What is Pashmina? 

Pashmina, also known as Cashmere, comes from Persian Pashm meaning
premium quality wool fiber, the Soft Gold king of fibers. It’s
the finest Cashmere wool in the world very cozy with warmth. Pashmina is also considered to be the softest, highly delicate and fluffy fibre, being the finest natural insulating fibre.

Pashmina has come to be known as a special kind of wool that comes from the outer skin of the Himalayan goat known as Capra Hircus locally called Chyangra, living in the high altitudes of the Himalayas above 14,000 feet. Himalayan goats are found in the high
plateau regions of Nepal, Tibet, Kashmir, and the central plains of Inner
Mongolia. Living at a high altitude, Himalayan goats need to have warm winter fur to protect them against the bitter winter cold and to survive an extremely cold climate. Only the animals living on such a roof will produce this fine wool. The wool of the underbelly of the Himalayan goats is
used for Pashmina, one woven Pashmina shawl requires nearly the wool from
three goats. Their undercoat grows a unique, incredibly soft Pashm – an inner
coat, six times finer than human hair. As it is only 15-16.5 microns in diameter for Grade A Cashmere yarn, it cannot be spun by machines so the downy wool is hand-woven. With proper care, Pashminas can be used life long and we have encountered that this unique piece of fiber has been handed over from generation to generation even in royal and wealthy families. It is found to the be most durable and cozy fiber suitable for human skin, providing warmth and comfort.

The fur combing process is done every spring without
harming the goat. Thus, processed pashmina is found in different forms
like shawls, blankets, sweaters, poncho, scarves as well as
pullovers, cardigans etc.

This exquisite Pashmina has been supplied by the dexterity
of the Nepalese people. In ancient times Pashmina was found in unblended form but nowadays it can also be found combined with silk, cotton and other materials. Combination of Pashmina yarn and silk yarn produce better fibre-strength, durability, colour-pleasantness and well finishing touch which becomes most prevalent all over the world and is recognized as “Nepalese Pashmina “  

How to identify a genuine pashmina?

Real pashminas are very soft and warm to touch, owing to
the thickness of the hair. But they are also matte, which means they don’t have
any sheen in them unless the fabric is blended with silk, in which case the
label or some sort of certification should mention that. To be considered as
high-quality pashmina, 70% of it should be made cashmere. I would recommend to
check these tree signs.

1.  It shouldn't be dirt cheap.
Remember, the pashmina goats are one of the rarest species that only live on
the high altitude’s areas. You can only shed their fur once in a year
and there is only a limited amount that you can shed unlike the artificial
fibres which can be manufactured at any amount.

2. You should be able to feel the softness and warmth. They should be
light, soft and warm. Some pashmina that has silk blend will be a little bit
shiny.

3.Always check the label. It should clearly state the fibre content. It
should either say 100% cashmere/Pashmina or 70% cashmere,30% silk.