Pashmina Shawl Size Guide: 200x70 vs 200x80 cm, How to Wear It and When

A pashmina shawl is one of those pieces that earns its place in the wardrobe by doing several jobs. It covers bare shoulders at a wedding, adds a layer on a cool evening and folds into a scarf for the commute. The question most people ask before buying is simply which size to choose and how to wear it. This guide walks through the two sizes we sell, a few easy ways to drape a wrap, and how to pick a colour.

Pashmina shawl sizes: 200 × 70 cm or 200 × 80 cm

Our pashmina shawls and wraps come in two sizes, both 200 cm long. The difference is the width.

• 200 × 70 cm: a slimmer rectangle that sits neatly over the shoulders and loops comfortably at the neck. It is easy to wear with a fitted coat because there is less fabric to manage. The dusty pink pashmina scarf and wrap is this size.
• 200 × 80 cm: an extra 10 cm of width gives more coverage across the upper arms, and it folds in half more generously when you want a scarf. The classic black pashmina shawl and the grey pashmina wrap are 200 × 80 cm, and each weighs approximately 220g.

If you mainly want a scarf with the option of a wrap for the occasional event, either size works. If you want a true shawl that stays in place across the shoulders, the wider size gives you a little more to work with.

Four ways to wear a pashmina wrap

1. The open drape. Open the pashmina out fully, place it across the back of your shoulders and let both ends fall in front. This is the classic shawl look over a dress.
2. The one-end throw. Start with the open drape, then take one end across your body and over the opposite shoulder. It holds the wrap in place, which helps when you are walking, dancing or carrying a bag.
3. The loop. Fold the pashmina in half lengthways, place it around your neck and pull the loose ends through the loop. A tidy choice with a winter coat.
4. The elbow rest. Lay the pashmina across your back and let it rest in the crook of both elbows. It is relaxed and easy to slip off when the room warms up.

Weddings and evenings

For a wedding, a pashmina shawl is a practical cover-up for a sleeveless or strappy dress, whether the ceremony is in a church with a chill in the air or a marquee that cools down after dark. A plain colour keeps the outfit simple: black suits almost any dress, while a soft pink adds colour without competing with the bride's party. Bridesmaids often choose a matching wrap, and because a pashmina needs no sizing, it is an easy group gift.

For evenings out, the open drape or the one-end throw looks best. Our black pashmina shawls are a dependable choice for formal events, and they fold small enough to carry in a handbag until you need them.

Everyday wear

A pashmina is just as useful on an ordinary day. Loop it at the neck with a coat, fold it into a wide scarf for the office, or keep one in your bag as a spare layer for trains, planes and air-conditioned rooms. The 200 cm length leaves enough fabric to wrap twice around the neck if you want a snugger fit, and neutral shades such as grey and black go with most of what you already own.

Caring for your pashmina

Each pashmina arrives with a care label, so follow the instructions on it. Beyond that, a few habits help the fabric last: store it away from direct sunlight, and keep jewellery or other sharp accessories from catching on it. Fold it rather than hanging it by one end, so it keeps its shape.

Choosing a colour

If you are unsure, start with the colours you wear most. Black works with everything and is the safest choice for formal events. Grey is a softer neutral for daytime and pairs well with navy and cream. For something with a little more personality, our pink pashmina shawls range from a muted dusty pink to a plain classic pink, and both look good with navy, grey or floral prints. If you like a deeper shade, check the main collection for plum and green as stock changes.

You can compare every colour and size in our pashmina shawls for women collection.

Orders are normally dispatched within 24 hours, with free tracked UK delivery, 60-day free paperless returns and a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.