The locals of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral region wear soft, round-topped, warm caps that are generally made of wool. These different color round caps – Pakol Caps or Chitrali Caps – are now proudly a part of Uniworth House of Men Fashion!
Along with the league of men’s fashion and setting fashion trends, Uniworth is stepping forward in bringing the major traditions of Pakistan under one roof (At least the ones that our customers demand and want). That said, Hand Woven Pakol Caps are now a part of Uniworth!
Let us walk you through the details of these caps so you can benefit from the knowledge before wearing them:
What is Pakol?
Pakol meaningfully explains a round top. Like the word itself, Pakol is the name given to the caps that are traditionally worn by the locals of the northern region. It is a symbol of pride for the locals in their customs. The rounded cap is made of wool and is soft to feel.
Origin of the Pakol Cap
The Chitral Cap or Pakol Cap is the cultural headwear of men in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral region. These areas together were known as Balorisan in ancient times. The caps later gained popularity amongst the Northeastern Pashtun tribes in the early twentieth century. This was a substitute for their large turbines. It was also famous among the Nuristanis and Tajiks.
There are two types of these Pakol Caps:
One – The Chitral Style known as Pakul/Pakol. This cap has a sewn edge.
Two – The Gilgit Style differs in way of being worn like a knit cap.
The variations of both are famously worn in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
You will find locals of Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral, and people of Uzbekistan and Tajikstan wearing the Pakol caps.
The misconception about Pakol cap is that when it’s worn without the crown, it becomes the Pashtoon cap. Whereas, the Pashtoon don’t have a cultural hat in the dress instead they have turbans in the tribal areas.
The Chitrali cap is used in Swat and Malakand borders with Chitral and Gilgit.
How is Pakol Cap Made?
Pakols are hand-made by local artisans from natural sheep wool. Wearing the cap is a pride for the locals and so is the process of making these caps. The natives are the ones that mostly take the process of making and supplying the pakols to completion.
The fabric used for making the pakols is suitable for all seasons of the year. It’s sweat-absorbing and doesn’t crease either. The fabric also goes through a process of hand dying and weaving by hand. It’s great for heat and cold, so you can wear it in the cold and in sun.
Sizing and Manufacturing
The sheep wool fabric is taken, ironed, cut out in various sizes, and crafted in various styles of caps.
The customization process starts now. Polyester pieces are cut and added to the headgear place (For warmth).
The same sheep wool fabric is cut to make the folded part of the caps. Both the rounded top and the rectangular folding are hand-stitched together.
The folded part is now folded up with hands. This part of the cap is customizable that can be folded and adjusted as per personal liking.
The Current Types of Pakol Caps
Pakol Caps are made in varying designs, colors, and styles. The design and style vary from one artisan to another.
Pakol caps are made in different colors, significant in shades that depict the nature of the natives. The favorite colors among the locals are off-white, brown, grey, and black.
The Types of Pakol and Their Variants include:
Plain Pakol – The most common and most liked
Twisted Pakol – This is a double-layered Pakol cap often used for festive occasions
Waziristani Pakol – An embroidered Pakol mostly common to South Waziristan
Kandhari Pakol – This Pakol is common to the Kandhari region
Markhor Chitral Pakol – This Pakol has a feather sewed to it
How to wear Pakol?
It’s easy to wear and style a Pakol. The traditions which were once confined to the proximities of their native regions are now a trending fashion of different areas of Pakistan and outside as well. The cultural Pakol of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral is simple in looks and even easier to wear.
Simply pick your Pakol color and place it on the head like a regular beret or hat. The rest is an art of fashion and style, no matter how and what side you bend it at, it will turn out to be the perfect look.
Fun Fact!
You can wear and style your pakol with a western outfit as well. So if you don’t want the breeze to be entering your shalwar, get your hands on a thermal set from Uniworth, then pick a great pair of denim, a sweatshirt, a sweater, and a Pakol cap to complete the winter look.
The best part is that you will get EVERYTHING at UPTO 50% OFF since it’s the HOLIDAYS SALE.
Hurry up! Grab the Pakol of your choice this season before visiting those scenic mountains.
Check out some of our Pakols.
