From Pashmina to Kaani: The Ultimate Shawl Collection for Women

You will find a shawl in every Indian household, but instead of using them often and utilizing their magic, you will find them stashed away for "special occasions" only. 

The Indian textile heritage is full of a variety of shawls for women. These shawls for women are versatile and can become a constant companion to all your personalities.

In this blog, you shall find tips to make these pieces work for you. Get ready to elevate your wardrobe!

Pashmina Shawl

Soft as a whisper, pashmina shawls for women come from the undercoat of Himalayan goats. The fine hair from the got is then hand-spun into luxury that's warm without the bulk. 

Opt for 100% pure pashmina (check for the GI tag to avoid fakes), and style it asymmetrically over a crop top and jeans for a street-style slay. Fold it lengthwise for a scarf vibe on chilly evenings, or throw it over your shoulders like a cape for date night. 

These shawls are often dry-clean-only products. However, you can also choose to steam it lightly before wearing to fluff up the fibers.

Ironing right makes the texture pop without ruining the delicacy. Trust me, once you feel that cashmere-like hug, you are bound to fall in love with gem of a craft from Kashmir..

Kalamkari Shawl

Kalamkari shawls for women burst with hand-painted motifs from Andhra Pradesh, using natural dyes that tell ancient tales of gods and nature. 

Kalamkari shawls are often vibrant and timeless. Look for pieces that are purely dyed in natural paints to ensure their purity and the authenticity of the craft.

Natural fabrics are also soft and harmless to the skin. 

Pick a floral kalamkari with denim shorts and sneakers for that boho festival look, or throw it over your shoulders with a suit or saree for festive occasions. 

Always wash these in cold water with mild soap. Hot water fades the colors faster and makes them last longer.

Kaani Shawl

Kaani shawls for women hail from Kashmir, woven with tiny wooden sticks, creating intricate patterns that take months to craft. These traditional shawls are delicate yet durable.

Choose one in a neutral color for versatility. Drape it loosely over a trench coat and boots to nail that edgy autumn vibe, or use it as a scarf for cold winter days. 

Store it rolled in tissue paper to prevent creases since flat folding leads to permanent lines. 

This piece, just like pashmina, isn't mass-produced but is an heirloom product that takes us closer to our rich heritage.

Jamawar Shawl

Jamawar shawls for women are a royal affair. They're ornate garments with silk thread embroidery on wool bases. Originating during the Mughal era, these shawls are luxurious pieces absolutely adored in the fashion world. 

I prefer ones that are reversible, then you literally have twice the outfit. They can be wrapped around a good slip dress to make a simple evening look much more glamorous and chic in seconds! 

You can also wrap it with a belt around a high-waisted pair of pants for a chic work look. 

Please note that they need to be dry-cleaned only. They will be shredded like confetti if you throw them into a washing machine. 

A good jamawar shawl instantly enhances your outfit. It's a great choice when you want to own the room without much effort.

Resham/Zari Shawl

Resham and Zari shawls for women gleam with silk threads, lightweight and lustrous, often from Banarasi weaves that are shimmery and versatile. 

Go for hand-embroidered resham to support artisans. Style it as a stole with dresses, or pin it brooch-style on a coat for winter walks. 

This shawl's your secret weapon for effortless elegance, blending tradition with your fast-paced life.

There you have it—my curated collection of shawls for women that go beyond trends. Experiment, mix them up, and tag me in your looks. I'd love to see how you make them yours! What's your fave from this lineup?