Pakol

The pakol or pakul (پاکول, پاکول, پکول, پاکول) is a soft, flat, rolled-up, round-topped men's cap, usually worn in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is typically made of wool and found in a variety of earthy colours, such as brown, black, grey, ivory, or dyed red using walnut. The pakol is believed to have originated in Chitral, or Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. The pakol essentially is worn like a beret: a wearer can regulate and adjust the sizes to fit the weather, mood and sizes and can be used for many functions if needed. The pakol itself is very practical and comfortable. It is especially good for colder climates. Men wear the pakol all year round in colder climates, as the hat works excellent for protection against the cold, wind, and sun. Because of the fine natural wool used to make a pakol, the head does not sweat, or freeze, no matter what the weather is. The material is hygroscopic, yet the hat does not feel wet in rainy weather, nor does it dry. This makes it an especially good headwear for Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is a handspun woollen cap, formed with a flat, rounded top, encircled by a lower, curled-up brim. It is usually white, grey, or various shades of brown. The cap's practical design allows pulling it down to cover the ears and neck in cold weather and rolling it up for warmer temperatures. There are many ways of decorating the garment, sometimes typically putting flowers or feathers into the hat, especially for festive occasions. An attached string sewn around the base provides adaptability and flexibility of use. By tightening or loosening the string, the wearer is able to secure the hat as needed. The pakol traces its origins in Chitral, or more precisely in Gilgit, Astore and surrounding areas of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. The woollen cap has been the staple headgear of the Shina people and the Kho people (also known as Chitralis), for centuries. It was also adopted in last 200 years by several communities of Afghanistan such as Pashtuns, Tajiks and Nuristanis.