A pashmina is the most useful 7 ounces in your wardrobe, but most people only ever drape it over their shoulders and hope it stays. It will not. These ten ways do stay, each takes under a minute, and together they cover weddings, offices, planes and cold restaurants. All of them work with a standard 28 x 70 to 80 inch stole such as our solid pashmina-feel shawl.
1. The classic shoulder drape (that stays)
Fold the pashmina in half lengthwise so it is 14 inches wide. Centre it on the back of the neck, bring both ends forward over the shoulders. The fold adds weight so it sits; for extra security cross the ends and tuck one behind the other. For: weddings, evening dresses, photos.
2. The one-shoulder throw
Drape it open across the back, bring one end forward over the left shoulder and throw the other end back over the same shoulder. Leaves one arm free and looks deliberate. For: cocktail dresses, dinners.
3. The front knot
Shoulders as in 1, then tie the two ends in a loose single knot at the chest. Slide the knot higher for warmth, lower for a V. For: sundresses, day events, keeping it on while you carry things.
4. The belted wrap
Drape across the back with both ends in front, then fasten a belt over the pashmina at the waist. Instantly a cardigan or kimono. For: office over a sleeveless dress, autumn days.
5. The infinity loop
Fold in half lengthwise, drape around the neck with the loop on one side, pass the loose ends through the loop and pull snug. For: cold weather, coats, travel.
6. The scarf wrap
Fold into a long band about 8 inches wide, wrap once or twice around the neck and let the ends hang in front or tie. For: jackets, cold offices.
7. The head and shoulder cover
Centre the long edge over the top of the head, let it fall past the shoulders, and either leave the ends loose or cross one over the opposite shoulder. For: churches, temples, wind, sun.
8. The halter top
Fold into a triangle, hold the long edge across the chest, bring the two side points behind the neck and tie, then tie the bottom point behind the back. Works best with an 80-inch stole. For: beach and pool days with a skirt or shorts.
9. The sarong
Hold the pashmina horizontally behind you at the waist, bring the ends to one hip and tie twice. A 78-inch stole wraps once with a tie on most waists. For: over a swimsuit.
10. The travel blanket
Unfold fully across the lap on the plane, and roll it into a neck pillow when you are warm enough. At your destination it is back to style 1. For: flights, trains, open-air cinemas.
Choosing the right one for these ties
- Fabric: viscose and rayon drape best and tie smallest; thick woven blends (like the Iris cashmere-feel shawl) are warmest and best for 5, 6 and 10.
- Size: 28 x 78 inches handles everything above; 70-inch stoles manage all but the halter and sarong on taller frames.
- Colour: one neutral (black, camel, grey) and one strong colour covers most outfits. For a wedding, match the dress or pick a jewel tone; see our wedding shawls.
Keeping it in good shape
Hand wash cold, roll in a towel, dry flat, steam out creases. Store folded. Trim any stray fringe threads with scissors rather than pulling them.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you keep a pashmina from slipping off your shoulders?
Fold it in half lengthwise before draping so there is more weight at the shoulders, cross the ends in front and tuck one behind, or secure it with a knot, a belt or a brooch.
Can you wear a pashmina with a wedding dress or evening gown?
Yes. Use the folded shoulder drape or the one-shoulder throw in a matching or complementary colour, and a sheer chiffon version if the gown is heavily embellished.
What size pashmina is best?
28 inches wide by 70 to 80 inches long. That size stays on the shoulders and is long enough to knot, loop or belt.