What Are Pashminas Made Of?

What Are Pashminas Made Of? Discover the Finest Luxury Wool

When it comes to accessories that embody both warmth and elegance, few items rival the luxurious feel of a pashmina shawl. But what exactly is pashmina, and what makes it so special? At The Wool Company, we take pride in offering pashminas that reflect time-honoured craftsmanship, heritage, and the finest cashmere. Let’s explore the journey of a pashmina, from its origins in the Himalayas to its transformation into a luxurious accessory.

The Origins of Pashmina

Pashmina originates from the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, notably from Ladakh and Kashmir. The wool used in pashmina comes from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi (or Pashmina) goats**. These goats live in the extreme conditions of the Himalayas, where winter temperatures can drop as low as -40°C. To endure such harsh weather, they grow a soft, dense undercoat known as **pashm**, which serves as natural insulation.

Each spring, Changthangi goats naturally shed this undercoat as the weather warms. Local herders collect the loose wool by hand, a gentle process that ensures the goats remain unharmed. This ethical and sustainable harvesting method preserves the quality of the wool, and the fibres are then carefully processed to create pashmina shawls known for their lightweight warmth and exquisite softness.

The Art of Crafting a Pashmina Shawl

Transforming raw pashmina wool into a finished shawl is a labour-intensive process involving skilled artisans. The journey begins with cleaning, where impurities are meticulously removed from the fibres to ensure a smooth texture. 

Once cleaned, the pashmina wool is hand-spun into fine threads. This stage is delicate and requires patience and expertise, as the wool is extremely fine, with an average diameter of just **12 to 15 microns**—considerably finer than standard cashmere. These fine threads are then woven by hand, resulting in an exceptionally soft and luxurious fabric that is unique to pashmina shawls.

What Makes Pashmina Unique?

The uniqueness of pashmina lies in the quality of the wool and the traditional craftsmanship that goes into making each shawl. Compared to typical cashmere, pashmina fibres are finer, softer, and warmer  – due to the high altitude the goats live at – making them highly prized. Hand-spinning and hand-weaving processes are often used to create a fabric that is delicate yet durable, lightweight, and breathable, providing warmth without bulk and having that all-important hand-crafted look that cannot be replicated by fast-moving spinning or weaving machines.

The Differences Between Cashmere and Pashmina

While both cashmere and pashmina come from the undercoat of Himalayan goats, they are distinct in quality and refinement. Strictly speaking:

• Cashmere generally refers to wool from various breeds of goats and can be machine-processed.

• Pashmina specifically uses wool from Changthangi goats and requires traditional hand-spinning and weaving due to the delicate nature of its fibres.

Pashmina’s extremely fine fibres (12-15 microns) make it softer and lighter than ‘standard’  cashmere, which typically has a diameter of 15-18 microns. The craftsmanship involved in creating pashmina also distinguishes it as a luxury item, adding to its exclusivity.

The Wool Company's Favourite Pashminas

Our collection showcases a range of beautiful pashminas, each hand-crafted with the utmost care and skill. Here are some highlights from The Wool Company’s collection:

• Diaphanous Pashmina Oyster: This elegant neutral shade complements any outfit, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Its sheer texture and soft feel make it perfect for layering. 

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• Diaphanous Pashmina Rose Gold: Add a touch of glamour with this beautifully soft pashmina in a delicate hue. Ideal for evening wear, it brings a sophisticated shine that is sure to impress.

• Hyacinth Blue Gauzy Pashmina: Bright and cheerful, this pashmina brings a pop of colour to any ensemble. Its lightness makes it an excellent choice for transitional seasons.

• Aqua and Red Hand-Crafted Ikat Pashmina: The Wool Company’s Aqua & Red Handcrafted Pashmina is made from 100% cashmere sourced from the Changthangi goats in Leh, Ladakh, known for its exceptional quality and warmth. This lightweight and luxuriously soft shawl features a classic design with a reversible pattern, hand-woven using the traditional Ikat technique, which is inspired by the vibrant colours of sunset reflections on a lake.

• Luxury Pashmina Shawl Off-White: A classic choice for any occasion, this off-white pashmina is a timeless accessory that can be dressed up or down. Its luxurious feel makes it a delight to wear.

Caring for Your Pashmina

To preserve the softness and quality of your pashmina, gentle care is essential:

• Hand Washing: Use lukewarm water with a mild wool-approved detergent. Soak your pashmina for 5-10 minutes without scrubbing or friction, then rinse with cool water.

• Rinse and Press: Avoid wringing. Instead, gently press out excess water to retain the fibres' structure.

• Dry Flat: Lay your pashmina on a dry towel to air-dry flat. Avoid hanging as this may stretch the fibres, so reshaping gently while drying is best.

• Storage: Store in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry place to protect it from dust and moisture.

Make a Statement with Pashminas from The Wool Company

Elevate your style with our exclusive pashmina collection. Each shawl is a masterpiece of traditional craft, blending elegance, comfort, and timeless beauty. Explore The Wool Company’s selection and find the perfect pashmina for your wardrobe, whether you’re looking for a personal indulgence or a meaningful gift.

Our pashminas offer more than warmth—they tell a story of heritage, respect for nature, and skilled artistry. Discover the beauty and luxury of pashmina, a true testament to the art of fine wool.

Why Choose a Pashmina?

Each pashmina in our collection has been hand-loomed and hand-finished in Kathmandu, Nepal, ensuring both exceptional craftsmanship and ethical production. Traditional hand-weaving techniques guarantee not only luxury and quality but also support skilled artisans who have perfected their craft over generations.

Pashminas offer a range of benefits beyond aesthetics:

• Exceptional Warmth – Despite their lightweight feel, pashminas provide incredible insulation. The fine downy fibres trap air, keeping you warm without bulk.

• Breathability – Naturally breathable wool regulates body temperature, making pashminas comfortable in both cool and warm climates.

• Versatility – Whether styled as a shawl, scarf, or wrap, a pashmina adapts seamlessly to any occasion.

• Timeless Elegance – A pashmina elevates any outfit, whether worn casually or as a formal accessory.

🔗 For expert care tips, visit our Pashmina & Cashmere Care Guide.

Caring for Your Pashmina

To ensure the longevity of your pashmina, proper care is essential. Here are some tips on how to care for your pashmina:

• Gentle Hand Washing: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent designed for wool. Gently submerge your pashmina and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, as this can damage the fibres.

• Rinse Carefully: After soaking, drain the soapy water and rinse your pashmina under cool running water until all soap is removed. Do not wring out the pashmina; instead, press it gently against the basin to remove excess water.

• Dry Flat: Lay your pashmina flat on a clean, dry towel to dry. Avoid hanging it up, as this can stretch the fibres. Once it is mostly dry, reshape it gently and lay it flat to finish drying.

• Storage: Store your pashmina in a cool, dry place, ideally in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid hanging it in a damp area, as this can lead to mildew.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Pashmina

Q: What is pashmina made from?

A: Pashmina is made from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat, a breed native to the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Kashmir. These 12-15 micron fibres are among the softest in the world, making pashmina lighter and more luxurious than standard cashmere of 15-18 microns.

Q: Is pashmina better than cashmere?

A: Both pashmina and cashmere are high-quality wools, but pashmina is finer and lighter than standard cashmere, and is more often hand-spun and woven. This delicate craftsmanship makes pashmina more exclusive.

Q: How do I tell if a pashmina is real?

A: A genuine pashmina is often hand-loomed, ultra-light, and passes through a ring easily. But this is not a requirement. It should feel soft yet textured, never slippery, slick or synthetic.

Q: How should I store a pashmina?

A: Store your pashmina in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic storage, which can trap moisture.

🔗 For full care instructions, visit our Pashmina & Cashmere Care Guide.

Make a Statement with Pashminas from The Wool Company

Wrap yourself in the finest handwoven pashmina. Each shawl is a testament to heritage, skilled artistry, gentle warm and pure luxury.

🔗 Explore our beautiful selection of pashminas to find the perfect timeless accessory or a meaningful gift.

Which  is your favourite pashmina? Tell us in the comments below!