Multani shawls from South Punjab are a celebration of colour, block-printing, and regional identity. While less known internationally than Kashmiri pashminas, Multani textiles have a distinct place in Pakistani wardrobe — especially as shawls for women, colourful shawls for men in some communities, and as practical winter shawl for ladies and everyday wraps. Multani pieces often blend printed cotton and cotton-wool blends, embroidered borders, and striking Ajrak-like patterns that reflect Multan’s textile legacy.
Origin & Cultural Roots
Multan has been a pottery, textile and craft centre for centuries. The region’s shawl and wrap traditions evolved from local block printing, indigenous dyeing methods, and cross-cultural trade with Sindh and Rajasthan. Multani shawls are often lighter than heavy Himalayan woolens — making them ideal for Punjab’s cooler months, evening wear, and festive use.
Materials & Construction
Multani shawls commonly use:
- Cotton & Cotton-Wool Blends — breathable and suitable for city winters.
- Lightweight Wool Blends — warm but not bulky, a good alternative to thick wool shawls.
- Hand-embroidered Borders — adding a festive or bridal touch (see our Hand-Embroidered Shawls article for border styles and techniques).
If you’re comparing fabrics, the differences are covered in our materials guide: Complete Guide to Shawl Materials in Pakistan.
Design & Motifs
Multani designs use geometric medallions, floral repeats, and Ajrak-inspired blocks with deeper indigo, maroon and earthy tones. Modern Multani pieces also borrow paisley and garden motifs — see related motif coverage on Bibriks:
Styling: For Women
Multani shawls work beautifully as wraps over kurta or western layers. Try:
- Lightly draped over one shoulder for a casual daytime look.
- Full wrap for evening events — pair with plain outfits to let the pattern pop.
- As a cape-shawl for travel — practical, compact, and stylish (related: How to Wear Shawls for Women in Pakistan).
Styling: For Men
Though Multani shawls are often associated with women’s wear, simpler, darker-printed shawls are used by men in some Punjabi settings:
- Drape over shalwar kameez for rural/formal events.
- Choose deeper hues and subtler motifs for formal or religious settings (see Formal & Office Wear Shawls).
Price Ranges (Pakistan)
| Type | Typical Specs | PKR Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Printed Cotton Multani Shawl | Hand-block or machine print | 1,200–4,000 |
| Cotton-Wool Blend | Heavier weave, embroidered border | 3,000–9,000 |
| Embroidered Multani Shawl | Hand / machine embroidery | 5,000–18,000 |
Quality Checklist
- Check print clarity and dye-fastness (a sign of good block-printing).
- Even weave and straight selvedges for better durability.
- For embroidered borders, inspect reverse side and knot security.
- For blended wool mixes, check handfeel — warmth without excessive bulk.
Common Uses & Gifting
Multani shawls are popular for daily wear, small festivities, and as affordable cultural gifts. They are often chosen for:
- Everyday warmth and style for women.
- Light winter layering for men and women alike.
- Gifting during local festivals, Eid, and family ceremonies.
Helpful Internal Links (Bibriks)
Materials & buying: Complete Guide to Shawl Materials • Motifs & designs: Paisley • Modern & Abstract • Hand-Embroidered Shawls.
FAQs
Q1: Are Multani shawls warm enough for Pakistani winters?
Multani shawls vary; printed cotton versions are lightweight, while wool-blend Multani shawls provide reasonable warmth for Punjab winters.
Q2: How do Multani and Ajrak textiles differ?
Ajrak (Sindh) uses distinctive resist-dye and block-print patterns; Multani shawls share regional motifs but often feature a different palette and lighter fabrics tailored to Multan’s climate.
External References (Context)
- Dawn – regional craft coverage
- Express Tribune – Multan craft features
- The National – artisan stories
FAQs
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What fabrics are Multani shawls made of? — Multani shawls are usually cotton, cotton-wool blends, or light wool mixes; some feature embroidered borders.
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Can men wear Multani shawls? — Yes; choose darker, subtler prints and heavier blends for men’s formal or cultural wear.
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How much do Multani shawls cost in Pakistan? — Prices range from PKR 1,200 (basic printed cotton) up to PKR 18,000 (heavily embroidered blends).
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How to style a Multani shawl for winter? — Layer it as a cape or wrap over kurta/western wear; pair with plain outfits to highlight the pattern.
Article prepared for Bibriks internal linking and publication. All internal links use the /blogs/pashmina-shawls/ structure and product pages where applicable.
