Nursing shawls are basically like other shawls or wraps but are generally made of cotton or a similar itch-free fabric that is lightweight, easy to care for and opaque yet breathable, enabling your child to nurse privately and comfortably without overheating. The shawls are also compact, able to be folded into a handbag or diaper bag without taking up too much space.

Of course being a modern mother you want the nursing shawl to look good as well and so the shawl must be a neutral enough color and style to match almost any outfit yet still be modern, elegant and stylish at the same time. Even if you don’t want to wear the nursing shawl all the time (and often this may be the case as accidents happen so easily!) then while you are feeding your child in a public space it is understandable if you don’t want passers by to stare at you struggling over a huge scratchy woollen blanket.

There are a number of stylish options, both general purpose fashion shawls that can also function as nursing shawls and specifically designed nursing shawls that you would wear only for feeding and then remove after.

Here are some of the best:

Bebe Au Lait and Hooter Hiders

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover, Mint Chocolate Average Rating: 285 total customer reviews...

The Bebe Au Lait brand also design and create the brand Hooter Hiders and you can choose which brand you buy under, the former for chic mothers and the latter for those with a sense of humor! Created by US entrepreneur Claire Ekelund when she began breastfeeding in public the style of shawl is unique because it offers a semi-rigid neckline that allows mothers to see their baby while breastfeeding and have that precious eye to eye contact that both baby and mother treasure. The unique neckline also releases hot air out the top so baby does not overheat.

Their designs are very modern and the funky prints vary in color and pattern and the brand has a growing legion of fans that appreciate the chic look and ingenious design of the shawl. Mothers also noted the portability of the shawl, it fold down into a small footprint that stows in a bag easily.

The BeBe Au Lait nursing shawl is available at Amazon for a reduced price at the moment and you can also check out the dozens of positive reviews from other mothers.

You can see how the Bebe Au Lait works on this video below:

Other mothers also recommended the following products:

ORGANIC NursEase Breastfeeding Shawl- Organic Medium Perfect Paisley Average Rating: 2 total customer reviews...

An organic option is also available in this nursing shawl from NursEase, a design developed by mothers and doctors.

One of the main appeals of an evening shawl is it’s versatility on cool evenings. An evening shawl is perfect for keeping warm and allows you to wear a more revealing outfit in the cooler months and still stay warm in an elegant way. Although it is cool outside you can still wear your prettiest dress with the shawl placed strategically yet artfully around your body and if the function moves indoors you can choose whether or not to keep the shawl around you or place it up on your shoulders.

There are a number of styles and colors of evening shawl to choose from and much of the decision will depend on your outfit and the function you are choosing the shawl for. An opulent evening shawl would look out of place at a barbecue, no matter how late the hour, but a more simple design would fit in perfectly. The trick is, like with any fashion garment, to fit in yet stand out. Wearing the right ensemble at the wrong time can be a fashion faux pas and it is noce to know there are a number of different styles to fit various occasions.

By definition an evening shawl is intended to be worn after the sun has gone down and fashion designers generally make the colors more muted and add embellishments like beads and sequins that sparkle in the occasional artificial lighting of nighttime functions. So a dark brown/black shawl may have a design embroidered in silver beads, the idea being that the fabric of the shawl adds an elegant shape, framing the face and the neck, while the fine sparkly sewing work adds a dramatic highlight, drawing the eye.

In the case of warm pashmina shawls, designers add silk to the finest weaves to lend a shimmery look and also extra durability. Pasmina shawls are perfect for cool evenings, particularly those with intricate patterns. They are beautifully fine and light but warm at the same time. Being pashmina they are wrinkle resistant so can be stored in a bag easily.

Beautiful Evening Shawls
Here are some of the most beautiful evening shawls as determined by online feedback from customers who have rated their experiences after buying the shawls.

ShalinIndia Woollen Shawls

Paisley Wrap Wool Embroidered Wrap 80 x 40 inches Average Rating: total customer reviews...

Average Rating: total customer reviews...

Shawls and Scarves Woolen Paisley Design 80 x 40 inches Average Rating: 2 total customer reviews...

If you are after warm and unique, look no further than this stunning range of wool scarves from ShalinIndia. They are designed and made by hand and shipped within 24 hours from a company owned and based in India. 

ShalinIndia is a company started by a female entrepreneur in that country and ensures no child labor is used in the creation of the shawls. These shawls measure 80 inches x 40 inches.Browse the full range of ShalinIndia shawls at Amazon.

Nylon Shawls With Metallic Thread

Gold Lightweight Mesh Metallic Evening Shawl Average Rating: 6 total customer reviews...

Black Lightweight Mesh Metallic Evening Shawl Average Rating: 2 total customer reviews...

Silver Lightweight Mesh Metallic Evening Shawl Average Rating: 7 total customer reviews...

In contrast these shawls are made of nylon so don’t expect them to last as long as the woollen shawls. However people who have used the scarves admire their striking appearance and the lightness of the fabric. A perfect and inexpensive way to dress up a summer outfit. The shawls each measures 92 inches long by 30 inches wide.

Sheer Delights Evening Shawl

Average Rating: total customer reviews...

This shawl is made from a viscose knit fabric and features small black sequins as well as printed butterfly and flower patterns in silver. It measures 19″ x 66″ plus 5″ of fringe on each side. If you are after a sheer shawl to complement a black evening dress then this is a wonderful option, and you can get a great deal at Amazon at the moment.

Sheer Silver Crystal Organza Evening Wrap Shawl for Prom Wedding Bride Average Rating: 10 total customer reviews...

Sheer Designs also offer a sheer silver trimmed shawl sized at 18″ x 72″ which will go beautifully with most outfits.

There are a number of silver shawls on the market and they fall into two general categories, those intended as general silver shawls for occasions that can be either casual or formal and those silver shawls that are specifically intended for formal or evening occasions.

The former are often made of pashmina wool for a less shiny and more casual look, while the more formal shawls are made of viscose, silk or nylon.

Choosing A Silver Shawl
Like most items of clothing it is important to take the time to choose the silver shawl that is right for you, your outfit and the occasion. A shawl may seem like a small item of clothing but it is by no means inconsequential. The wrong choice can make a beautiful outfit look dull or mismatched while the correct choice can ensure you stand out from the crowd.

Based on reviews at online consumer feedback sites we have discovered that many people who purchased silver shawls preferred the following: 

Sheer Silver Crystal Organza Evening Wrap Shawl for Prom Wedding Bride Average Rating: 10 total customer reviews...

Elegant Jacquard Weave Pashmina Shawl / Stole / Wrap (70% Pashmina 30% Silk) Average Rating: 26 total customer reviews...

Average Rating: total customer reviews...

When to Wear A Silver Shawl
By and large the times you will be wanting to wear a silver shawl are important and fairly formal events. Like any clothing that shimmers it is going to standout and draw attention. At events where everyone will be wearing their chic best, a silver shawl can dress up your outfit so that just about any dress can be lifted to the level of formal attire. 

This includes occasions such as:

• Weddings
• High School Proms and Formals
• Cocktail Parties
• Christenings

What To Wear With A Silver Shawl
Choosing the outfit to go with a silver shawl can be confusing but as silver is a neutral color you may find that it goes with a great many arrangements. As a rule you want to wear something that the shawl will accent rather than dominate or overwhelm. Ideas would include a red cocktail dress with silver jewelry and shoes with accents of silver and needless to say any dress that is silver would also complement the shawl beautifully.

Wrapping a shawl around your shoulders is one way to beat the cold and look good too but you can also make it into a bit of art form and wear shawls and wraps so they maximize on the elegance that can be achieved with this simple fashion accessory.

Shawls and wraps are traditionally worn around the shoulders, neck arms and the top of the torso. How you arrange your shawl depends on the time of day and the location. If you are after a casual look for daytime try folding the shawl like a scarf and wearing it wrapped around our neck .

In the evening, if you are after a more elegant look you can war the shawl draped around your neck with the two ends falling down your back. This last method is also great if you are wearing an evening dress with a revealing back, it will highlight and frame the back.

The various ways you can wear shawls and wraps is best demonstrated by viewing a few Youtube videos on the subject as a video can convey the finer points more eloquently than words. So here are a few of the best shawls and wraps videos.

Shawls and wraps are generally folded pieces of rectangular fabric but can also come pre woven in a triangular shape. There are a number of makes and styles of shawl that can be worn in different seasons or at different times of the day. Heavier textiles like pashmina, cashmere and wool shawls are great for adding a warmth layer, being compact, practical and stylish. Cotton or silk shawls are lighter and are generally worn with an evening outfit or in summer months to add a layer of protection against sun or wind and dress up a casual wardrobe.

When choosing a shawl keep in mind your needs for style as well as practicality. Accenting your wardrobe with a shawl is the perfect opportunity to add some style and fun to your wardrobe as well as protect you from the elements.
Some elements to keep in mind:

• Colors: There are a vast array of colors, tints and shades available in shawls and wraps
• Fabric: A variety of fabrics are used to create shawls and wraps, each with its own strengths
  • Cashmere
  • Pasmina
  • Velvet
  • Silk
  • Linen
  • Cotton
  • Hemp
  • Wool
  • Viscose
  • Fur
  • Alpaca
• Woven Pattern or printed picture designs
• Highlights like beads or embroidery
• Tassels or fringe
• Need for the shawl to complement your clothing or brooches

We have a growing number of pages on particular shawl and wrap styles so check out the page that suits your needs. We offer information on each style and where to find the best products and the best deals.