Men’s Shawl (Lohi/Loi): Tradition, Warmth & Style for Every Occasion

On a chilly morning in the mountains, I saw a milkman going door to door to deliver fresh milk. Curious, I asked him if he felt the cold. With a smile, he replied, “I carry my warmth in this lohi (loi).” He was referring to the traditional men’s shawl, wrapped firmly around his shoulders. By the look of it, this lohi shawl was a handwoven wool shawl, carrying not only warmth but also comfort and timeless elegance.

This encounter made me realize why the men’s shawl (lohi/loi) is still treasured in our culture today. Let’s discover its history, types, and the timeless elegance it carries.

What is a Lohi (Loi) Shawl?

A lohi shawl—often called loi in Punjab—is not just any piece of woolen cloth. It is a traditional men’s shawl known for its warmth, thickness, and simplicity. While a regular shawl may be light and delicate, a lohi is broader, heavier, and designed to shield men from the biting cold of the northern winters. It is the kind of wrap that becomes a daily companion, not just an accessory.

The roots of the lohi shawl lie deep in the culture of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. In Himachal, shepherds and elders drape themselves in a Himachali lohi as they walk through snow-covered paths or sit by the fire on cold evenings. In Punjab, the loi carries equal pride—farmers wear it in the fields at dawn, and elders wrap it around themselves during winter gatherings.

It is often said that “every Himachali or Punjabi man owns at least one lohi in winter.” And it’s true—the lohi is more than fabric. It is warmth against the cold, a mark of tradition, and a quiet symbol of comfort and dignity that has remained unchanged for generations.

History & Cultural Significance of Men’s Shawls

The traditional men’s shawl has always been more than just a way to keep warm—it carries with it stories of pride, respect, and belonging. In India, the shawl has a history that stretches back centuries. Our great kings and nobles were often seen draped in grand woolen or pashmina shawls, their flowing fabric a symbol of dignity, power, and grace. Ancient texts and paintings show rulers and saints alike wrapped in these garments, using them as much for prestige as for protection against the cold.

Over time, shawls became deeply tied to festivals, weddings, and religious gatherings. Offering a shawl to a guest or elder is still considered one of the highest gestures of honor. On a wedding day, a groom’s attire often feels incomplete without a shawl—adding richness and heritage to his look.

Among these, the authentic Himachali lohi holds a special charm. In the snow-covered valleys of Himachal, a lohi is not just clothing—it is survival, identity, and pride. In Punjab, the loi is woven into daily life, carried by farmers in the fields and elders at winter gatherings.

The men’s shawl—whether Himachali lohi or Punjabi loi—remains a timeless emblem, passed down from kings to common men, keeping alive both warmth and tradition through the ages.

Different Types of Men’s Shawls

Over time, the men’s shawl has taken many forms—each with its own charm, purpose, and story. While the lohi shawl remains the most common among men in Himachal and Punjab, there are other varieties that carry their own legacy.

• Woolen Lohi (Loi)
  Thick, warm, and practical—the classic lohi is woven from pure wool and is a companion for daily life in the mountains and fields. Its strength lies in its simplicity, and that is why it has remained timeless.
• Pashmina Shawl for Men
  Lighter, softer, and more luxurious, the pashmina men’s shawl has been a symbol of elegance for centuries. Unlike the heavy lohi, a pashmina is worn more for grace than necessity, often reserved for special occasions.
• Handwoven Himachali Shawl
  With intricate borders and colorful patterns, the Himachali shawl reflects the artistry of mountain weavers. Each piece carries the identity of its region—whether Kullu, Kinnaur, or Chamba—making it as much a cultural emblem as a winter essential.
• Wedding & Occasion Shawls
  On weddings and festivals, men often choose shawls that are richer and more ornate. These shawls, embroidered or finely woven, add dignity to the attire of a groom or elder, marking life’s special moments.
  
  

No matter the type, the traditional men’s shawl continues to be more than fabric—it is warmth, identity, and heritage wrapped around the shoulders with pride.

How to Style a Men’s Shawl (Lohi/Loi)

The beauty of a men’s shawl lies not only in its warmth but also in the way it is worn. A lohi (loi), in particular, carries a simplicity that allows men to drape it with ease while still looking dignified. Unlike modern winter wear, there are no zippers or buttons—just folds of wool that adapt to every moment of life.

This tradition goes back centuries. Our great kings and nobles were often seen draped in heavy woolen or pashmina shawls, flowing gracefully over their shoulders. For them, the shawl was not just a shield against the cold—it was also a mark of authority, power, and elegance. That same timeless dignity lives on today whenever a man wraps a lohi around himself.

In the villages of Himachal, you’ll often see elders with a Himachali lohi draped loosely across both shoulders, allowing them to sit comfortably by the hearth or walk through cold lanes. In Punjab, farmers throw the loi casually over one shoulder as they step out into the fields at dawn—a style born out of practicality, yet graceful in its own way.

For weddings and festive occasions, the shawl takes on a grander role. Draped neatly over a kurta-pajama or sherwani, it adds richness to a man’s attire, making him stand tall with pride. Even today, many prefer a fine wool or embroidered shawl during ceremonies, as it completes the traditional look with elegance.

Whether worn casually or for special occasions, the traditional men’s shawl proves that true style is timeless—flowing naturally from comfort, culture, and confidence.

Why Choose a Handwoven Himachali Lohi?

A handwoven Himachali lohi is not just winter wear—it’s heritage. Woven by skilled artisans on traditional looms, each piece carries warmth, durability, and the spirit of the mountains. Unlike machine-made shawls, a true lohi feels heavier, softer, and far more comforting in the biting cold.

Choosing a handwoven lohi also means supporting generations of craftsmanship and keeping alive a tradition that kings, elders, and farmers have trusted for centuries. It is authentic, timeless, and proudly a traditional men’s shawl that connects you to your roots while keeping you warm.

Where to Buy the Best Men’s Shawls (Lohi/Loi)?

If you are looking for the best shawls for men in India, nothing matches the charm of an authentic handwoven lohi. But in today’s market, where machine-made imitations are everywhere, knowing where to buy makes all the difference.

When you buy a Himachali lohi online, always look for these signs of authenticity:

• A slightly heavier feel compared to regular shawls, as it is made of pure wool.
• Subtle variations in weave, which show that it is handwoven and not mass-produced.
• Durability—the true loi lasts for years, often passed down across generations.
  
  

At Bhuttico, every loi is woven on traditional looms by skilled artisans of Himachal Pradesh. Choosing one not only brings you unmatched warmth and elegance but also supports the local weavers who have kept this craft alive for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Men’s Shawls (Lohi/Loi)

Q1. What is a lohi (loi) shawl?
A lohi, also called a loi, is a traditional men’s woolen shawl commonly worn in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It is larger and warmer than a regular shawl, making it ideal for cold winters.

Q2. How is a lohi different from a normal shawl?
Unlike lightweight shawls, a lohi is heavier, handwoven, and designed for warmth. It has a wider drape, covering the body better in freezing weather.

Q3. What material is a lohi made from?
Authentic lohis are handwoven using pure wool, often sheep or pashmina wool, which gives them natural insulation and long-lasting durability.

Q4. Can women wear a lohi shawl?
Yes, while traditionally worn by men, women also drape lohis for warmth, especially in rural Himachal and Punjab.

Q5. Is a lohi only for traditional occasions?
No. The lohi is versatile—it can be worn daily, during travel, or on special occasions like weddings, religious gatherings, and festivals.

Q6. How can I style a lohi with modern outfits?
Many prefer draping it over jeans and sweaters, pairing it with boots, or wearing it with kurtas for a fusion look. It adds elegance without losing its traditional essence.

Q7. How do I check if a lohi is authentic?
Look for a handwoven label, slightly uneven weave patterns, and the weight of pure wool. Machine-made imitations are often too perfect and much lighter.

Q8. What is the price of a genuine Himachali lohi?
Prices vary depending on wool type and craftsmanship. A handwoven Himachali lohi usually starts from ₹2,000 and can go much higher for premium wool.

Q9. Where can I buy authentic Himachali lohi online?
Trusted handloom brands like Bhuttico offer certified handwoven lohis. Always buy from recognized sources to avoid fake machine-made products.

Q10. Why is buying a handwoven lohi important?
By choosing a handwoven shawl, you not only get unmatched warmth but also support local artisans, preserve traditional weaving, and keep centuries-old heritage alive.

Conclusion – The Timeless Charm of the Men’s Shawl (Lohi/Loi)

That morning encounter with the milkman still lingers in my mind—his simple words, “I carry my warmth in this lohi,” carried more meaning than I realized. A men’s shawl, or lohi, is not just a piece of fabric; it is a legacy of warmth, dignity, and culture. From the shoulders of ancient kings to the everyday lives of farmers, priests, and travelers, the lohi has always been more than protection against the cold—it is a symbol of identity.

Today, when you drape a handwoven Himachali lohi, you carry centuries of tradition along with you. Whether styled with modern outfits or worn on special occasions, it connects you to your roots while keeping you wrapped in comfort.

If you’re looking to buy authentic Himachali lohi online, explore our collection at Bhuttico—crafted by skilled artisans who have kept this art alive for generations. Each shawl is more than wool; it’s a story you can wear.