Spring turns to Summer, the herders would acquire those fibers by shaving off the alpacas in a similar way of shaving off a sheep to get its wool.
Making a soft alpaca shawl is complicated. It has to be washed, spun, carded and woven to make the final product. Yet the tremendous process is worth it as the final product is a shawl that is so soft and smooth.
A soft alpaca shawl is also regarded with high-quality as it is produced from one of the superb natural fibers available. Plus it is hand-made by the craftsmen of South America and available in more than a dozen of natural colors which makes this type of shawl extra special.
Alpaca fibers are extremely fine resulting to a shawl as soft like cashmere. This provides the wearer a comfortable and luxurious experience. Alpaca fibers are closely intact resulting to a durable shawl that can survive many years of wear and tear. This provides the wearer an increased value for their money. It is also warmer but lightweight and breathable thus making a formal or evening look elegant and sophisticated while keeping the wearer warm.
