Whether you live in a place with mild winter seasons or more extreme cold conditions, having the right winter gear readily available is crucial. It ensures that you are prepared to meet the demands of the weather.
Although multiple accessories are available for the winter season, pure wool shawls are a tried-and-true choice. It offers both style and functionality to embrace the winter chills with ease.
If you want to buy a woollen shawl for this winter, you must know about the quality of wool, how to care for it, and a few other specifications in terms of design and style. So, we have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed purchase decision. Let’s get started!
Why Should You Choose Woollen Shawls for Winter?
1. Insulation
Wool has insulation properties, creating tiny air pockets to trap warm air close to the body. The fibre has a crimped structure that enhances heat retention and ensures unmatched warmth in cold weather.
2. Moisture Wicking
Wool is excellent at absorbing and wicking away sweat. As a result, it prevents discomfort and the chilling effect of sweat on the skin.
3. Breathability
Although wool is a thick material, it allows air circulation and remains breathable when you wrap it around. Besides, it can prevent overheating and excessive perspiration, making wool an ideal choice for cold temperatures.
4. Durability and Longevity
Wool is durable and long-lasting and can maintain its shape and insulating properties even after continuous use.
What are the Different Types of Wool?
1. Cashmere
Cashmere stands out as an exceptionally fine fabric among different types of wool. China and Mongolia have secured top ranks in cashmere production, contributing to about 90% of the total output. Although Ladakh accounts for just 0.75% of global Cashmere production, Ladakhi Cashmere is the finest, warmest, and smoothest iteration of this premium wool.
Sourced from the Changthangi goat found in the Jammu and Kashmir region, this wool is surprisingly soft, lightweight, yet warm. A Kashmiri shawl made from Ladakhi Cashmere is eight times warmer than shawls crafted from sheep's wool. Due to its quality and limited availability, Ladakhi Pashmina is the most expensive variant of cashmere wool.
3. Merino Wool
Obtained from the coats of Merino sheep, this wool is finer than traditional sheep's wool. Harvesting Merino wool is limited to a short window, which makes this variant relatively more expensive than other sheep wool. However, Merino products cost slightly less than Cashmere accessories.
3. Alpaca Fleece
Alpaca fleece is a natural fibre sourced only from South American camelid mammal alpacas. This wool is not as soft as cashmere or merino wool. Therefore, weavers commonly use it for making sweaters, coats, gloves, scarves, etc., instead of shawls.
4. Mohair Wool
Obtained from the Angora goat, Mohair wool has a silk-like smooth texture. Because of its texture, this wool is commercially used in making scarves, stoles, hats, suits, sweaters, coats, socks, as well as home furnishings.
How to Choose a Woollen Shawl for Winter
Check the Length
Like all other clothes, pure wool shawls should be appropriate in size, preferably measuring 40 cm X 80 cm. The longer the shawl, the better coverage and look it gives your outfit. You should also refrain from buying oversized woollen shawl for winter, which can make it difficult for you to style them.
Choose the Type of Wool
Fabric is a vital element in any outfit. In this case, invest in original Pashmina shawls or merino wool shawls. You can also try other premium woollen shawls for winter, like a pure wool Kashmiri embroidery shawl, to elevate your wardrobe to a whole new level.
Discover more: 6 Trending Kashmiri Shawls Every Women Should Own
Select Patterns and Design
There is a wide range of patterns and designs available in woollen shawls for winter. If want something modest and minimal, choose a light booti design, reversible zari design shawls, etc., in neutral colours like pastel or beige. On the contrary, if you want to create a bold look to grab all eyeballs, opt for a multicolour Mughal Darbaar shawl, Midnight Blue Kashmiri Kani shawl, royal black Jamawar shawl, etc.
Consider the Purpose
You must have some purpose and occasion in mind while shopping for woollen shawls for winter. If you want to pair it with formal office wear, you should look at subtle patterns, solid colour options or reversible designs. Similarly, if you are attending a wedding function, go for more gorgeous ones.
If you want to know more about different types of shawls, read our latest blog post: From history to Trends : All You Need to Know About Shawls
How Do You Wear a Shawl in the Winter?
As previously mentioned, shawls are not only excellent for providing warmth and comfort but also possess the potential to enhance your overall fashion statement. They serve as versatile winter accessories, making it easy to elevate your style when paired with the right outfits.
Let's explore ways to incorporate shawls into your winter dresses, especially when attending events.
- Take the shawl and encircle it around your neck, allowing one end to appear longer. Bring it across to the opposite side and adjust as needed to ensure both ends are of equal length.
- Experiment with draping your shawl in a loose, asymmetrical manner, which pairs beautifully with a casual skirt and shirt combination.
- Drape the shawl over your shoulders and cinch it at the waist using a slim belt.
These three styling options offer creative ways to style and accessorize woollen shawls for winter. Feel free to experiment and find what suits your personal style. For more information on styling shawls, read our previous blog post: 7 Creative Ways to Style Shawls for Women
How to Care for Pure Woollen Shawls
You can hand wash these shawls or opt for dry cleaning.
Press them gently if you are hand washing and squeeze out the excess water. Then, wrap it in a towel to let the extra water get absorbed. Now take another towel, spread the shawl flat on it to air dry. Avoid direct sun exposure, which can impact the colours and fabric.
You can wash these pure woollen shawls in a machine as well. Use cold water and a mild detergent or shampoo that suits the delicate wool. Switch to the machine’s short spin cycle, and do not twist or tumble while drying the shawl.
The Bottom Line
Woollen shawls are a versatile accessory that ensures warmth and enhances your wardrobe as a style statement. From casual outings to formal events - these shawls are a harmonious blend of fashion and function. If you are looking for premium woollen shawls for winter in exclusive designs and multiple colour options, Pashmal has got you covered! We have a wide range of exquisite woollen shawls and stoles for both men and women. Visit our website and explore our latest collection now!
