Hand Woven Clothing(119 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Hand Woven Clothing Collection designed and crafted for you by talented artisans worldwide.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Traditional methods of hand crafting robes vary by region, culture, and historical context. Two common techniques that allow artisans to create luxurious, wearable, highly-detailed robes are hand-painting and hand-stitching. In Bali, where the practice of making robes by hand has been passed down for generations, the traditional method of batik is a signature style. The Batik Tulis, for example, is a technique that utilizes wax-resistant dye that is then applied directly to the cloth. It is an intricate, patient process that can produce extraordinarily detailed pieces. Batik Cap is another classic technique where a copper stamp is repeatedly pressed with the wax-resistant dye onto the cloth. This process creates patterns on the garment that are then dip-dyed to saturate color into the unwaxed parts of the robe. Both batik techniques produce unique pieces that represent the incredible talent of our artisans in Bali.


Each region puts its signature mark on its handmade robes. In Thailand, for example, designs featuring geometric patterns and labyrinth motifs are trending. These patterns are hand-woven to create a ruched texture that highlights the intricacy of each garment. From Bali to Java, our artisans have seen their batik motifs become customer favorites. These wearable canvases feature both hand-painted and hand-printed designs, making for vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for artisans and customers to showcase their individuality.


The fit, feel, and fabric of a robe should transport you to a place of rest and relaxation. Novicas handmade robes exude comfort, because artisans attend to every detail with painstaking care. Robes made from silk, cotton, or rayon can provide high levels of comfort and versatility. One should look for breathability, absorbency, and versatility when purchasing a robe. Additionally, hypoallergenic fibers, like cotton, can provide comfort to those with sensitive skin. Whether one is looking for a lightweight fabric or a lavishly-woven robe, every handmade piece from Novica artisans brings an expressive twist to new styles and a fresh take on the classics.


Handmade robes are fine, delicate pieces. These garments require a bit more care when it comes to laundering. Hand-washing in cold water always produces the best results. For machine wash, one can use cold water and the delicate cycle. Avoid twisting or harshly handling the fabric, and never use intense heat settings while drying the robe. Air drying while the fibers are laid flat will help to prevent excessive wear on the fabric, as well as preserve the vibrancy of the robes colors. Always dry a batik or hand-painted robe in the shade.


The journey of the traditional robe throughout history is meandering and culturally specific. Here are just a few of the important stops along the way. In Japan, kimonos are an adaptable garment that have been a staple of cultural fashion since the Heian period. The robes from Bali are influenced by the classic Japanese kimono and yukata. The kimono is crafted with silk and worn over many layers in the winter while the yukata is a summer garment made with a single layer of cotton. Both of these styles reflect the artisans' take on a traditional style. In prehistoric Rome, robes were used to identify social status and to signify special ranks within communities. And by the 1700s, dressing gowns were a fashionable piece in the western wardrobe.


The most popular materials for crafting handmade robes are natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Because silk is a light-weight, water-resistant fiber, it provides the wearer a sense of luxury and comfort. Rayon is a natural-based material made up of an organic compound derived from cotton extract or wood pulp. This fiber is extremely durable, breathable, and cost effective. Cotton is celebrated for its comfortability and elasticity, and it provides excellent insulation. These fibers make for garments that exude luxury and relaxation.
Featured Reviews on Hand Woven Clothing
Rayon chenille poncho, 'Ethereal Turquoise'





By Barbara
Elegant style
I had a beautiful poncho somewhat similar to this which I finally wore out. This is a finer texture than the bamboo cotton and the fringe carries a lovely sheen. The medium weight drapes well, perfect for those warmer fall days. The accompanying note read thanks for your support, hugs in Spanish. Well besos y abrazos to the wonderful women weavers in the co-op who so skillfully and lovingly support war survivors. You are amazing! As ever, I wear your beautiful work with love and pride.
Woven wool cardigan, 'Mumbai Jazz'





By Kevin
Wonderful cardigan
My wife was vary happy when she received the cardigan. When I had told her it was handmade. She couldnt believe the quality craftsmanship and care that went into making this beautiful cardigan. All of the cardigan that she has bought are manufactured, non are as superior in quality as this cardigan. Wife is happy and that makes me happy.
Cotton blend poncho, 'Magical Lagoon'





By Linda
Poncho
This gorgeous poncho was a gift for my daughter s birthday. The colors are so beautiful and the fabric is so soft! I see this as a go to item in your wardrobe many times, as this is so versatile. This piece is not sized, but it will fit a plus size figure. It fit me at a 2X and my daughter even better at a 1X. Very pleased with this purchase.
Featured Artist










K'amolon K'i K'ojonel Hand-woven accessories and apparel
They regard as their major achievement the stability of a women's organization and so offer hope to the survivors of the 1980s massacres.
Many children were orphaned too, and... read more
Popular Hand Woven Clothing
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Hand Woven Cotton Empire Waist Dress from India, "Summer Picnic"
$47.99This dress designed by Jay Kumar Maheswari is perfect for a lazy summer picnic or an afternoon trip to a museum. Crafted from 100% cotton by Indian artisans, the short-sleeved dress features an elegant v-neck with a button opening, an empire waist that cinches with a front tie, and a pretty black design on an antique ivory background.
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Handwoven Striped Cotton Poncho from Guatemala, "Beach Stripes"
$67.99Evoking the colors of the beach, stripes of turquoise, daffodil, strawberry, and pine green are created with cotton yarns that are carefully woven together by hand. Guatemala's Elena Ixtamer creates this artisanal poncho, which culminates in a pointed bottom that is accented by dangling fringes.
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Long Hand Woven Ikat Cotton Duster Jacket, "Kartini"
$109.95Ully from Java creates a long cotton duster replete with global chic style. The long, open jacket is woven by hand using the method, whereby warp and/or weft threads are bound and dyed prior to weaving to create distinctive patterns. The black and grey jacket is the perfect way to add a little drama and sophistication to an outfit. The artisan names her design Kartini, who is a national hero and a pioneer for women's rights in Indonesia.
Due to the hand-dyed and handwoven nature of ikat, patterns or position of motifs may vary from garment to garment, making each a unique work of art. The overall color scheme will remain the same. -
Long Handwoven Burgundy & Blue Ikat Cotton Duster Jacket, "Kartini Burgundy"
$109.95By Ully, this long, open duster jacket is woven by hand in burgundy and blue using the ikat technique, in which the threads are tie-dyed before placing them on the loom. The Javanese artisan names her design Kartini, for a beloved pioneer for women's rights in Indonesia.
Due to the hand-dyed and handwoven nature of ikat, patterns or position of motifs may vary from garment to garment, making each a unique work of art. The overall color scheme will remain the same.