Have you ever been stuck trying to understand the relationship between Pashmina and Cashmere shawls? Don’t worry! Pashmina and Cashmere are terms often used interchangeably when referring to luxurious shawls. Here’s a guide to help you choose the most beautiful, affordable, and elegant shawl.
Pashmina, derived from the Persian word “Pashm” meaning wool, comes from the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and is obtained from the Changthangi goat. This breed can endure harsh climates, resulting in high-quality wool.
The wool is combed, manually separated from the goat’s undercoat, spun, and then hand-woven into shawls.
This meticulous process makes Pashmina shawls soft, thin, and warm. Pashmina shawls come in various types, from simple weaves to complex patterns, with different grades affecting texture and cost. There’s a wide range to choose from, whether you prefer a simple or intricate design.
On the other hand, Cashmere wool is derived from the Kashmir goat, found in the highlands of India, Nepal, and China. Similar to Pashmina, Cashmere is extracted from the goat’s soft undercoat.
The production process is similar, but Cashmere wool is slightly thicker, giving it a distinct texture and appearance. Cashmere shawls are known for their softness, warmth, and luxurious look. Cashmere shawls also vary in pattern and quality, offering options from solid colors to modern patterns. The grade of Cashmere affects its softness and durability, so knowing what you want is essential.
While both Pashmina and Cashmere are luxurious and made from wool, they have differences. Understanding these can help you make an informed choice when selecting your next elegant shawl.
Source and Fiber Quality: Pashmina is the wool derived from the changthangi goat, and Cashmere is from the Kashmir goat, separated by its origin. The fibers of pashmina are finer and smoother than those of cashmere; hence, lighter clothes are achievable with it.
Texture and Feel: These pashmina shawls are classic, hence very light, with close to no rough feeling to the touch. Cashmere is also soft, but it is more compact than the item in question.
Weight and Warmth: They are both warm, but Pashmina has thinner and finer fibers than cashmere. Cashmere shawls are thicker, yielding most of the feel of a scarf.
Durability and Care: Pashmina shawls, being very delicate, should be handled with a lot of care. Like silk, cashmere is also thin but more able to handle more usage. Both materials need warm and gentle washing by hand, and they also need to be stored in proper conditions.
Cost and Value: Pashmina tends to be costlier because of the finer cashmere fibers used in its manufacturing and because the manufacturing process is rather intricate. Cashmere is also expensive, but it can be less expensive depending on the grade.
Choosing the right Shawl
Pashmina and Cashmere can be used interchangeably depending on the chosen needs or, in other cases, depending on someone’s preference. Are you in need of a very sheer or delicate piece of clothing, or do you want a shawl with more body?
Think about when you’ll have an occasion to wear the shawl. Pashmina shawls are fashionable garments that may be wrapped around the neck. Beautiful Pashmina shawls ideally complement any type of gown or suit worn for formal events or even for the evening chill. Cashmere shawls can be used for any occasion, ranging from casual uses to special occasions.
Your style also plays a very critical role. Are you comfortable wearing simple prints on your clothes or are you up for wearing loud prints? Within the gourmet flair, Pashmina provides many styles for your requirements based on fashion trends, and Cashmere is not an exception.
How to ensure what you are purchasing is real Pashmina or Cashmere
When it comes to Pashmina or Cashmere there are so many names on the market that make a buyer wonder, so how can one be sure that it is made up of Pashmina or Cashmere fabric?
Here are a few tips:
- Check the Source: This is especially important because of where the ores are obtained from and how they have been processed to come up with the final product.
- Look for Certifications: Original Pashmina and Cashmere scarves come accompanied by some sort of mark or label that would vouch for their originality.
- Feel the Material: Authentic Pashmina and Cashmere is a much softer and warmer cloth as compared to synthetic fabrics produced from artificial materials.
You Know Your Luxury Shawl is Special So, How Do You Take Care of This?
As a rule, proper care is required to retain the overall appearance of your accessory, which can be a Pashmina or Cashmere shawl. Wash the shawl using a mild detergent and cold water, avoid wringing the shawl. Do not twist it, just roll the palms to squeeze the water out gently and spread it on a flat surface to dry. To avoid moths attacking the shawl, it is advised to keep it in a fabric bag that allows proper airflow. Read the complete guide on How to Care of Handcrafted Shawl?
Conclusion:
Purchasing a Pashmina or Cashmere shawl does not only mean acquiring an item of clothing; it is much more profound than that; it is constant possession of an accessory that at any given time connotes luxury and glamor. To make a wise decision of the choice, you should be aware of the various characteristics of these two kinds of materials. Well, therefore, the question is, which one would you want to choose? Pashmina or cashmere, which is more appropriate for the fashion-savvy lady?
