Best Ways to Store Your Pashmina Shawl During Summer

You don’t wrap a painting in a newspaper. So why would you treat your Pashmina shawl like just another scarf?

Summer’s here, and your closet’s about to go through its seasonal shuffle. But before you fold away that original Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, ask yourself, are you storing it the way it deserves?

These aren’t mass-produced fabrics. Pashmina shawls from Kashmir carry warmth, heritage, and handwoven effort in every thread. Treating them like regular winter wear? That’s how heirlooms turn into hand-me-downs.

Let’s talk about how to store your Kashmiri shawl properly so that it still looks (and feels) perfect when the chill returns.

1. Start with Cleanliness - Always

Here’s where most people mess up. They wear their Pashmina shawl, fold it, and tuck it away thinking it’s clean enough. But even invisible traces of perfume, body oil, sweat, or city dust can quietly ruin the fibers.

Before you store it, gently hand wash it with a mild, wool-safe detergent. If you're unsure or the piece is expensive or embroidered, skip the risk and get it professionally dry-cleaned.

The goal is simple: clean fabric means no hidden stains, smells, or moth bait.

2. Never Hang. Always Fold.

Hanging might seem like a good idea, especially to avoid wrinkles. But over time, hangers can stretch out the delicate weave of your Pashmina Kashmiri shawl.

Instead, fold it carefully along the natural creases. You can even lay a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent friction.

Bonus tip: Switch up the fold next season so that creases don’t become permanent lines.

3. Pick the Right Storage Spot

Temperature matters. So does humidity. Avoid stuffing your Kashmiri shawl for ladies into the back of a damp closet or the top shelf near the ceiling where it gets too warm.

Choose a cool, dry, and dark place. Light fades colors. Heat weakens fibers. Moisture invites mold. Basically, treat your Kashmiri pashmina shawl like a living thing. Give it air, shade, and space.

4. Ditch Plastic. Choose Breathable Storage.

Plastic bags and covers might seem protective, but they can actually trap moisture and suffocate the fabric. That leads to yellowing, mildew, and that dreaded musty smell.

Go for cotton muslin bags or natural fabric pouches. These allow the pashmina to breathe while still protecting it from dust and pests.

If you don’t have a muslin bag, a clean cotton pillowcase works just as well.

5. Keep Moths Away - Naturally

Moths love natural wool. And they don’t care how much you paid for your Kashmiri shawl for women.

Instead of harsh chemicals or naphthalene balls (which leave that awful smell), go the natural route. Lavender sachets, cedar wood blocks, or even dried neem leaves work wonders at keeping moths out.

Just make sure these don’t come into direct contact with the shawl. Wrap them in cloth or keep them in the corner of the storage box.

6. Let It Breathe Every Few Weeks

This one’s underrated but makes a huge difference.

Every month or two, take your pashmina out of storage. Unfold it. Let it air out for a day in indirect sunlight or a breezy room. This keeps it fresh and prevents fiber fatigue.

Also gives you a reason to admire it again even when it’s not winter.

7. Label and Rotate If You Own More Than One

If you have more than one Pashmina shawl Kashmir, store them separately and label the bags. This avoids constant unfolding and re-folding when you're looking for one particular piece.

And if you like to rotate your wardrobe seasonally, give each Kashmiri shawl its moment, don’t let one take all the love while the others stay boxed up year after year.

8. Don't Iron. Steam With Care.

Got a few wrinkles after storing it for months? Skip the iron. The direct heat can crush the delicate weave.

Instead, use a handheld steamer from a safe distance. Or better yet, just let gravity do its thing. Hang it for a day or two, and the creases will usually fall out on their own.

Why is it important?

How do you preserve Pashmina shawls? You treat them with intention. You don’t just buy them. You care for them, respect the artistry, and understand their worth.

When you buy from places like Shahkaar, you’re not getting a factory-made accessory. You’re investing in a kashmir Pashmina shawl that was woven by skilled hands. And caring for it should reflect that same level of attention.

So give your Kashmiri shawls the summer break they deserve, but the kind where they come back even better, not forgotten and faded.

Conclusion 

Think of your pashmina like fine wine, it only gets better with age, but only if you store it right.

From choosing the right fabric bag to letting it breathe once in a while, these little habits can go a long way in preserving your original Kashmiri pashmina shawl for decades.

Looking to expand your collection or find a piece worth treasuring? Explore the handpicked selection of pashmina shawls from Kashmir at Shahkaar. Every piece has a story. Make sure yours lasts long enough to tell it.