Pashmina FAQs

What is pashmina?
Pashmina is derived from the word “pashm”, which is a Persian term for wool. It’s made from interlacing fleece threads of Capra Hircus into a decorative textile of unparalleled softness and delicacy.

What is the difference between cashmere and pashmina?
One distinct difference between pashmina and generic cashmere is the fibre diameter. Pashmina fibres are finer and thinner (12–15 microns) than generic cashmere fibre (15–19 microns). Pashmina is made from the mountain goat hair called Capra Hircus, whereas cashmere made from the magnolia goat hair. The breed of the goat is different for both the fabrics.

How is pashmina made?
The entire pashmina making process is done by hand. Pashmina wool is collected every spring from the mountain goat "Chyangra" (Capra Hircus). Each goat produces only about 3 ounces of pashmina wool each year. With one pashmina shawl needing a minimum of 9 ounces, it takes about three goats to give that much. The yarn is spun on a spinning wheel locally known as 'Charkha' and then woven on a traditional loom. Hand-work is extremely painstaking and time consuming task. It requires immense patience, dexterity and dedication of experienced and expert workers.

How does pashmina look? What does it feel like?
Pashmina is made from the finest hair of a rare goat – Chyangra or Capra Hircus. It is recognized globally for its beauty, hand-woven designs and value. Its elegance and exquisite feel imitates antique woven designs that originate from the Kashmir crafts of pre-modern era. The embroidery outlines delicate motifs and patterns, giving it a shape of a garment that goes well with any kind of wear.

I see references to "100% pashmina", as well as "70% Pashmina and 30% Silk Blended Pashmina". What's that all about?
Actually these are the qualities of pashmina wool. 100% pashmina refers to the pure pashmina wool and no silk is blended in 100% pashmina. 70% pashmina and 30% silk blended pashmina refers to pashmina wool that has the mixture of 70% pure pashmina wool and 30% silk.. Some marketers try to gain a competitive advantage by claiming pure pashmina wool with minor silk blends, but the difference is substantial. True pure pashmina is obviously softer, lighter, finer, luxurious and warmer than silk blends.

Is pashmina machine made?
No. Pure pashmina is totally handmade. Making it from machine takes away the essence, softness and exclusiveness that it stands for, forcing it to look like just another fabric. Pashmina weaving is an art that artisans have learnt through generations. Their precision, attention to detail and overall layout of designs is a matchless talent that needs to be nurtured, not killed. It takes only two minutes for a machine shawl to get made, whereas one whole month for an artisan to make a single wrap, because the work requires him to needle every single thread by hand.

Is pashmina very soft to the touch?
Yes. Pashmina is a delicate fiber & fabric made out of it retains its basic characteristics even after years of use. Being soft is the top most quality of every pure pashmina.

Where do you procure your pashmina from?
The pashm wool comes from a special breed of goat indigenous to high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains. Pashmina is the undercoat fur of a mountain goat living at an altitude of 12000ft to 14000 ft. It is renowned world over for its exquisite feel and softness.Only hand spun yarn is termed authentic pashmina.

How to take care of Pashmina?
Always try to dry-clean your shawl as the shawls are too fine to take any kind of wringing or rubbing. Don't expose a Pashmina shawl to heat directly.