Winter is approaching. And all we think about is sources to keep us warm and healthy during this cold season. There are places in the world where mercury dips to zero and sub-zero temperatures. For them, winter is all about finding alternatives to keep you warmer. But does being warm always mean layering oneself up in sweaters, jackets, and oversized wraps? Does feeling comfortable mean looking less or not stylish? Can style and comfort overlap ever? Or does winter always mean looking like a pile of woolen? The solution is Pashmina. A Kashmiri Pashmina shawl/scarf or outfit is 8 times warmer than sheep wool. It keeps you exceptionally warm, and immensely elegant, besides its light weight making sure you take it anywhere and everywhere with you

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina is the fine art of handcrafting luxury shawls, scarves, stoles, and apparel out of a gossamer fine goat hair called Cashmere. Cashmere is found in Ladakh, where the rare and exotic Changthangi goat grows as an undercoat. This delicate and smooth hair keeps the goat warm when the temperature dips to -40 degrees.

Collection of Cashmere from the Himalayas

The Buddhist tribes who are the permanent residents of the Himalayan mountain range experience an exceptionally difficult winter season. The temperature, at times, drops to -50 degrees, and everything around comes to a halt. The areas where the population is found, are suddenly cut off from the entire world, as a few feet of snow cover everything around. During these tough times, the animals are the only source that survives people, and among the reared animals, the Pashmina goat is one. The goat is also called the Cashmere goat, but its native name is Changthangi goat, as the area where it is found is called Changthang. The goat grows a specific type of hair on its underbelly, neck, and ears, and provides complete protection against the harsh climate outside. 

Winter bids goodbye and Spring arrives. Spring is the moulting season for the Ladakhi goat, and it begins to experience several changes in its body. These changes include a sense of discomfort with the hair growing on them, which they start losing naturally. As soon as hot summers arrive, the wool makes them more uncomfortable. The goats rub their bodies against coarser surfaces to get rid of the hair. Some hair still left on their bodies is professionally combed off, relieving them of a burden. Goats are now free, and herders are left with lumps of fine wool. These are stored in small packets and sent for processing

Cashmere is processed to craft Pashmina shawls

For processing, the lumps of wool are first spun, to transform them into yarn. Yarn is carried forward to handlooms, where master weavers weave it for a period of 3-4 days. This results in the making of a plain solid shawl. Next, it goes for dyeing, printing, embroidery, and other designs. 

Note that even a solid Pashmina shawl goes through hundreds of artisan's hands before coming into the market for sale. This makes these shawls cherished and revered across the globe.

What is the point of Pashmina?

Often customers as well as the general audience are confused about Pashmina. Why is a simple wool shawl so expensive, and why does it have a crazy demand all over the world?  What is the point of a Pashmina shawl after all? We have answers. Here are a number of reasons why this luxury handicraft is what it is. 

It is exceptionally Warm

Since all we need in winter is something that keeps us warm but doesn’t make us look like a large pile of woolen. A pure Pashmina shawl is a perfect option. It has insulation properties, which prevent the cold outside from entering, and traps heat inside. Hence, Pashmina shawls are the most sorted accessories in winter, since they are warmer than sheep wool shawls (8 times), as well as lightweight. 

It is elegant and stylish

Pashmina shawls make sure that you look your best even when outside temperatures are freezing cold. Wearing a Pashmina in winter or fall will never disappoint you. Whether you choose solid Cashmere wraps, embroidered Pashmina shawls, or luxury Kani shawls, these beauties look ethereal in every way. In addition to patterns, these shawls are versatile and can be worn in many styles, making them more desired and deserving.

Pashmina shawls are versatile

Have you ever seen an accessory that has so many styles perfect for casual meet-ups, office days, as well as weddings? Pashmina shawls have so many styles that each one is ideal for each occasion that comes across. So if you want a wrap for your office, go for solids and patterned Pashmina scarves. For weddings, Kani shawls and embroidered Pashmina shawls are ideal. Shibori Pashmina scarves, solids, and reversible scarves are the best for formal meets and office days. For minimalists as well as for those who love extravagance, Pashmina is the answer. 

Pashmina shawls do not age

When Pashmina shawls are taken proper care of, their lifespan expands. Hence, a pure pashmina wrap can even last for as many as 30 years! In fact, in ancient Kashmir, a bride used to receive a Pashmina shawl as a gift from her mother, which she herself possessed some 20 years ago. Like that, a Pashmina shawl travels through generations, and women of all ages get equally fascinated by the antique charm that these beauties acquire with time

Proper care of a pure Pashmina wrap means washing it with a Cashmere/Pashmina shampoo, air drying it in shade (not tumble drying), ironing it with full care, and storing it safely. If these necessary precautions are taken, your shawl will be your lifetime companion.

Pashmina shawls are processed with hands

Pashmina is handmade from raw Cashmere, which is acquired manually by laborers in the Himalayas. This is sent to Kashmir, where it is manually processed to shawls. Hence, the possession of a handmade product makes you, the patron, even more special. Besides, this leads to the development of slow fashion and sustainability.

The wraps are so lightweight

Pashmina shawls, stoles, and scarves are immensely light. The yarn is just 12-16 microns in diameter. And a Pashmina shawl (B*L = 100 * 200 cm ) weighs just around 400 grams. This makes Pashmina ideal for women who don't like to carry warm sweaters and large jackets around. This smooth and soft shawl can even be tied to a handbag when not required to wear. It is this finesse and versatility that makes the world love them.

Sustainable, environmentally friendly, less wastage

If you buy Pashmina, know that this is a responsible buy. Pashmina is sustainable in its making. It is a natural fibre, and hence biodegradable. During its acquisition, no animal is harmed or killed, and hence it is cruelty-free. During its processing too, there is minimum wastage and no machines are used, hence no pollution is caused to the environment. 

The makers of Pashmina shawls are patrons of slow fashion. These opulent shawls last longer than 20 years, if in their pure form. 

Companion for all seasons

Except for hot summers, Pashmina can be worn all year long. The chilly morning breeze of Spring and fall, and the freezing days of winter, are all combated by the comfy warmth of a Pashmina shawl. It is a natural insulator, and does not cause excessive sweating, and discomfort. Cashmere fibre is breathable, and hence ideal for even those days when there is a slight nip in the air.

Also read: MYRIAD OF DESIGNS IN MEN'S CASHMERE SCARVES?

Pashmina as a gift is impressive

For a friend or acquaintance, who is affluent and already owns everything in life, a Pashmina shawl is simply perfect. Even if they already own a Pashmina, a new one will anyway fascinate them, and they will fall in love with the art all over again. 

If someone again asks, “what is the point of a Pashmina after all”, you have so many reasons. In Fact, when you experience the pure luxury and warmth of a Pashmina, you might end up giving them a few more! 

Also read: WHAT IS GI CERTIFIED PASHMINA?