Pashmina Shawls | A Fascinating Behind the Scenes Look | Why Pashmina Shawls Are Expensive?

Pashmina shawls are expensive because they are made from the fine undercoat of the Himalayan mountain goat, known as “chyangra pashmina.”

This material is extremely soft and warm, and it is also rare and difficult to obtain. Also,  the process of spinning, weaving, and decorating the pashmina shawls is labor-intensive and requires skilled craftsmanship.

As a result, the Pashmina is a type of cashmere wool that comes from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, which is native to the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountain range.

The fibers of this wool are extremely fine and soft, making it a highly sought-after material for clothing and accessories.

However, due to the limited availability of this type of wool and the intricate process of harvesting and manufacturing, it pashmina shawls are considered to be a luxury item and are quite expensive.

Shortage of Skilled Pashmina Shawls Artisans

The shortage of skilled artisans for the making of Pashmina Shawls has become a major issue in the industry. The traditional methods of crafting these shawls require a high level of expertise and many of the older generation artisans are retiring without passing down their skills to the next generation.

This has resulted in a gap in the supply of skilled labor, leading to a decreased production of these luxurious and highly prized pashmina shawls. Efforts are being made to revive the traditional techniques and train new artisans to keep this precious heritage alive.

Limited Availability

One of the main reasons for the high cost of pashmina shawls is the limited availability of raw materials. The Changthangi goat is found in only a few remote areas of the Himalayas, primarily in the Ladakh region of India and the Changthang plateau of Tibet.

The harsh climate and rugged terrain of these areas make it difficult to raise and care for the goats. 

The number of goats that can be raised is limited. This means that there is a limited supply of pashmina wool available each year, and as demand for the material increases, so does the price.

Intricate Process

Another reason for the high cost of pashmina is the intricate process of harvesting and manufacturing wool. Pashmina wool is harvested by hand, which is a labor-intensive process. The wool is collected by combing the undercoat of the goat during the molting season, which typically occurs in the spring. The wool is then cleaned, carded, and spun by hand to create a fine, soft yarn.

This process is time-consuming and requires a great deal of skill and expertise. The yarn is then woven into shawls, scarfs, wraps and other accessories by skilled artisans, and that is why these are unique and exclusive.

The process of creating a pashmina product is not only time-consuming but also requires a lot of skill and expertise, which makes it expensive.

Pashmina shawls, scarves, and stoles are hand-woven, and the process is quite labor-intensive, which increases the cost of the final product.

The intricate designs and patterns that are often incorporated into pashmina products are also time-consuming and require a great deal of skill and expertise, which also contributes to the high cost.

High Transportation and Logistics

Pashmina is also expensive due to the high cost of transportation and logistics. Pashmina wool is produced in remote areas of the Himalayas, and getting it to market requires a significant investment in transportation and logistics. The high altitude and rugged terrain of the Himalayas make it difficult to transport the wool, and the cost of getting it to market is high. Additionally, once the wool reaches the market, it is often subject to import duties and taxes, which can further increase the cost.

Pashmina Shawl is a luxury item

Finally, the high cost of pashmina is also due to the fact that it is considered a luxury item. Pashmina is a luxurious and elegant material that is used to create high-end clothing and accessories. Pashmina is often used by designers and fashion houses to create exclusive and unique products that are sold at a premium price. The exclusivity and luxury associated with pashmina also contribute to its high cost.

Despite its high cost, pashmina remains a highly sought-after material for clothing and accessories due to its softness, warmth, and elegance.

It is a true representation of luxury and exclusivity and will always remain there. It can also be well understood from History of Pashmina.