In Swat, and across Pakistan, the shawl has always been part of a man's winter wardrobe. Farmers wear them in the fields, elders wear them to the mosque, and grooms wear them at their weddings.
A good shawl is warmer than most jackets, more dignified than a hoodie, and works with almost everything. Here's how to choose one and wear it well.
Size: go bigger
Men's shawls are cut larger than women's, so they can be wrapped fully around the shoulders and chest.
- Men's shawls: around 45" × 90"
- Women's shawls: around 40" × 80"
If you're tall or broad-shouldered, or if you like to wrap your shawl twice around, always choose a men's size. A shawl that's too small looks like a scarf and won't keep you warm.
Fibre: pashmina or wool?
Fine wool
Warm, sturdy and practical. A good wool shawl can handle everyday wear, travel, and the occasional cup of chai spilled on it. It's the shawl to keep in the car or wear to work.
Pashmina
Lighter, softer and much warmer for its weight. A pashmina shawl is the one you wear to weddings, Eid prayers and formal events. It also folds small enough to carry when you're not wearing it. At the finest level, a plain pashmina ring shawl is the classic choice for men who value quality over decoration.
Most men end up with one of each: a sturdy everyday shawl and a fine one for occasions.
Colours that work
Men's shawls are usually solid colours, sometimes with a subtle woven border. The classics are classics for a reason:
- Brown and mushki: the traditional colours of Swat and Kashmir. Warm, earthy and dignified. Mushki (a deep brown-black) is the most forgiving dark shade to wear.
- Charcoal and grey: modern and easy to match with almost anything, including western clothes.
- Navy: a little more polished, and great in daylight.
- Black: formal and sharp, especially in the evening.
- Camel and beige: light and fresh, great over white or cream shalwar kameez.
If you're only buying one, go with brown, mushki or charcoal. They go with everything.
Five ways to wear a shawl
1. The classic drape
Place the shawl evenly over both shoulders with the ends hanging down in front. Simple, relaxed and warm.
2. The wrap
Drape over both shoulders, then throw one end over the opposite shoulder so it crosses your chest. This is the warmest way to wear a shawl, and the one you'll see across Swat on cold mornings.
3. The one-shoulder
Fold the shawl lengthwise and lay it over one shoulder only, letting it fall in front and behind. Formal and neat. This works well at weddings, over a waistcoat.
4. Over a waistcoat
A shawl over a shalwar kameez and waistcoat is a timeless look for weddings and Eid. Keep the shawl in a colour that complements the waistcoat rather than matching it exactly.
5. Over a coat or jacket
A folded shawl draped over a dark overcoat or blazer looks sharp in the city. Stick to grey, navy, black or charcoal for this.
Occasions
- Everyday and work: fine wool in brown, grey or navy.
- Jummah and Eid: a clean, fine shawl in ivory, beige, grey or brown.
- Weddings: a pashmina in black, mushki or navy, perhaps with a subtle border. If you're the groom, message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
- Travel: anything light that folds small. Pashmina wins here.
Caring for your shawl
Air it after wearing, fold it rather than hanging it, and store it in a cotton bag with cedar or neem over summer. Our full care guide is here.
Buying for a man in your life?
A shawl is one of the best gifts you can give a father, husband, brother or elder. If you don't know his style, choose brown, mushki or charcoal in a men's size, and you won't go wrong. See our full shawl gift guide.
Shop men's shawls
Browse our men's shawl collection. Every piece is cut in the larger men's size and chosen to be worn, not just admired.