Wraps and Ruanas(137 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Wraps and Ruana 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 Wraps and Ruanas
Reversible alpaca blend ruana, 'Andean Vistas'





By Valerie
Beautiful!
The weight is perfect for chilly evening, the colors are rich and go with dress wear or casual. Compliments everytime I wear it.
Alpaca blend hooded ruana cape, 'Glamorous Night'





By Lyn
Love this
This is the first |Ruana| I have ever had. It is a lovely light wrap, and on cooler nights can be worn over a sweater for added warmth. Recommended!
Reversible alpaca blend ruana, 'Andean Vistas in Taupe'





By Suzanne
Scary Packaging, beautiful ruana
Love the Ruana but the packaging was simply a plastic envelope and it had been cut through by a razor package cutter (about 4 long). The ruana was wrapped in tissue which had also been cut through. Luckily I could not find any cuts on the beautiful weave. Im hoping it was not damaged!
Featured Artist
Celinda Jaco Alpaca apparel
"When I was a little girl I loved playing at having a trade and I enjoyed making things with my hands. Now as a grownup I get to do it for real!"
Popular Wraps and Ruanas
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Reversible Alpaca Blend Ruana in Navy and Kelly Green, "Andean Vistas"
$99.99Inspired by the colors of Amazonian rainforests and the ancient weaving traditions of the Altiplano, Peru’s Isidoro C’cahuantico designs this inviting alpaca-blend ruana. The ombré hues deepen from kelly green to dark navy on one side, and reverse from navy to green on the other.
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Reversible Alpaca Blend Ruana in Tomato and Wine, "Andean Vistas in Wine"
$99.99Evoking the Andean wind, this ruana from Peru combines hues of tomato and wine with a stippled ombre pattern for a luscious addition to your wardrobe. Isidoro C'cahuantico designs the soft alpaca blend ruana, giving it a reversible design to suit your mood.
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Red and Multi-Color Striped Acrylic Knit Ruana, "Desert Strata"
$49.99Alfredo Falcon of Peru designs this striped acrylic blend ruana with bold colors and a mixture of geometric motifs. A touch of baby alpaca gives adds to the ruana's warmth and feel. Lightweight, the ruana makes a wonderful layering piece.
Alfredo Falcon learned the craft of weaving from his parents, who learned from their parents before them. He says, “We have been a family devoted to the world of textiles for generations. I use modern colors, but I remain true to Incan and colonial motifs.” -
Peruvian Reversible Multi Patterned Grey Alpaca Blend Ruana, "Grey Medley"
$129.99Graphite and milk white combine perfectly to create the varied patterns in this reversible knit ruana from Waldo Berrios. Large and small rectangles in a mix of designs give the enchanting wrap a patchwork appearance. The Peruvian artisan uses luxurious alpaca along with acrylic and wool to ensure the ruana is soft and warm. With its neutral tones and reversible quality, this is a versatile wrap that you'll use season after season.