Valentine's Day Gifts for Men | Kashmiri Shawls

Valentine's day might not mean as much to men as it does to women. But this absolutely does not mean that men do not deserve to be pampered on this day. The man in your life means so much to you. He has always been there, caring, loving, and supporting you. What better way to shower him with gifts on the most romantic day of the year? We believe Kashmiri shawls are the best gifts for men when it comes to Valentine’s day specials. That is because Kashmiri shawls are handcrafted with the same emotion and love that your partner deserves on this day and always.

What are Kashmiri Shawls?

Kashmiri shawls are one of the most popular accessories in the world. These are handcrafted out of pure Cashmere wool that comes from Ladakh. The wool is then processed manually to produce luxury shawls that are immensely soft, feathery lightweight, super fine, and exceptionally warm. 

When we say Kashmiri shawls, we mean the Pashmina shawls of Kashmir. There are many varieties of shawls produced in Kashmir, but none is as luxurious as Pashmina shawls. 

Why are Kashmiri shawls special?

There are myriad reasons why Kashmiri shawls are special. The fact that they have been in trend since the 15th century speaks a lot about their extraordinary demeanour. Here are some reasons why Kashmir shawls are loved and revered locally and all over the world. 

The shawls are Handmade

Anything handmade shows the amount of love put into it. Hence, handmade gifts are liked by everyone as these are considered as well thought of. Handmade gifts are always loved by men, especially the choosy ones, who already have everything they need. Hence Kashmiri shawls will always prove fruitful, and the taker will realize that you took out the time to look for something rare for them. Isn't the saying true “Nothing spells love better than T-I-M-E?" 

Kashmiri Shawls are labour-intensive and meticulously made

Handcrafting a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl is quite a task. The yarn for the shawls is sourced from Ladakh, where a rare goat grows a special fleece as an undercoat. This fleece is so warm that it protects the goat from a freezing -40 degrees C temperature in winter. The fleece is collected when the goat loses it in the moulting period. 

This wool is raw Cashmere and is processed manually for days, months, or even years. Several shawls take 4 to 5 years to complete, wiping to their finesse, intricate adornments, and luxury weaves. Hence Kashmiri shawls of those types are immensely labour intensive, and artisans of this art form work their blood, sweat, and emotions to prepare shawls like these. 

Hundreds of artisans are associated with Kashmiri shawls, and as a result, a large number of households depend on this art form. 

Less Production, More Demand

One Cashmere producing goat produces just 150-180 grams of fleece per year. This is not even enough for making one shawl. One Kashmiri shawl needs around 500 grams of wool. Hence, wool from 4 to 5 goats has to be collected to make one shawl. On top of that, the time it takes to prepare these artistic wraps is humongous. This makes the supply less, but the demand for the shawls is always remarkable. This imbalance makes Kashmiri shawls even more special. 

Fine, Soft, and Warm Shawls

Kashmiri shawls are immensely soft, fine, and warm. The yarn that is required to weave Kashmiri shawls should not be more than 16 microns. This makes the shawls super light. One large shawl weighs just 450 to 500 grams (approx). Owing to the fine texture, the shawls are downy and fluffy, and one can make them compact enough to fit in a handbag by folding them! 

Kashmiri shawls made from Cashmere wool are super warm and comfortable. The shawls are believed to be 8 times warmer than ordinary sheep wool shawls and hence prevent the over-layering that men do in winters. 

Kashmiri shawls come in all the patterns in the world

Whatever your man loves to have in his wrap, a Kashmiri shawl will adapt to. The shawls started as solid and embroidered ones. But today, these luxury wraps come in modish prints, stripes, animal prints, and abstract patterns, and on top of that are customizable. Hence, if you want this handcrafted accessory to be more well thought out, you can customize it according to your preferences. 

Other than this, Kashmiri shawls come in minimal embroideries, Kani weaves, Swarovski studded designs, and more. Hence, however, the mood, age, and temperament of the one who is about to receive the best gift of their life are, the shawl panders to all. 

The Best Kashmiri Shawls as Gifts for Men

There are a large number of Kashmiri shawls that one can buy for the man in their life, on the 14th of February. It totally depends on the temperament the man has. Here we demystify a few patterns

For the Office going, formal apparel lover

If your man loves spending his time working in the office and hence dressing up for the same, a solid Kashmiri shawl will work wonders. Formal apparel for offices demands formal accessories too, and what is more formal than a pastel-shaded Kashmiri shawl, that he can tie around his neck and pair with his attire?

Also read: ARE PASHMINA FOR MEN?

For the one ready for get-togethers at home

If your man is always ready for a get-together every now and then, but the cold weather stops him at times, you can give him a bright printed Kashmiri shawl that he dons when guests come over. The shawl will spruce his looks instantly, as well as keep him warm, ready to serve and host his entourage of friends and family. 

Also read: HOW ARE PASHMINA SHAWLS MADE?

For the classic art patron

If your man is someone who loves to be associated with classic art and craft forms, a hand-embroidered or Kani Kashmiri shawl is the perfect gift to give. These shawls are especially special as they take years of expertise and skill to complete. Your man will love it for the rest of his life. 

Surprise the man in your life with these luxury gifts and watch Valentine's day be their most cherished and treasured day. 

Also read: ARE CASHMERE SCARVES EXPENSIVE?