Pashmina: A Story Wrapped in Warmth and Luxury

The rich culture and heritage of Kashmir have been preserved in the fine fibers of Pashmina. Enjoyed usually by the elite, Pashmina has not just been a fashion statement but has also been a symbol of class. This rare quality wool is not only used to make shawls. Pashmina wraps and Pashmina stoles are also very famous all over the world. Every Pashmina product is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans who spend months creating these things of beauty. 

Cashmere is another fine-quality wool that has many admirers all over the world. However, most people don’t know the difference between Pashmina and Cashmere and often end up confusing the two. Since both fabrics are rare and sourced from the fur of goats, confusion is quite common. But there is a difference between the two. Pashmina is obtained exclusively from the Changthangi goats found in the Ladakh region. However, Cashmere is sourced from different goats in the Himalayan region. There are some other differences as well between both types of wool.

The fiber of the Pashmina wool is finer than that of Cashmere wool. As a result, Pashmina can’t be subjected to the use of machines and has to be hand-woven, while Cashmere products can be made by machines. That is why Pashmina shawls are more expensive than Cashmere shawls.

How Pashmina Shawls are Made -

Pashmina shawls are made from the fur of the Changthangi goats of Ladakh. During the Spring season, these goats shed the wool from their underbellies. Once this wool is combed out and cleaned, it is sent to Kashmir and converted into yarn. After that, the Kashmiri artisans made shawls out of it by hand. Different types of weaving techniques are employed by artisans to create the most beautiful patterns on the shawls. Every Pashmina shawl is a labor of months of hard work by many people, and that is what makes it so special.

Facts About Pashmina Shawl -

The diameter of a Pashmina fiber is only 10 to 15 microns.

Pashmina shawls can’t be made by machines because the wool is so fine that any kind of machine might damage it.

It takes months to finish a Pashmina shawl because it is entirely made by hand.

A pure Pashmina shawl is very lightweight and does not weigh more than 450 grams.

Pashmina was discovered during the Mughal era.

During ancient times, Pashmina shawls were used by royalty as gifts and even as pieces of decoration.

Why are Pashmina Shawls Banned In India

There has been much speculation about the ban on Pashmina products. However, the truth is that Pashmina shawls and other products are not banned in India. It is Shahtoosh that is banned because it is obtained from the Chiru goat, which is an endangered species.  

Wrapping Up

The market is flooded with breathtaking women’s pashmina shawls and other products like wraps and stoles. While there are many admirers of this rare wool, very few can tell it apart from cashmere wool. 

Cashmere is also a very high-quality wool, but Pashmina is a finer version of it, and to purchase authentic Pashmina, one needs to know the difference between the two.

FAQs 

What is the difference between cashmere and pashmina?

Pashmina is a finer fabric than Cashmere and they are obtained from different kinds of goats.

Where is the pashmina wool produced?

Pashmina wool is sourced from the Changthangi goats, which are bred in the Ladakh region.

Who are the top sellers in India who sell pashmina shawls?

Exotic India Art is among the top sellers of authentic Pashmina shawls and stoles.

 

What is the Pashmina shawl, and why is it so expensive?

Pashmina shawls are created from the finest quality Pashmina wool, which is rare and available only in the Himalayan region. The reason why Pashmina shawls are so expensive is because it takes many months to create them.

What is GI-certified Pashmina?

A GI mark, i.e., a Geographical Indication mark, certifies that the product is made from authentic Pashmina wool using the traditional techniques of Kashmiri artisans.

What's so special about the Kashmiri Shawl?

A Kashmiri shawl is made from the finest quality pashmina wool. It is lightweight yet provides ample warmth in even the harshest winters.