On our very first trip to Kashmir, we understood a lot of things, one of the most surprising among which was how Kashmiri women felt about the Kashmiri shawl. Kashmiri shawls are not just mere accessories for women. They have been the basic source of survival for a large number of womenfolk, ever since the shawls were discovered in the 15th century. The making of these shawls was household work, and men, as well as women, would be engaged in it. The underprivileged, widowed women or those whose husbands would be bedridden because of diseases, would earn from spinning fine Cashmere wool to fibre. This was their basic earning. 

While spinners would earn this way, another section of women would sell parts of their shawls if calamities befell. A piece of their Kashmiri shawls would fetch them enough money to survive for a few days. For women like these, Kashmiri shawls are more than a fashion statement. It has been the basic source of income, and the reason their children survived, received education and got white-collar jobs. It has been the reason that they themselves and their families endured the greatest financial crisis during periods of nescience. Hence, Kashmiri shawls deserve and receive huge reverence, recognition, and esteem since then, exactly till now.

Popularity of Kashmiri Shawls

The unending love and infatuation for Kashmiri shawls were actually spread by Europeans, whose royalty was especially swooned by it. Their love for these shawls continued to span generations together, embracing every single individual, of all ages, genders, or temperaments. Kashmiri shawls were like musings for women, and their noble courts exuded the essence and timelessness of these luxury textiles. No doubt, the resplendent shawls of Kashmir are sometimes referred to as the “golden fibre of Kashmir”.

What are Kashmiri Shawls?

With such a powerful backdrop, let us now go back in history, and define a Kashmiri shawl. This luxurious wrap, which is quintessential for your wardrobes, would definitely have an interesting history. After all, it is quite a prestige to have one. The pride one feels to own Kashmiri shawls is simply unsurpassable. These are the heirloom wraps that aren't just precious treasures, but those ageless accessories that one can pass through generations

A Kashmiri shawl is one that is handcrafted from Cashmere wool. The wool comes from Ladakh, North India. It grows as a down fibre to a specific mountain goat that is found over 15000 feet above sea level. The goat grows it as a means of survival against the harsh cold winters in Ladakh but loses it in Spring. It is this season when the wool is collected and processed to transform it into a style statement. It is this manual transformation of lumps of Cashmere wool that makes Kashmiri shawls even more special and makes these a woman’s fantasy.

Beginning of an Era

A pure manifestation of elegance and grandeur, Kashmiri shawls were introduced in Kashmir by the Mughals. It was King Zain ul Abideen, who ordered the commencement of processing looms to manually process Cashmere wool that came from Ladakh. While it all started with solid Pashmina shawls, these luxury wraps adapted to fashions and demands seamlessly. King Akbar introduced hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls and gifted the same to European rulers and kings for a proper endorsement. This was the beginning of an era that knew no bounds. Since then, the industry hasn't stopped growing, and Kashmiri shawls have been diversified, reformed, and well-timed for every generation. And while, at its beginning, these shawls were just a few, today we have hundreds of designs and patterns in which Kashmiri Pashmina is being offered. 

Which Shawl should I wear?

We realise how much you value a Pashmina shawl. Hence we would never like you to invest in one which does not suit your age or the occasion you got it for. Here is a recommendation list for the women out there trying to invest in a Kashmiri shawl, but failing to understand which one to buy. 

Shawls For the Elderly

Ideal for women aged 60-80, we would recommend hand-embroidered Kashmiri shawls. These are super luxurious pieces which feature thread and needle embroideries, and shawls like these take years to complete. Another choice would be wearing Kani Pashmina shawls, that are crafted using a coded pattern, and take years to complete as well. These profusely patterned shawls go well with the elderly and refresh their plain looks.

Also read: Pashmina - Into the Luxurious Kani Weave

For the mothers

Ideal for those who are aged between 40-60 is hand embroidered shawls that look ethereal on moms. These shawls exhibit the hard work of artisans and are hence perfect for our super active moms. Kani shawls too are perfect for this age group, as women love to wear Kani shawls on formal occasions or weddings.

Another category that we think is handmade for our mothers is reversible Pashmina shawls. These shawls have a flaunt-worthy front side and backside, and hence feature two different versions of a shawl in one. 

Shawls or the super busy

Working women need accessories that keep them warm as well as which are easy to carry. Hence, we would not recommend Kani shawls or embroidered shawls for them. For their everyday use, patterned Pashmina shawls are perfect for everyday office use. But for formal events, these women might like to wear a minimalistic embroidered Kashmiri shawl, with a thin border or a Jaali pattern embroidery type.

Spruce up those formal meeting outfits with the classic and brilliant touch of patterned Pashmina shawls which are full of bold and flashy shades. These don't just pep up your looks, but keep you super warm and comfy all day long.

Also read: A Panorama of Patterned Pashmina

For the millennials

Millennials would never like to carry something that is not manageable. For them, we recommend solid Kashmiri shawls, prints, and patterns, laced shawls, or ombre dyed ones. For the millennials, scarves will be more appropriate than shawls. Brights and pastels, prints or patterns, Kashmiri shawls or scarves are ideal for millennials, who focus on style as well as comfort.

Pashmina shawls are an ideal gift for millennials, as this is the most timeless and luxurious gifts one can give them. Its their birthday? They got a degree? They just got a job? Gift them the beauty of the specialist hands of Kashmiri artisans.

The shawls recommended above are not carved in stone. One can easily move beyond these and try for themselves the versatility of Kashmiri shawls.

Kashmiri shawls are the epitome of elegance. These luxury pieces are versatile, timeless, and beautiful. However you wear it, and whichever version of these you buy, make sure to take care of it. These are heirloom pieces that do not have an expiry date. On the contrary, Kashmiri shawls acquire a vintage look as time passes. 

Also read: 31 Celebrities who wore Pashmina