Wool

Wool, the essential fabric of the North and North Eastern states due to the geographical factors,  is made from the hair of various animals such as sheep, llamas, camels and goats.

Wool is generally a creamy white colour, although some breeds of sheep produce natural colors such as black, brown (also called moorit) and grey. The fabric is very resilient and resistant to wrinkling. It is renewed by moisture and is well known for it's warmth.  In addition to clothing, wool is used for carpeting, felt, insulation and upholstery.

The hilly and alpine regions of the country has a rich collection  of woolen textiles. Among the wool products, Pashmina and shawls of Kashmir are the fine example woolen textile Industry. It is made from the fine inner fleece of wild goats collected from the rocks and bushes on which it is shed in the summer. The Pashmina shawl is also popular abroad because of the embroidery or Sozni work done on them using woolen threads and for its softness.  Amritsar and Ludhiana from the state of Punjab are famous for their woolen blankets.

The northeastern regions of India also have wool weaving traditions of their own.  The people of the Nubra valley in the Ladakh region weave traditional woolen blankets. Himachal Pradesh is known for its Kullu shawls and traditional headgear which are decorated with rich colours and geometric patterns.