Owning a Pashmina has been a dream of women ever since its inception. And that has been the case all over the world, across gender, race, ages, and cultures. There have absolutely been no borders whenever it came to owning a Pashmina. Shawls made in Kashmir would reach Europe and the US alike and cherished by each and every admirer of craft.

In the past, Kashmiri artisans lived the life of kings. They would be invited to foreign countries so as to train the locals in their realms of artistic work like weaving, embroidery, or any other craft. This was especially true for Pashmina artisans. Being a manifestation of sophistication, every artisan around the world would love to be a Pashmina artisan and learn this craft. But that wouldn't be much possible, as raw Cashmere of the finest quality was available only in Ladakh - India.

The glory didn't live long

As time passed, the fame began to shun. And the community which once lived a luxurious life suddenly felt worthless in the society. The reason behind this downfall was another section of counterfeit traders, who sold fake Pashminas in the name of real Pashminas.

Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxury wraps from raw Cashmere. Cashmere is found in Ladakh. It grows on the body of the Changthangi goat, which grows it as a defense against harsh cold. It is this smooth and fine wool that is extracted (ethically) from the goat, processed, and handcrafted to make Pashmina shawls, scarves, hijabs, and many accessories. Hence Pashmina comes from a natural fibre that is processed manually to make end products. And since the procedure is purely labour-intensive, it takes a lot of time for wraps to get ready.

For solid scarves and wraps, it might take 4-5 days, but for Kani shawls or fully embroidered Jamawar shawls, artisans spend years together to prepare one piece, which is as elegant as it is comfortable. But a problem arose during this time. There were customers who would need their scarves immediately, and couldn't get them. They would have to wait for at least 3 days; that is if the artisan worked days and nights together. Perhaps the solution would be to employ more than one artisan, but some traders had other plans, the plans which proved vicious for the entire industry. Machines

Introduction of Power Loom

As the demand for Pashmina shawls grew more and more, but the processing was slow because of manual labour, traders introduced machines into this craft. Power looms replaced handloom, and the shawl that was earlier crafted in 3-4 days, would now be ready in an hour! But the issue wasn't the speed, it was how the power loom treated the fine Cashmere, which is so delicate that it breaks even with the slightest of forces, even with hands. Hence to make the yarn bear the strain of the machine, pure Cashmere yarn would be mixed with strengthening fibre like nylon or silk, and then passed through machines. This way the resulting product wouldn't be pure Cashmere, it would be a fake Pashmina shawl, a fake Pashmina scarf, and hence not what the customer expected.

This new "quick-made" Pashmina created ruckus in the entire industry. Handloom workers lost jobs and the trend rendered hundreds of artisans jobless. Why would the customer wait for 3 days for them if he could get the same in one hour? Not knowing the long-term harm of this activity, customers actually went for fake Pashmina shawls. But later when the shawl exhausted in just a year, they realized that they have been cheated.

Reputation of Pashmina

Unaware of the reality, the customers came to the conclusion that Pashminas are all fake, and do not last for more than a year, whereas a real Pashmina lasts for a lifetime. Unnecessarily, Pashmina got a bad reputation and was replaced by its alternatives in a short span of time. Locally people still knew about fake and original Pashmina, and would directly shop from vendors who sold real Pashmina. But people living outside India never knew the real keepsake and went on with the idea that Pashmina is always compromised, and real Pashmina shawls do not exist now, at all.

Why is Pashmina special

Pashmina, often referred to as the "soft gold" of Kashmir, is an ancient art form that involves transforming Cashmere wool to luxury wraps and shawls. Cashmere is a luxurious and world famous wool type that people cherish. Its origins trace back to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh, areas the Changthangi goats, the source of Cashmere, inhabit. The word "Pashmina" itself comes from the Persian word "Pashm," meaning "soft gold," symbolizing its unparalleled softness and value.

The history of Pashmina dates back to ancient times, with references found in the texts and traditions of the Himalayan region. For centuries, Pashmina shawls have been a symbol of royalty and luxury, often gifted to emperors, kings, and nobility. The craft of Pashmina weaving was introduced to Kashmir in the 15th century. It was Zain-ul-Abidin, a ruler who brought skilled weavers from Central Asia. Over time, Kashmiri artisans became perfect in the art of spinning and weaving Pashmina. They created shawls that were famous for their exquisite craftsmanship and delicate patterns.

What is Real Pashmina?

Real Pashmina, or call it original or authentic Pashmina is the one that has been handcrafted manually out of pure Cashmere from the goat. The goat sheds its down fibre in Spring, which is collected by herders, besides combing off the rest from the goat's body. This raw wool is collected and cleaned, sorted, before sending it to Kashmir. In Kashmir, artisans spin and weave it manually, and hence comes to life a handcrafted Pashmina, which has been famous ever since it was discovered. It is pure, soft, exceptionally warm, and has a natural grace. These shawls last for more than 20 years.

On the contrary, fake Pashmina shawls aren't as warm, have an artificial sheen, and last at the most for a year. These are the ones whose yarn gets mixed up with strengthening fibre and as a result, comes out a conglomerate of pure Cashmere and foreign material. This type sells for a lesser price due to a less percentage of Cashmere present in it. Moreover identifying a real Pashmina isn't easy. It takes an expert eye to differentiate between pure and fake Pashminas. But recently some tests have been devised to identify real Pashmina, and differentiate it from an impure one. Let us discuss one by one.

How to identify Real Pashmina?

There are a number of tests that we can conduct over a Pashmina shawl, that is if we already own one.

Test 1: The Burn Test

The burn has always been the first and primary test to prove the purity of Pashmina. Pick a piece from the fringes, place it on a plate, and burn it. If the cut fringe gives out the odour of a natural hair fibre upon burning, there are higher chances of the shawl being a real Pashmina. Also, the ash should turn into a powder, just burning a single strand of your own hair would do.

Test 2: Matte texture following the Burn

After you burn the fringe from Pashmina, the residue should be matte, and not very shiny. Pashmina mostly carries a matte look. If there is too much shine after burning, or even your shawl, chances are that the shawl is fake.

Test 3: Uneven weave of the shawl

Hold your shawl against bright light and notice the weave properly. Is it uneven? If yes, then there is a chance of the shawl being pure. If it has been handcrafted by artisans manually, the weave won't be perfect, and human error will be present clearly.

Test 4: Rubbing the Shawl

Rub your shawl a little at one of the corners. Does it produce static electricity? If it does, there is a chance that the shawl is fake. That is because polyester or acrylic fibre produces static electricity, and would generate sparks if rubbed. Natural fibre doesn't possess this quality and hence doesn't produce sparks if rubbed. This test is perhaps the easiest to conduct.

Test 5: The Pilling Test

Even if we never like our clothes piling, but here piling would prove otherwise. Real, original Pashmina shawls will pile. That is because artisans craft them from natural fibre. If your Pashmina is shiny and does not pill at all, there are chances that is a silk or nylon mix. It is just synthetic which prevents piling. This rule goes for wool too (sheep's wool)

Test 6: Is it actually comfortable to wear?

If your Pashmina shawl itches when you wear it or causes allergic reactions, then you might be possessing a fake product. Original Pashmina is soft, comfortable, and easy on your body.

Value of a Real Pashmina

Even though sellers sell their Pashmina, fake or real, at the same prices, but real Pashmina is indeed a little expensive than its cheaper copies. But, how much does a real pashmina cost? The price however depends on a number of factors like ply, count, and weaving design.

Ply

Ply is the density of fibre artisans use to make a shawl. A single-ply Pashmina means that artisans use the basic thread in its single form. Double-ply or two-ply indicates that artisans double twist the fibre. Two-ply is more pricey, as it gives more strength to the scarf made. A single-ply scarf would be more delicate, sheer, and cheaper than the two-ply.

Yarn Count

Yarn count is a number indicating the meters of yarn that artisans spin per gram. The more yarn count, the thinner, smoother, and more precious is the scarf. Therefore, a 100 count Pashmina shawl would mean that one gram of the shawl 100 meters of the yarn, and the fibre would be more delicate. This type of Pashmina would be more expensive, because the finer the fibre, the more painstakingly it is made. So one should know the yarn count before asking "How much does a real Pashmina cost"?

Thickness of the Fibre

How much does a real Pashmina cost depends on the thickness of the fibre:

If the fibre used is thick, the Pashmina would lose its essence, and hence be less expensive. The finer the fibre used, the more pricey the shawl becomes. Besides, it is believed that the finer the fibre used, the warmer the shawl is.

Weaving Patterns

How the shawl is woven, also determines how much does a real Pashmina cost. The diamond weave is the most expensive type, followed by twill weave and basket weave. Jacquard weave is also one special type that is usually saved for weddings or special occasions. A tighter weave will be more pricey than a loose one

In general, Pashmina shawls. in their solid exterior would value around $300, patterned and printed might go $350, embroidered shawls range from $800 to $10000 or more. The world popular Kani shawls value ranges from $1200 to $5000 or more. This is just an average. The values might be lesser more far greater than the above mentioned.

Explore Pashm's collection of luxury Pashminas HERE.

Why is Real Pashmina Expensive

Before knowing how much does a real Pashmina coat, We need to understand real Pashmina vs fake ones. Real Pashmina, renowned for its unparalleled softness, warmth, and elegance, is more than just an art form. It is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and a limited natural resource. The high cost of authentic Pashmina is justified by several key factors, including the labor-intensive production process, commitment to sustainability, and the balance between limited supply and high demand.

Labor-Intensive Production Process

One of the primary reasons real Pashmina is expensive is the labor-intensive nature of its production. The process begins with the collection of the fine undercoat wool from the Changthangi goats, which are native to the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Kashmir. Artisans carefully hand comb this wool from the goats during the molting season, so that the animals remain unharmed. After collection, the wool undergoes a meticulous cleaning process to remove impurities.

Spinners then spin the cleaned wool by hand using a traditional spinning wheel, or "charkha," to create fine Pashmina threads. This process requires immense skill and patience, as the threads are delicate and need to be spun to the perfect consistency. Next, weavers weave the hand-spun threads on traditional handlooms, a process that can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the design. The intricate patterns and embroidery, often done by hand, add to the overall time and effort invested in each piece.

Sustainable and Ethical Practices

The production of real Pashmina has roots in sustainable and ethical practices, which further contributes to its cost. The traditional methods of collecting and processing Cashmere wool are environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the ecosystem. The herders and artisans involved in the Pashmina trade often follow age-old practices. These practices passed down through generations, ensuring that the goats and the environment are treated with respect.

Moreover, the ethical treatment of the artisans is a significant aspect of Pashmina production. Many artisans work in cooperatives or small family-run businesses, where owners pay them fair wages for their craftsmanship. The emphasis on ethical labor practices ensures that the artisans can sustain their livelihoods while preserving their cultural heritage.

Limited Supply and High Demand

The rarity of the Changthangi goat's wool and the labor-intensive process involved in making Pashmina result in a limited supply of authentic Pashmina products. These goats inhabit specific high-altitude regions, and each goat produces only a small amount of wool annually. This limited supply, combined with the growing global demand for luxury products, drives up the price of real Pashmina.

As more consumers seek out sustainable and ethically produced goods, the demand for authentic Pashmina continues to rise. This increased demand, coupled with the scarcity of genuine Pashmina wool, contributes to the high cost of the final product.

In summary, the high price of real Pashmina is a reflection of the laborious craftsmanship, commitment to sustainability, and the rarity of its raw material. Investing in a Pashmina piece is not just about acquiring a luxurious item; it's about supporting a tradition that values quality, ethics, and environmental stewardship.

How much does a pashmina shawl cost in Kashmir?

The cost of a pashmina shawl in Kashmir can vary widely depending on factors like the quality of the Cashmere, the craftsmanship, and the design intricacy. On average, authentic pashmina shawls from Kashmir can range from $80 to $500 or even more. However, prices can vary even further based on factors such as the shop you're buying from, the specific design, and whether it's a traditional handwoven piece or machine-made.

It's important to purchase from reputable sellers to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it's recommended to check with local retailers or online shops that specialize in Kashmiri pashmina products.

Is Pashmina Worth the Investment?

When considering "how much does a real Pashmina cost", it's essential to understand what makes it a worthwhile investment. Beyond its luxurious feel and timeless appeal, Pashmina offers significant value in terms of durability, versatility, and cultural significance.

Durability and Longevity

One of the key reasons people consider Pashmina a valuable investment is its remarkable durability and longevity. Authentic Pashmina, that artisans craft from the fine Cashmere of the Changthangi goat, is famous for its strength despite its delicate texture. When properly cared for, a genuine Pashmina shawl or scarf can last for decades, retaining its softness and warmth through the years. Unlike synthetic fibers or lower-quality wools, Pashmina resists pilling and fraying. This property makes it a piece that can be passed down through generations. This long-lasting quality ensures that the initial cost of purchasing a Pashmina is offset by its enduring value, as it remains a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

Versatility in Fashion and Use

Pashmina’s versatility is another factor that makes it a sound investment. Its lightweight yet warm nature makes it suitable for various climates and occasions. Whether draped elegantly over an evening gown, wrapped casually around your neck during a brisk autumn day, or even used as a cozy wrap during travel, Pashmina effortlessly adapts to different settings. The wide range of colors, patterns, and designs available means that there’s a Pashmina to complement any outfit, making it a versatile accessory that enhances your wardrobe.

Moreover, Pashmina’s ability to be styled in multiple ways - whether as a shawl, scarf, or head covering - adds to its practical value. Its versatility extends beyond fashion, as it can also serve as a luxurious throw or a statement piece in home decor.

Cultural and Emotional Value

Beyond its physical attributes, Pashmina holds significant cultural and emotional value, particularly for those who appreciate craftsmanship and heritage. Each Pashmina piece is a testament to centuries-old traditions, with artisans in Kashmir and Ladakh dedicating their skills to create these exquisite items. Owning a Pashmina is not just about possessing a luxurious fabric; it’s about connecting with a rich history and supporting the livelihoods of skilled artisans who continue this legacy.

For many, Pashmina carries emotional significance, often becoming a cherished item passed down through families as an heirloom. The sentimental value attached to Pashmina, combined with its cultural importance, elevates it beyond a mere fashion accessory, making it a meaningful investment.

Investing in a real Pashmina is about more than just luxury. Its durability, versatility, and deep cultural roots ensure that it’s a purchase with lasting value, both in your wardrobe and in your heart.

Conclusion

When considering the question, “How much does a real Pashmina cost?” it’s crucial to weigh the costs and benefits to make an informed decision. The price of an authentic Pashmina reflects its exceptional quality, the intricate craftsmanship involved, and its cultural significance. While the cost may seem high at first glance, understanding what goes into creating a genuine Pashmina reveals why it is worth the investment.

First, consider the durability and longevity of real Pashmina. Unlike cheaper alternatives, a genuine Pashmina will last for years, maintaining its softness, warmth, and elegance with proper care. This durability ensures that your investment is not just for a season but for a lifetime, making the cost per wear remarkably low over time.

Next, think about the versatility in fashion and use. A real Pashmina can be styled in various ways and worn across different seasons and occasions. Its adaptability in both casual and formal settings adds significant value, making it a versatile staple in any wardrobe.

Lastly, reflect on the cultural and emotional value of owning a Pashmina. This is not just a purchase of luxury; it’s a connection to a rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistry. Supporting the artisans who create these beautiful pieces adds an ethical dimension to your investment, contributing to the preservation of a centuries-old art form.

While the question “How much does a real Pashmina cost?” is important, the true value of Pashmina extends beyond its price tag. By weighing the costs and benefits, you’ll see that a real Pashmina is more than just an accessory—it’s a timeless investment in quality, culture, and sustainability.