My Shawls and Wraps

In the winter months people want things to wear that keep them warm. However you do not always want to wear a thick cardigan or an overly practical thick duffle coat. There is an alternative that can keep you warm while at the same time look elegant. With shawls and wraps you can achieve this difficult balancing act.

There are a number of different wraps and shawls available. You can find a wide variety of designs and they are made from various types of material. Some of it is harder wearing than others. What you need to decide is what is most important for your needs at the current moment in time and what could be a good addition to your wardrobe later on.

For example with summer shawls and wraps you want something lighter like chiffon. These are the ones that can keep you warm on a summer evening when it is starting to get colder but it is not quite cold enough to need a jacket. These are the ones that are not too thick, usually around 1 ply of thickness.

The 2 ply thickness shawls and wraps are best for winter days when you want something to keep out the cold while at the same time look good. One of the best materials for this purpose is pashmina. The term often makes people think of a glamorous garment but they are equally practical, provided you get the best quality and buy them from a reputable website, wholesaler or high street store.

If you are buying pashmina shawls and wraps then you need to look for ones that are clearly labelled 100 per cent pashmina. If the item is not 100 per cent then it will be a blend. A blend can still be good quality, using material such as chiffon or cotton. However it is recommended that a blended pashmina garment should have no more than 20 per cent of an additional material included in the blend to ensure the best quality.

Alternatively cotton is a good option as well. The reason for this is that cotton is a relatively low cost material while at the same time being very good quality. It is also less delicate than other types of garment material and therefore more durable, something worth considering if you go out hiking or need something that will handle the harshest wintry conditions!

When choosing items you also need to think about colours. Darker shades are often because they tend to complement other items, whereas bright colours only tend to complement other bright colours. Another thing to be wary of is sizes. Some may not necessarily have European sizes on them or may have both European and American sizes. It is best to go to a department store and look at possible options to see what is best suited for you. Look online for more options and customer feedback to help find the right brands and the ideal shawls and wraps to suit any occasion.