The Shawl: Clothing You Can Give Without Knowing Her Size

There is no size to get wrong. A wrap is draped rather than fitted, which removes the single biggest reason clothing gifts get returned — and the reason we steer people away from giving dresses.

It solves a real recurring problem. Cold churches, over-air-conditioned offices, long flights and evening events all call for something to put over the shoulders, and most people own one that is tired rather than one they like.

It works alongside traditional dress rather than competing with it. A plain wrap in a good colour sits comfortably over both a habesha kemis and an ordinary work outfit, which is more than most accessories manage.

• Anyone who is reliably cold in restaurants, offices and churches
• A girlfriend who travels and needs something for flights
• Someone attending weddings and events who needs evening cover
• Winter and holiday gifting

• No sizing risk whatsoever
• Genuinely used rather than stored
• Works with both traditional and everyday clothing

The things worth checking before you order — this is where gifts like this most often go wrong.

• Read the fibre content, not the product name. 'Pashmina' is used loosely as a style description; many wraps sold under that name are viscose or acrylic, which feel and wear differently from wool or cashmere.
• Check the dimensions. A wrap that is too narrow will not stay on the shoulders, which defeats the purpose entirely.
• Colour is the main taste risk here. A neutral — cream, charcoal, camel — is far safer than a strong shade if you are unsure.
• Confirm the care instructions. A dry-clean-only wrap is a burden on someone who will not dry-clean anything.