Given the climate, it’s not surprising at all that a shawl – something that’s meant to keep you warm – practically became Russia’s national symbol. What’s fascinating though is that there are several distinct styles of it originating from different regions.

Fiery flowers on black

The shawls most often associated with classic Russian style are made in the town of Pavlovsky Posad near Moscow . They strike you with a high-contrast look: usually a black background with colorful floral patterns, most commonly roses, peonies, and berries. This made Pavlovo Posad shawls (Павловопосадские платки) instantly recognizable. 

The factory making them today is actually one of the oldest textile manufacturers in Russia, which started as a small workshop back in 1795. The production rapidly expanded, and half a century later, the town was known as a major center of shawl manufacturing.

Pavlovo Posad shawls are made with wool, which makes them super warm, and today’s designs are created by artists who draw inspiration not only from Russian folk motifs, but also from Persian, Indian, and European decorative arts.

Thin as a spider’s web

More delicate, but just as warm shawls are made in Orenburg (Оренбургские платки). Instead of wool, they’re made of goat down. This makes them extremely fine and soft. Despite their large size, they can famously pass through… a wedding ring!

Orenburg shawls have been world-famous since the 19th century, when they became an export product and were exhibited internationally. Their production began a century prior to that, when Russian settlers in Ural encountered goats with an incredibly soft down.

Elegant patterns of Vologda

Another town famous for shawls and scarves is Vologda. Here, they make these functional and beautiful accessories with a unique local type of bobbin lace (вологодское кружево). They’re famous for their distinctive pattern with geometric ornaments and floral motifs.

Another world-famous example of traditional Russian handicraft, the Vologda shawls are made using wooden bobbins and dozens of threads manipulated simultaneously. It’s very intricate work, resulting in light, elegant pieces.

Read more about local traditional culture in our other stories, such as the one on ancient toys and folk fashion of Russia.