How to Wear a Pashmina Shawl: Eight Simple Ways

A pashmina shawl is one of the most useful things you can own: a scarf in the morning, a wrap in a chilly office, a cover-up in the evening and a blanket on a train. Because it is a large, simple rectangle, the way you fold and tie it changes the whole look. This guide shows eight ways to wear a pashmina shawl, from a quick everyday loop to a smart evening drape.

All of these styles work with the long shawls in our pashmina shawls for women collection. Stand in front of a mirror the first time you try each one; after that they take seconds.

Before you start: the basic fold

Most scarf styles look neater if you narrow the shawl first. Hold it by one long edge and fold it in half lengthways, or gather it loosely in your hands for a softer, fuller look. Wrap styles use the shawl fully open.

Scarf styles for every day

1. The simple loop

1. Fold the shawl in half lengthways, then in half again end to end.
2. Place it around your neck, holding the loop in one hand and the two loose ends in the other.
3. Pull the ends through the loop and adjust.

This is the warmest neck style and sits neatly inside a coat collar.

2. Once around

Hang the shawl around your neck with one end longer than the other. Take the long end across your throat, around the back of your neck and let it fall at the front. Loosen it so it sits low on the chest.

3. The waterfall

Wrap once around as above, then take one top corner of the loose end and tuck it into the loop at the opposite side of your neck. The fabric falls in a soft diagonal across your chest. It looks good over a plain jumper.

4. The loose drape

Simply hang the shawl around your neck with both ends even and leave it open. This suits a tailored coat or blazer, where the two long lines of colour frame the outfit.

Wrap styles for warmth

5. The shoulder wrap

Open the shawl fully, place it across your shoulders and throw one end over the opposite shoulder. It works like a light jacket at a desk, in a restaurant or on a flight.

6. The belted wrap

Hang the open shawl around your neck so it falls straight down at the front, then fasten a belt over it at your waist. Worn over a long-sleeved top or dress, it becomes a sleeveless layer that stays in place.

7. The cape

Drape the open shawl over your shoulders and fasten the two edges together at the chest with a brooch or pin. Your arms stay free and the back hangs like a cape.

An evening style

8. The low drape

Let the shawl sit across the middle of your back and carry it in the crook of each elbow. This shows the neckline of a dress and is the classic choice for weddings, dinners and the theatre.

Which style for which occasion?

Occasion	Style to try	Why it works
Commute or school run	Simple loop	Warm, secure, tucks into a coat
Office	Shoulder wrap or loose drape	Easy to put on and take off at a desk
Weekend with a jumper	Waterfall or once around	Adds colour and shape to a plain top
Wedding or evening out	Low drape or cape	Shows the dress, covers the shoulders
Travel	Shoulder wrap	Doubles as a light blanket

Choosing a colour

If this is your first pashmina shawl, a neutral such as grey, black, navy or camel will go with most coats; the grey pashmina wrap shawl is a good example. A second shawl is the place for colour: the regal plum pashmina scarf, the dusty pink pashmina scarf and wrap, blue or a two-tone design lifts dark winter clothes and looks cheerful beside the face.

Two-tone and reversible designs give you two looks, because a small change in the fold shows more of one colour or the other.

Looking after your shawl

• Follow the care label on your shawl, as fibres and finishes vary.
• Fold it rather than hanging it, so it keeps its shape.
• Keep it away from rough bag fastenings, sharp jewellery and hook-and-loop tape, which can pull threads.
• Air it after wearing instead of washing it every time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a pashmina, a shawl and a scarf?

Scarf and shawl describe size: a scarf is narrower and worn at the neck, while a shawl is wide enough to cover the shoulders. Pashmina traditionally refers to a fine, soft type of wool, and today the word is also used for the style of large, soft wrap. Check the product description for the exact fabric.

How do you wear a pashmina without it slipping off?

Choose a style with an anchor point: throw one end over the opposite shoulder, tie a loose knot, belt it at the waist or fix it with a brooch.

Can you wear a pashmina shawl in summer?

Yes. It is a useful layer for cool evenings, air-conditioned rooms and outdoor events. Wear it open over the shoulders rather than wrapped at the neck.