You bought a beautiful piece of Pashmina shawl at such a great price and still have doubts about its authenticity. Well, I have an amazing solution for you to test its purity easily. Stay tuned in this blog to learn how to determine whether your Pashmina shawl is pure or not.
Pashmina shawls are popular worldwide for their exceptional qualities such as softness, warmth, and a touch of sophistication, making them one of the most expensive fashion statements. The rise of fake Pashminas in the market has led to scams involving customers’ money and feelings, while also degrading the unparalleled craftsmanship of skilled Kashmiri artisans. It is quite challenging to identify the authenticity of a Pashmina shawl, but there are still simple tests you can consider to verify its purity.
What Makes a Pashmina Shawl Pure?
Pashmina is sourced from the undercoat of Changthangi goats, one of the rarest Himalayan goat breeds, rarely found in the regions of Ladakh, Tibet, Nepal, and China. The further processing takes place in Kashmir by skilled local artisans who have in-depth knowledge and expertise in crafting Cashmere wool into Pashmina threads.
This technique is known only by Kashmiri artisans. In earlier times, many renowned people from different countries tried to train their artisans to learn this craftsmanship from Kashmiri artisans, but no one could ever replicate it properly. This unique and unmatched art of making Pashmina runs in their veins. It is a completely handwoven process from start to finish. Machines are not used in any part of the process due to the delicate thread, which measures only 12 to 15 microns.
These thousand-year-old techniques are the only source of livelihood for these artisans, who charge for their hard work, dedication, and focus. Every Pashmina cloth is unique because once a piece is created, it is nearly impossible to replicate the same intricate design again, as it usually takes months or even years to complete the embroidery.
Buy Pashmina from certified and trusted sellers and experience the ultra-premium vibe.
Easy Tests to Check a Pure Pashmina Shawl
The Burn Test (For Thread Sample)
Yes, simply take a loose thread from the Pashmina shawl and burn it with a candle flame, gas flame, or matchstick flame, and look for the results. If it smells just like burnt hair and turns into proper ash, it means it’s real. But if it melts like plastic, it means it’s a fake Pashmina.
The Water Test
One of the simplest ways to check the authenticity of a Pashmina shawl. Take your shawl and drop a small amount of water on it. If the shawl absorbs it quickly, it’s real Pashmina. But if the water stays on the surface or normally rolls off, it means it is a fake Pashmina.
The Touch & Feel Test
When you touch Pashmina, you feel ultra-softness, lightweight comfort when wrapping it around the body, and exceptional warmth. In contrast, fake Pashmina feels rough due to synthetic fibers or overly smooth if blended with silk.
The Weave Test (Look Closely)
On a real Pashmina shawl, you will notice a handwoven texture, whereas in a fake Pashmina, you will not see any texture—it will be smooth, uniform, and have a proper pattern made by a machine. Just hold it up to the light to see the difference clearly.
The Fiber Test (Check for Hairy Texture)
100% pure Pashmina is incredibly soft but has tiny natural fibers or hairs visible to the eye on the surface, yet it doesn’t prick. In contrast, fake Pashminas may have a rough texture or be too smooth, shiny, and glossy.
The Price Test
Due to the rarity of the material and unique craftsmanship, pure Pashmina is a bit expensive, starting somewhere from $100, whereas fake Pashmina is normally available at lower prices.
Where to Buy a 100% Pure Pashmina Shawl?
To buy an authentic Pashmina shawl, visit the local markets of Ladakh and Kashmir. Explore different shops and look for trusted brands. Check the quality yourself without asking the seller, and look for the Pashmina mark, which is the GI tag certification of authenticity given by the government in India.
Always look for certified sellers online, check brand websites, and review their return policies. Communicate with their seller support for better satisfaction and to clear any doubts before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Gain knowledge about Pashmina before buying, and do thorough research about the material and its qualities. Beware of sellers who sell fake Pashminas made from low-quality wool and synthetic materials while claiming them to be original.
If you have already made a purchase, still verify its authenticity by testing it with water, touch, weaving, and burning a single extra thread. You are always welcome to ask us about our Pashmina products.
Pashmina Vogue sells authentic Pashmina directly from Kashmir, with no middleman involved. Buy Pashmina and enjoy the timeless feel every time you wear your piece.