Made of 100% wool in Afghanistan and Pakistan from camel, goat and/or sheep wool, the pakol (also spelled pakul or pakoul) is commonly worn by people in Afghanistan, the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and other areas of Pakistan such as Gilgit and Hunza. It is also worn in parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The Pakol is a soft, round-topped hat; typically worn by men in the countries of origin, but outside Central Asia, the pakol has become popular as a fashionable hat with women as well.
Before it is fitted, the pakol resembles a bag with a round, flat bottom. The wearer rolls up the sides nearly to the top, forming a thick band, which then rests on the head like the beret or a cap.
The best known pakol wearer was the Afghan rebel Commander Ahmad Shah Masood who fought the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (1979–1989).
Comfortable, warm and shapes easily to the individual wearer's head size and shape.