10 Stylish Men's Shawls to Amp Up Your Ethnic Look

The Global Ethnic Wear Market size is expected to be 185.0 billion USD by 2034, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2034.

Supporting this forecast is the modern trend where men's ethnic accessories have seen a 3x surge in popularity over the last three years, with traditional shawls leading this renaissance.

Men's shawls are statement pieces that tell stories, carry heritage, and elevate your style quotient from basic to breathtaking. 

While women's ethnic fashion gets plenty of attention, it's time we spotlight these magnificent drapes that can completely transform a man's traditional ensemble.

Stylish Men’s Shawls

I still remember my first wedding season after college. Standing in front of the mirror in my new kurta, something felt... missing. The outfit looked flat and uninspired. 

That's when my grandfather walked in, draped his heirloom Kashmiri shawl over my shoulders! The rich textures and intricate patterns brought my entire look to life. 

That moment changed how I approach ethnic wear forever.

1. Fine Wool Shikargah Kaani Dusala 

The Shikargah (the hunting scene) Kaani Dusala is the best of the best Kashmiri craftsmanship. I first saw a Shikargah shawl at my cousin's wedding in Delhi, where it took precedence over the groom's elaborate clothing! 

They are handcrafted using a painstaking Kaani weave technique. Kaani weaving is a method in which wood spools, also called "kani", are utilized to weave and interlace dyed color threads to create the hunting scenes. 

The wool is also a finer thread, so the shawl provides enough warmth without being too overwhelming. This shawl is ideal for evening receptions or winter ceremonies. 

The hunting motifs depict royal hunting trips and allow you to feel royal as well. 

I have always donned this Kaani dusala with solid colored sherwanis or simple kurtas allowing the beautiful hunting shawl to be the focus.

2. Soft Silk Reversible Jamawar Shawl 

Just talk about getting two for one style with half the hassle! This reversible Jamawar silk shawl from Taroob can save you on so many occasions, especially when you are in the need of two different outfits for back-to-back events.

The Jamawar weave originated in Kashmir, but became very popular with the Mughals. 

What's incredible is how contemporary designers took this traditional textile process and created it in ways that attract men who are more fashion-forward than that of the established fashion industry at that time. 

The soft silk blend provides a luxurious drape that feels amazing against the skin, and the reversible design allows you to create two unique looks. 

Talking about its versatility, you can style this with everything from classic kurta-pajamas to modern fusion pieces with jeans. 

The slight sheen provides instant sophistication, and the lightweight feel makes it wearable seasonally throughout the year. 

3. Wool-Silk Shikar Dar Kalamkari Embroidered Dusala 

The blend of wool and silk in this Shikar Dar (hunting pattern) Kalamkari Dusala creates a balance that few other fabrics can achieve. It's substantial yet fluid, warm yet breathable.

The Kalamkari embroidery technique – originally done by hand using a bamboo pen – creates vivid scenes that almost appear three-dimensional. Each thread tells a story, each motif carries cultural significance.

What makes this particular piece a standout is how it bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styling. 

The wool-silk blend drapes beautifully, creating subtle movement that catches the light (and everyone's attention) as you walk.

4. Beige Multicolor Pashmina Wool Zari Kaani Shawl 

Sometimes the most powerful statement is made through understatement. The beige base of this Pashmina wool shawl provides a canvas for the multicolored Zari and Kaani work to shine without being too loud or overwhelming. Personally, I find this shawl to be versatile for day time events when you want to look polished without looking fancy. 

You must feel the legendary softness of real Pashmina to believe and understand what it is - it feels so soft, yet so substantial and light at the same time..., like wearing a cloud, but structured. 

Zari (metallic threadwork) adds just enough shimmer and glimmer to not look ostentatious. It provides enough shine to draw attention as subtle luxury for people who prefer understated luxury over ostentation.

5. Embroidered Pichwai Kalamkari Dusala 

I'm particularly drawn to pieces that blur the line between fashion and art, and this Pichwai Kalamkari Dusala does exactly that. 

Pichwai, traditionally a form of temple art depicting scenes from Lord Krishna's life, transfers beautifully onto the textile medium.

The first time I wore this to a cultural event, an elderly textile expert spent nearly an hour discussing the technique and symbolism behind each motif! 

The Kalamkari work – where artisans use natural dyes and hand-carved blocks – creates images with remarkable detail and depth.

What's remarkable about modern interpretations like this is how they preserve ancient techniques while making them relevant to contemporary wardrobes. 

6. Tilla Border Embroidered Paisley Dusala 

There's something timeless about the paisley pattern that continues to captivate generation after generation. 

Combined with the Tilla border embroidery technique (a specialty of Kashmir that uses metallic threadwork), it creates a shawl that balances tradition with sophistication.

The careful placement of the embroidery – concentrated at the borders – makes it easy to style without overwhelming your overall look.

What I particularly appreciate about this style is its versatility across age groups. Whether you're in your twenties or sixties, this shawl adds dignity and refinement without seeming stuffy or dated.

7. Embroidered Floral Wool-Silk Shawl 

Who says florals can't be masculine? This embroidered floral wool-silk shawl challenges conventional notions of men's fashion in the best possible way.

I was initially hesitant about wearing florals until I attended a friend's destination wedding in Udaipur. The groom wore a similar piece, and it looked incredibly distinguished against his otherwise simple outfit. 

The wool-silk blend gives the shawl a substantial feel while allowing the intricate embroidery to take center stage.

The modernized floral patterns – abstracted and geometric rather than dainty – feel contemporary and bold. It's perfect for the man who isn't afraid to push boundaries while still honoring tradition.

8. Authentic Kashmiri Kaani Dusala 

Some pieces transcend trends, becoming instead a bridge to cultural heritage. The authentic Kashmiri Kaani Dusala is precisely that kind of investment.

During a trip to Kashmir years ago, I watched artisans create these masterpieces, often taking months to complete a single shawl. 

The patience and precision involved in the Kaani technique is mind-boggling – small wooden spools interlace threads to create patterns so fine they appear painted rather than woven.

This is the piece you'll pass down through generations, growing more valuable and meaningful with time. 

I've noticed how differently I carry myself when wearing this shawl – there's a sense of responsibility to honor the craftsmanship and heritage it represents.

9. Border Kaani Paisley Dusala 

For those new to incorporating shawls into their ethnic wardrobe, the Border Kaani Paisley Dusala offers an excellent entry point. 

The concentrated pattern at the borders provides visual interest without overwhelming someone who might feel self-conscious about making a bold statement.

My brother started his shawl collection with a similar piece, and it gave him the confidence to experiment with more elaborate designs later. 

The pashmina fabric offers luxurious comfort while the paisley pattern – originally inspired by the cypress tree, a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity – connects you to centuries of artistic tradition.

I've found this style particularly effective for professional settings where you want to incorporate cultural elements while maintaining a certain formality.

10. White Multicolor Pure Wool Kalamkari Shawl 

Completing our collection is a piece that represents how traditional craft can flexibly approach contemporary applications. 

The white backdrop of this pure wool Kalamkari shawl is an exciting stage for all of the colors in these motifs to pop out. 

I understand that you might not be sure how practical it would be to wear so much white, but trust me, this will end up being one of your most favorite pieces to wear! It photographs beautifully and pairs nicely with just about any color kurta or sherwani. 

The Kalamkari work with its unique line work and brilliant, mostly green, colors creates an interesting visual texture for the eye.

The pure wool means that it is wearable at any time of the year in an air conditioned place, and the combination of traditional technique with contemporary color placement feels fresh and modern.

Finding Your Perfect Drape

Choosing the right shawl isn't just about aesthetics – it's about finding a piece that resonates with your personal style while honoring the incredible craftsmanship behind it. Consider these factors when making your selection:

• Occasion: More elaborate designs for formal events, subtler patterns for everyday wear

• Season: Pashmina and wool for winter, silk blends for year-round versatility

• Your existing wardrobe: Choose colors and patterns that complement your kurtas and sherwanis

• Personal comfort: Some men prefer lighter drapes, others enjoy substantial fabrics

Remember that a quality shawl isn't just a purchase – it's an investment in cultural heritage and sustainable craftsmanship. 

By choosing pieces made with traditional techniques, you're helping preserve art forms that have been practiced for centuries.

Ready to transform your ethnic wardrobe with these statement pieces? Shop the look at Taroob.com and discover the perfect drape to express your personal style while honoring centuries of magnificent craftsmanship!