Fold the pashmina in half lengthwise, centre it on the back of your neck and let both ends fall forward over your shoulders. For a more secure fit, cross the ends at your chest, loop them into a scarf, or belt the shawl at the waist. Choose the method to suit your outfit.
Start with the size and the fold
How a pashmina behaves depends on its size and how you fold it. One retailer's size guide lists a stole at 70 x 200 cm and a larger shawl at 90 x 200 cm. A stole is easier to wear as a scarf. A shawl has enough fabric to wrap around you.
Folding matters more than most people expect. Folding the shawl in half lengthwise before draping is one way to change its shape. An unfolded shawl looks softer and more dramatic.
Pashmina is a fine, light fabric, so it also folds small. If you are unsure which shawl you own, our guide on how to tell if a pashmina is real covers the basics.
Six ways to drape a pashmina
Each method below comes with the outfit it suits best.
- The classic shoulder drape (evening). Fold the shawl lengthwise, or open it fully for a more dramatic effect. Lay it evenly across both shoulders so the ends hang at equal lengths at the front. Keep it loose. It frames the neckline of a sleeveless dress or a plain evening outfit and adds warmth without bulk.
- The one-shoulder drape (evening or dinner). Place the shawl diagonally across your body. Let it fall long on one side and shorter on the other. A brooch at the crest of the shoulder can hold it discreetly. It works well over a midi or maxi dress.
- The loop scarf (over a coat). Fold the pashmina in half lengthwise and drape it around your neck so one side forms a loop. Pass the loose ends through the loop and gently tighten. It stays put, fills the neckline of a coat and keeps your neck warm without a bulky scarf.
- The belted wrap (office). Drape the shawl over your shoulders like a cape. Add a slim belt at your natural waist, over the fabric. This gives a structured look when worn over a dress or coat. It suits a desk day when the air conditioning is cold, worn over a blazer, a shirt or a simple dress.
- The full travel wrap (planes and trains). Open the shawl fully. Wrap it around your shoulders and upper arms, cross the ends over your chest and tuck them under the opposite sides. It works as a light blanket and comes off easily. For more on travelling light, see how to pack light for a European summer holiday.
- The head-and-shoulder cover (travel). Centre the long edge over your head and let it fall past your shoulders. Leave the ends loose or cross one over the opposite shoulder. This is useful for visiting places of worship, and for wind and sun.
What to wear a pashmina with
A pashmina suits plain, simple clothes because it is the statement piece. Here are some pairings:
- Dresses and gowns: a solid-colour shawl over a midi or maxi dress, such as our linen midi and maxi dresses, adds a layer for cool evenings.
- Coats: a looped pashmina under the collar of a tailored coat replaces a scarf. Browse our jackets, blazers and coats for autumn and winter outerwear.
- Jeans and a plain top: a loosely knotted pashmina scarf dresses down the outfit and keeps it casual.
- Blazers: wear a belted or draped shawl over the shoulders for office dressing.
For colour, match or tone with your outfit. A neutral shawl goes with almost anything. For layering ideas with natural fabrics, see how to wear linen in winter.
How to keep a pashmina from slipping
Pashmina is soft and light, so it slides easily on smooth fabrics. Try these fixes:
- Fold it first. Folding it lengthwise is the starting point for the drapes above.
- Cross and tuck the ends. Crossing the ends in front and tucking one behind helps, as does a knot, a belt or a brooch.
- Tie a soft knot behind you. Cross the ends behind your back and tie a loose knot. The front stays clean and your hands stay free.
- Pick the right surface. Pashmina Vogue notes that a knit or blazer holds a shawl better than smooth satin or silk.
- Use a small pin. A safety pin at the back neckline, under the shawl, avoids damaging the fabric.
Related questions
How do you tie a pashmina?
The simplest tie is the loop: fold the shawl lengthwise, drape it around your neck so one end forms a loop, and pull the loose ends through. For a looser look, wrap it once around your neck and tie a soft knot at the front or the back.
What do you wear a pashmina with?
It works over dresses, under coat collars, with jeans and a plain top, or over a blazer. Plain, simple outfits let the shawl stand out. Solid colours and neutrals are the easiest to match.
How do you keep a pashmina from slipping?
Fold it lengthwise, cross and tuck the ends, or secure it with a belt, a knot or a brooch. Smooth fabrics like satin make it slide more.
What is the difference between a pashmina shawl and a stole?
The terms overlap. Sellers in Nepal and India usually call the larger size a shawl, and a stole is somewhat narrower. A stole is easier to wear as a scarf. A shawl wraps more fully.
A pashmina collection is coming soon at ANAHIV. Until then, these draping methods will work with any shawl you already own.