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.