Most often, people get scammed by low-cost advertisements showcasing Pashmina and claiming it to be 100% pure. After washing and one use, the truth becomes clear. This usually happens to people who just know a little about Pashmina, but if you understand it deeply, you won’t fall for low-cost offers.
Yes, it is completely true that pure Pashmina is expensive. But do you know what makes it costly? Let’s know it in this blog.
Pashmina is an ancient and beloved art crafted with a lot of passion, dedication, and care, using the same age-old techniques that have been handed down for years by skilled artisans to future generations. Even today, artisans follow the same process to create beautiful Pashmina garments. Since the time of great kings, Pashmina has symbolized regal elegance—a timeless style statement that truly added the finishing touch.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Pashmina
The Origin of Pashmina
Pashmina fiber comes from goats—not just any goats, but rare Himalayan goats known as Changthangi goats. These goats are found at altitudes above 4000 meters and require special care, including specific weather conditions and food. Cashmere fabric grows on the body of goats in the summer and sheds naturally in the spring. It is a soft undercoat which is used to make Pashmina. In India, these goats are found in specific regions of Ladakh, and Kashmir which makes it rarely found because these goats can’t live in all places. They are also known as Cashmere goats.
Related Blog: Where to Buy Pashmina Shawls in Kashmir?
Harvesting and Production Process
After the shedding process, it requires a lengthy procedure to transform Cashmere into its refined form to create Pashmina. Skilled artisans collect the wool, clean it, spread it out, and comb it thoroughly. After the shedding process, it requires a lengthy procedure to transform Cashmere into its refined form to create Pashmina. Skilled artisans collect the wool, clean it, spread it out, and comb it thoroughly. Then, the process of weaving begins. Out of 100 grams of wool, only 35 grams is usable, which is not enough to make a shawl, as it quantity of wool from multiple goats.
Pashmina involves a hand-spinning process, which typically takes 7 to 10 days for a basic shawl. For a hand-embroidered Pashmina, it can take months or even years. Refining cashmere wool into 100% pure Pashmina is a labor-intensive process that requires hard work, patience, and time.
Quality and Purity
Pashmina garments are available in various qualities and in different price ranges. Blended Pashmina is generally less costly and durable than a pure Pashmina. Pashmina blends are available in synthetic, cotton, silk, etc. But once you touch the 100% authentic Pashmina you will feel lightweight, breathable, incredible warmth, softness, and delicacy.
Types of Pashmina Products and Their Price Ranges
Different types of Pashmina products are popular worldwide, such as the Pashmina shawls, scarves, raves, and headscarves.
Basic Pashmina Shawls in various neutral colors suit all types of outfits for both men and women and are available up to the 7K price range, whereas designer, branded, patterned, and hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls, scarves, and headscarves come in a higher price range starting from 10,000. Limited-edition or customized Pashmina collections require a lot of effort, labor, and time which contributes to their higher cost.
Read Also: Pashmina Wool Is Obtained From Which Animal
Why Pure Pashmina Is Expensive?
Labor-Intensive Craftsmanship: Pashmina products are crafted using ancient techniques, gentle care, and a completely hand-woven process. It generally takes weeks, months, or even years to design a single shawl.
Sourcing and Ethical Sourcing: From caring for the goats to maintaining, shedding, collecting, weaving, spinning, and designing, skilled artisans are required. They deserve fair wages for sustainable sourcing material to craft beautiful and premium Pashmina.
Cultural Value: Pashmina is an ancient art form passed down by the great Kashmiri artisans through generations, keeping cultural values and beliefs alive globally.
Market Demand: Due to its exceptional warmth, softness, lightweight feel, and breathable properties, people love Pashmina, which boosts its market demand.
How to Identify Authentic Pashmina and Avoid Low-Cost Imitations?
Some sellers misrepresent and mislabel their products as “Pure Pashmina” and sell them at lower prices to attract more buyers. You can test the authenticity of Pashmina just by simply touching it. To ensure you’re buying authentic Pashmina, always purchase from trusted sellers and look for GI (Geographical Indication) certifications or marks, which confirm that the product is genuine and crafted by Kashmiri artisans.
In Conclusion
Pashmina is a premium-quality and rare fabric, renowned worldwide for its incredible features. Transforming it into a final product requires skilled craftsmanship and time. Pashmina is a worthwhile investment as it embodies cultural heritage and artistry.
Final Words
Pashmina is a special type of fabric, and investing in Pashmina products is worthwhile to experience regal elegance in your look. With a plain Pashmina shawl, you can transform your daily outfit into something beautiful. Always buy from authentic Pashmina sellers who put in all their efforts to provide you with the best. Choose PashminaVogue to explore our extensive collection of Pashmina garments.