Pashmina : World's Softest Wool !
Have you ever wondered why Pashmina shawls are so expensive and cherished worldwide? What makes them so soft and warm yet so light and delicate?
What is Pashmina Wool?
Pashmina is a type of Cashmere wool, but not all Cashmere is Pashmina. Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of certain goat breeds, but Pashmina specifically comes from the Changthangi goats of Ladakh. These goats live at altitudes above 15,000 feet in extreme cold, where temperatures can drop to -40°C. To survive, they develop a fine undercoat of wool, which measures less than 15 microns in diameter — thinner than human hair. This fine texture gives Pashmina its unmatched softness and warmth.
How Pashmina Wool is Made
1. Natural Shedding: Changthangi goats naturally shed their soft undercoat during the spring molting season.
2. Gentle Collection: Artisans carefully comb the goats to collect the shed wool without harming them. This ensures that the process remains ethical and sustainable.
3. Cleaning and Spinning: The collected wool is cleaned and hand-spun using traditional methods since the fibers are too delicate for machines.
4. Weaving: Skilled artisans weave the wool into shawls on wooden handlooms, preserving the softness and strength of the fiber.
What Makes Pashmina Special?
1. Softness: Pashmina fibers are under 15 microns — finer than most other wool, making it incredibly soft.
2. Warmth: Despite being lightweight, Pashmina provides excellent insulation due to its natural fiber structure.
3. Lightweight: A Pashmina shawl is so fine that it can pass through a small ring (a test of its authenticity).
Facts you might not know about Pashmina
It takes wool from 4–6 Changthangi goats to make a single Pashmina shawl.
Genuine Pashmina can pass through a ring due to its fine weave.
Pashmina’s natural sheen comes from the harsh Ladakh climate, which enhances the texture of the wool.
Machine-made Pashmina is impossible — real Pashmina can only be hand-spun and hand-woven.
The Legacy of Pashmina
Pashmina has been treasured since the 15th century when it was worn by Mughal emperors including Akbar and gifted among nobles as a symbol of status and luxury. Even today, Pashmina remains a mark of elegance and exclusivity.
How to Identify a Genuine Pashmina?
1. Ring Test: A real Pashmina shawl should pass smoothly through a ring.
2. Burn Test: Burning natural Pashmina will smell like burnt hair and leave behind powdery ash.
3. Irregular Weaving: Hand-woven Pashmina may have slight imperfections, a sign of authenticity.
Styling Pashmina Shawls
Classic Drape: Over the shoulders for a timeless look.
Belted Style: Wrap and secure with a belt for a chic, modern outfit.
Celebrity Influence: Pashmina has been seen on international runways and worn by celebrities like Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn.
Caring for Your Pashmina
Store in a breathable cotton bag to prevent moth damage.
Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent or dry clean.
Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the softness and color.
Sustainability and Artisan Support
Pashmina production is eco-friendly since the wool is naturally shed. The collection process is humane and ethical, as the goats are never harmed. Supporting Pashmina craftsmanship helps sustain traditional weaving communities. However, climate change and market pressures pose challenges to this ancient art form.
Why Pashmina is a Smart Investment
A genuine Pashmina shawl increases in value over time and can last for generations. Vintage Pashmina pieces are highly valued by collectors, making them not just a luxury accessory but also a long-term investment.
Myths and Misconceptions
Pashmina vs. Cashmere: All Pashmina is Cashmere, but not all Cashmere is Pashmina.
Machine-Made Pashmina: Real Pashmina can only be hand-woven.
High Price: The cost reflects the rarity, craftsmanship, and labor involved in making authentic Pashmina.
Pashmina isn’t just a fabric — it’s a legacy of art and tradition.
Experience the warmth, elegance, and softness of true Pashmina — buy genuine, high-quality hand woven Pashmina shawls from Bhuttico stores or order online.
Explore our collection today for both men and women.