Are you looking out for some winter accessories? Pure wool shawls are one of your options. They’re worth a try in winter.
Winter can be mild for some while extreme for others. What can you do to tackle both situations?
You must have the right winter gear stocked up in your wardrobe. It will allow you to call upon any appropriate winter wear when required.
Shawls are one of those winter essentials for your closet. And in terms of fabric, winter is all about wool, isn’t it?
Through this guide, I’ll walk you through the role a shawl plays during winter. Also, we’ll look at why pure wool shawls are ideal for the cold-weather climate.
So let’s get right into it.
Table of Contents
Why Wear Shawls in Winter?
This fantastic piece of knitwear is valuable during the winter months. Yes, it’s a winter essential, but it won’t let you compromise on style. They’re in the market with various colours, patterns, and designs.
Shawls don’t need much effort in putting on or taking off as well. One wrap around your neck will do the trick. If you wish, you can cover your head and ears with it too.
Shawls are fun to sew on your own if you enjoy knitting your winter wear. Not just that. It also adds a personal touch and excitement as you work on it. After all, it’s you who will wear this winter essential.
Types of Shawls
As mentioned, shawls come in great variety. You have many types of shawls in the market today. Each of them brings its distinctive characteristics to your outfit.
Let’s go through some of these beautiful shawl varieties. The focus is on the shawls you’ll find in Indian markets. So let’s take a look.
1. Pashminas are Pretty
Here’s a popular shawl type. It is a form of pure wool shawls available in India. It’s named after the material used to manufacture it. The material is light, soft and warm.
These shawls are a product of great teamwork. The people involved are the naquash (pattern maker), the weaver & the darner (raffoogar).
Srinagar is best known for its finest pashmina shawls. The plain pashmina shawl is stunning by itself. But patterns on a shawl are always great enhancers. They add to the beauty of the shawl.
These womens shawls would look stunning on dresses. It’s quite a luxurious fabric to own in your wardrobe. Hence, history says kings and queens were the only patronizers for these shawls.
2. Kullu Shawls
These pure wool shawls are coarser and brighter than pashminas. They come from the state of Himachal Pradesh. The wool is locally sourced from Merino & Angora. A great variety is seen in terms of the colours used.
It’s also known for its lovely patterned border. The themes could include geometric shapes, nature, etc. The shawl’s craftsmen indulge in slit tapestry, a technique used to weave the shawls. This too is an excellent choice for womens shawls for dresses.
3. Kalamkari Shawls
The name comes from a mix of two words. Kalam means a pen, and Kari refers to work. Kalamkaris are popular in the southern parts of Andhra Pradesh.
These don’t fall under the category of pure wool shawls. But, they are beautiful womens shawls, no doubt.
As wool isn’t popular here, you see cotton shawls. The hand-painted and block-printed Kalam Kari work is artistic & colourful at best.
This technique combines resist printing and hand painting. Firstly, the motifs are derived from religious themes. Second, the colours used are based on natural dyes. It’s done at Peddana in Machilpatnam and Sri Kalahasti.
The Kalam (pen) is used to trace the patterns. Hence, it’s named kalamkari.
The Kalamkari painting style used in pashmina shawls is unique and noteworthy. They’re aesthetically pleasing and add to the shawl’s beauty.
4. Naga Shawls
Bold patterns characterize these types of shawls. About the colour, you would mainly see them in red and black. They’re made from wool, using striking weft patterns. The patterns are most often geometric shapes.
They’re a stand-out feature against a plain woollen backdrop. In addition, the patterns displayed have a close connection with folk stories.
Here again, the craftsmen use the tapestry technique to weave. In this type, the Angami Naga shawls have garnered international acclaim.
The women from these tribes are considered masters at their weaving craft.
Dhabla Shawls
Dhabla shawls are pure wool shawls worn by tribal communities. This shawl originates from Gujarat.
The Kutch region in the west is a semi-desert. Hence, it gets pretty cold at night. The wool used here comes from merino sheep.
They’re primarily seen in white or black colours. The weft weaves are seen in myriad colours. It adds variety along the border and livens up an otherwise plain shawl.
The embroidery and mirror work also add value to these womens shawls.
The designs are inspired by sand dunes, Arabian Sea & local festivals.
These are lovely shawls that you could look at for your outfits. A majority of these types mentioned are pure wool shawls. Which womens shawls would you like to try on that ‘perfect outfit’?
Womens Shawls for Dresses: How to Wear
As mentioned, shawls are great for warmth and comfort. But, they have the potential for fashionable looks. They’re also versatile winter accessories in that sense. All you need is, pair the suitable shawls and outfits.
Let’s look at how you can wear a shawl with your dresses in winter. It’ll help when you pair womens shawls for dresses at an event.
1. Wrap it Around Your Neck
This method is plain and simple yet effective. Take the shawl for a spin around your neck. Wrap it in a way that makes one end look longer than the other. Then bring it to the other side and adjust it.
You must ensure that both ends are at equal lengths. It ends up looking like a scarf. This style works incredibly well with short or blanket types of shawls.
2. Don’t Look for Symmetry Always
Here’s an unusual but common style for womens shawls. You don’t need to worry about symmetry all along. Asymmetrical wraps can work for your outfits as well.
You could drape your shawl in an asymmetrical, loose wrap. It would look great on a casual skirt and shirt combo.
Carry along a top-handle bag as well. Don’t forget those cool shades at home. It brings out the fashionista in you.
3. Cinch it On Your Waist
You can look extremely fashionable with this styling option too. It’s a great way to hide any creases or defects sometimes. Drape it over the shoulders and cinch it at the waist. You can wear a slim belt.
You can wear this with a coat. It will give your outfit a proportionate and chick look too.
Here are three styling options for your womens shawls. Try them out, and don’t hesitate to experiment. If you like styling your shawl look yourself, go ahead. But don’t forget to look into the mirror before you finalize.
If it’s not looking like it’s worth the effort, try something else.
Outfits for Your Womens Shawls
Now that you know how to wear a shawl with an outfit, I’ll suggest some outfits you could pair with your winter shawls.
1. Shawls with Sweaters
How can we talk about winter and not mention a sweater? It might be a winter essential. But, it can up your style quotient. A simple wrap around the shoulders is enough to stun the crowd. As for shawls, they look great on sweater dresses.
Complete the outfit with skinny jeans and long boots. Once that’s done, you’re all set for the winter party.
2. Shawls with Skirts and Blouses
Here’s another excellent option to think of. As for the material, choose to go velvety. It’s a good fabric for the winter weather. You should also accessorize the outfit with a belt. It will go the distance with this combo.
And yes, bring some jewellery and shades for the best experience with this outfit.
3. Shawls with Hats
Are you wearing a stunning dress for your winter party? You have the chance to stun some more. Bring out a shawl and drape it over your shoulders. That’s not all. If you don’t mind, put on a hat with this outfit.
Your look will go places with that simple addition. Hats, if worn well, can grab many eyeballs. So wear it on your head and see some heads turn towards your outfit.
4. Shawls with Sarees
Yes, you read that right. Shawls enjoy ethnic wear as well. You can pair your womens shawls with beautiful sarees too.
It adds to the beauty and colour of your outfit. So, carry your shawls for weddings or any place you choose to wear a saree.
These are some lovely womens shawls for dresses. You could use your pure wool shawls with these outfits too. And remember, don’t hesitate to wear a scarf on you’re outfit. It can look stunning and fashionable.
Buy Womens Shawls Online: Things to Look For
In today’s times, shopping has become way quicker and easier. It’s all due to the online medium. Like most other things, you can buy womens shawls online too. But, you shouldn’t look to buy at first sight.
There are points to consider in this regard. I’ll share some things you could look for in your next womens shawls. So let’s take a look.
1. Is it Long Enough?
Like all other clothes, pure wool shawls need to be appropriate in size. The longer the shawl, the better coverage and look for your outfit.
As is known, shawls are commonly tied around your neck for warmth and comfort. If the shawls are short in length, you’re compromising their prime functions.
You should also refrain from buying oversized womens shawls. Since you’re shopping online, always check the sizes mentioned with the shawl. If you don’t know what’s best for you, research and compare.
2. Which Fabric Did You Choose?
Fabric is a vital element in any outfit. In this case, we’re talking about wool. Pure wool shawls are always an excellent option for winter. It’s because wool has features that suit winter perfectly. And similarly, you should pick fabric as per the weather conditions.
3. What’s the Purpose?
This point is equally important as the rest. You might have some purpose and occasion in mind while shopping. So, you must be sure of your needs. Shawls can help you look great, along with providing warmth.
So, pick your occasion and choose the shawl as per the occasion.
4. Does it Look Colourful, Patterned and Textured?
Colour is always an attraction for any outfit. It applies to the wearer as well as the viewer. So, when you buy pure wool shawls, check out the available colours.
Also, remember, patterns and textures look great on shawls. It adds variety and uniqueness to what could’ve been monotonous.
So these are some aspects to look forward to when you buy womens shawls online.
How to Care for Pure Wool Shawls
Caring for pure wool shawls is as essential as wearing them. If you take good care, your shawls will look great throughout the winter.
In this segment, we’ll look at two types of pure wool shawls and how to maintain them. So, get ready to note it down.
1. Caring for Cashmere Wool Shawls
These pure wool shawls are lightweight, trendy, soft, and comfortable. They have a nice mix of colours too. The bright shawls create an aura of richness.
You can hand wash these shawls. You must press them gently and squeeze out the excess water. Then, wrap it in a towel and let the towel absorb the extra water. Spread it flat on another towel to air dry. For this, ensure that you keep it away from direct sun.
These pure wool shawls can be washed in a machine too. You need cold water and a mild detergent or shampoo that suits wool. Use the machine’s short spin cycle. Do not twist or tumble dry the shawl.
2.Caring for Merino Wool Shawls
These shawls are lightweight, odour-resistant, naturally wicking, and breathable. They’re also warm, snug-fit, and beautiful.
If you want to hand-wash, fill some warm water in a basin. Add a mild detergent that suits delicate garments. Dip it in water. Soak it for about five minutes. Rinse well to remove every trace of the detergent.
You can wash these pure wool shawls in the machine as well. Use a gentle detergent with slightly warm water. Use the machine’s short spin cycle. Then, rinse the shawl thoroughly with warm water.
Conclusion
So, now we know how good shawls are in winter. To top off, pure wool shawls would be a fantastic addition to any woman’s winter wardrobe.
Do you want to step up your winter fashion? Then, you must get some shawls into that closet. Want to know why?
The best part about shawls is that they look good in most outfits. You’ll be fine if you can pull it off with style and confidence.
As we’ve seen, you can buy womens shawls online. It applies to regular as well as womens shawls for winter dresses. But, you must take a few things into careful consideration.
Well, wool needs no introduction as a winter fabric. So, wool on your winter shawls should elevate your chances of making a purchase decision.
I hope this post was helpful to some extent. We saw some beautiful options and also how to go about buying them. So, what are the womens shawls you’re looking for this winter?
This post was written by Kosha team member – Shawn Mathias