Winters and shawls are synonyms, especially in India, where the warmth and comfort of woolen, silk, and cotton shawls are appreciated more than ever to fight the chilly weather. Even though today, shawls are generally worn by women, historically and fashionably speaking, shawls have been a staple part of men’s wardrobe. Appreciated and donned by kings, elites, and Nawabs, shawls are a symbol of royalty and ease when it comes to men’s ethnic fashion.
For a change, we will take a look at the history of shawls for men, and the best ways to include shawls in your winter fashion this season. Let us start!
When the excavators found the iconic “Priest King” of Mohenjodaro, among the many things that were striking about him was the floral print drape or shawl wrapped around his shoulder. Ever since ancient times, artifacts and remains have suggested that men have been wearing a variety of shawls as everyday and ritual clothing.
In Indian history, shawls saw their peak as a part of men’s fashion during the medieval period. Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, crafted for Mughal kings who patronized the artisans with their demand, were the crown jewel of royal attire. To combat the cold northern winter experienced in their capital at Agra and Delhi, Mughal rulers depended upon the luxurious and warm feel of Kashmiri shawls.
This love of the Badshah for shawls made them a prized article of clothing. Imitating the king, elites and upper-class men also started wearing Kashmiri shawls as symbols of their refined taste.
A distinct variety of Kashmiri shawls known as “Jamawar”- which covered the whole body and was handwoven with intricate floral and stylized motifs with silk and wool, was especially popular among men. It served as a layer over their kurta, angarakah, and other garments and looked regal thanks to the vivid colors and rich weaving technique.
Shawls were not just articles of fashion for the men of the royal court and family members of the ruler. Beautiful and intricately woven silk and Pashmina shawls were bestowed by the king as favors and royal gifts to the people closest to him. Getting a shawl worn by the king as a gift was a matter of great pride for a courtier, that represented the ruler’s affection and trust in him.
The mighty Sikh warrior-king Ranjit Singh is known in history for his unforgettable personality, one of the reasons for which was his unique, royal, and maximalist fashion. He is recorded as a king who appreciated all kinds of arts and crafts, including shawl weaving, which was an established industry by his time.'
Artists who worked under the Mughal court relocated to areas in and around Amritsar during his rule and grew under the patronage of the Sikh ruler, who possessed a large collection of regal woolen and silk shawls. With the nurturing eye of Ranji Singh, shawl makers of Amritsar produced beautiful shawls for men and women, and created a local industry that continues to supply for a global demand till today.
Shawls in the Modern World: Royalty and Power for Men’s Wardrobe
Established in India as an article for the royal, shawls became a symbol of luxury and high status among powerful European men and society in general. From the French court to the Russian Tsar, shawls were a must-have symbol of power and conquest over the cultural world.
Many heads of European nations are known to have displayed Indian shawls, especially Pashminas as a part of their court’s decoration, ceremony, and attire for the royal. Napoleon Bonaparte, popular for his military life, is also hailed as the one who introduced French society with the eliteness of Indian shawls and as an avid collector of shawls himself.
Coming back to India, shawls are simple and sophisticated clothing for men, used by leaders, prime ministers’ heads of departments, and prominent organizations to stand out. From the current PM Narendra Modi to previous ones like Manmohan Singh, men in powerful positions continued the tradition of draping a luxurious shawl to express their status.
Intrigued by the history of men’s shawls but still confused about where to start? We have got you sorted with this list of shawls that can be a perfect addition to your winter ensembles.
A plain pure Pashmina shawl has to be one of the first purchases you make when buying a woolen shawl. The simple and sophisticated appeal of the black Pashmina gives you a dignified air and a comfortable feel while being an easy-to-style layer with a kurta, shirts, sweaters, and jackets.
Sozni embroidery, done with fine silk, wool, and cotton threads is a traditional technique of threadwork in Pashmina shawls. An intricate and luxurious appeal is added to the pure Pashmina with the minimal Sozni work on the border, in this regal blue shawl. If an effortless style statement is what you like, this pure Pashmina shawl with a touch of Sozni will become your favorite.
What better way to express royalty than in gold? This pure Pashmina shawl woven with golden yellow yarns carries an aura of luxury, power, and grandeur that can make your simple ethnic outfits look dashingly regal. With fine floral and paisley details on the border adding texture and definition to the drape, this Pashmina shawl is going to be a timeless winter statement for your festive winter wardrobe.
A blend of traditional and trendy is what you seek in your fashion? Worry not. Go for this stylish and minimal pure Pashmina shawl, adorned with a modern checkered pattern all over that gives a simple and effortless vibe, contrasted by the subtle Sozni embroidery on the borders that gives you just the right sprinkle of luxury.
Red is not just a color for women. It is a universal symbol of power, which makes this haute red pure Pashmina shawl an ideal addition to your winter wear. Decorated with the exquisite Kani weave on the border where a network of paisleys and flowers bloom to bring Kashmir’s natural beauty to your ensembles, this is the shawl you would want to carry with your kurtas and sherwanis to look absolutely royal.
Akbar would have absolutely loved this number! Covered all over in Resham embroidery- fine silk threads creating gardens of heaven on its body, this shawl reminds one of the mosaics of Mughal buildings and the intricate beauty of their miniature paintings. If all you have is a plain cotton or silk blend kurta, pair it up with a jacket and this Pashmina, and you are ready to earn compliments.
We can not forget the traditional handspun Lohi or dushala- a long, body-covering shawl from Kullu, made specially to protect people from the chills of the mountains. A simple and warm winter wear, the Kullu shawl is ideal for everyday use, due to its minimal look and long life. You can carry this with your casual ethnic or western looks throughout winter to wrap yourself in a homely and comforting embrace of wool.
Woven with wool and adorned with the traditional colorful geometric patterns on the border, the Kullu scarf is not just a piece of clothing, but a lesser-known winter wear from Himachal, tied with the culture and tradition of its people. Offers to people as a sign of respect, the Kullu scarf is a perfect choice for people who want something minimal but traditional. An easy-to-style piece with your woolen shirts, sweaters, jackets, and kurtas, the Kullu scarf is a woolen accessory we would definitely recommend.
Another hidden gem when it comes to finding the best woolen shawls for men has to be the Kutch shawl. Woven and crafted by the tribal communities of Kutch and a part of their ancient heritage, the Kutch shawl is intricately decorated with a mirror and thick embroidery that adds to the warmth and charm of wool. This plain shawl from Kutch is the perfect pick for any man’s winter wardrobe. With a simple body and hints of embroidery on the border, this shawl fits right in with any look you have in mind for this season.
It is never too late to welcome a classic Indian shawl to your winter fashion. Keeping in mind your taste, budget, and weather, go for the shawl that suits you the best. From Pashmina to wool, from Kullu to Kutch, the options are unending. Go through Exotic India Art’s collection of men’s shawls to get an idea of what you like, and pick a comfy and stylish shawl to wrap you in an elite and luxurious feel.
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