Having an original Pashmina is a cherished dream of all women across borders, ethnicities, ages, and cultures.
For over a long period, the exceptional artistry, hand spinning, and weaving of local Kashmiri craftsmen have displayed a manifestation of sophistication in making it beautiful.
Such is the magic of elegant and resplendent pashmina that they have become a style statement and definition of classy for elite women. They have marked their way into the closets of locals of the valley to the mighty and richest people of the world.
One of the biggest doubts that came across would be ‘Is it a real and genuine one and how to tell it is real or fake?
This concern is absolutely valid since many affluent and powerful mill owners have overtaken the adroit artistry of craftsmen to make machine-made lookalikes. These replicas look exactly like the real ones.
But even though salt looks like sugar, it is not sugar. And only those who can identify the difference between the two are the real gainers.
Now when it comes to salt and sugar, it is easy to tell the difference. Identifying a fake one is not that easy.
We are going to make this simple for you.
Read More: GI Certified Pashmina Shawls
Read on and get an insight on, how to identify a real Pashmina?
1. The burn test
Well, we do understand that you would not want to spoil the shawl. But picking up one thread from the fringes would not harm or ruin the fabric and is sufficient for the burn test.
All you have to do is to take the thread and place it on a plate and burn it. Smell the odor of the burnt fabric and check the ashes carefully with fingertips.
If you get burnt hair smell and the ash turns out to be like a powdery substance, it is likely to be real. Pashmina is made from real, natural hair, and therefore burning the same should give burnt hair smell.
Read More: Different Types of Embroidery in Kashmiri Shawls
Another thing to note is that in spite of the burning, a real material feels matte, quite similar to what it was before burning. If it feels like viscose, you know it is a fake product. This test is used by many vendors to check the authenticity of Pashmina Shawls.
2. As mentioned above, even the burnt Pashmina material feels like matte
Matte is a characteristic of real Pashmina. Though a little sheen is possible in Pashmina, they mostly carry a matte appearance. If there is a lot of sheen on the fabric, you can put the shawl back to the counter.
3. The reality details lie in its diameter
Hard to believe? We agree but trust us when we say that the diameter details of a Pashmina are a good indicator of its authenticity.
The best varieties are available for 14 to 15.5 microns. Do not invest your money if it is above 19 microns. When it comes to a better quality of Pashmina, lower the micron count softer and lighter will be the item.
4. The weave gives an answer to your doubts on its genuineness
If you carefully check the weave against the light, you can see an irregular weave. Pure pashmina is woven on a handloom and hence will always have an irregular weave. These irregularities are a mark of real Pashmina products.
Also Read: Pashmina shawl color Ideas to Wear
5. The rubbing test
Rubbing the fabric might sound a little odd, but if you understand the fundamentals of rubbing, you can use this test to decide if the shawl is indeed made of animal fiber or not.
Polyester or acrylic fiber accumulate static electricity within. Rubbing any polyester or fiber material would generate little sparks. If the shawl you are testing is producing tiny sparks upon rubbing, then it is not real one. You will also notice that tiny objects and dust are attracted to it.
6. Glue fixes everything. Doesn’t it?
Well, it can also fix your doubt regarding real or fake Pashmina. If you see a label or tag glued, do not waste your time or money on it because it is a fake one.
One can never stick a thing on a genuine Pashmina with glue as glue cannot hold the label or tag for long. Therefore, you need to stitch the tags in the real one.
7. You can also do a wiggle test on the Pashmina
Place the shawl between your thumb and index finger and wiggle your fingers. Do you see a wiggly mark? If yes, then the shawl you are considering as acrylic.
8. Not everything that that shines is beautiful
The same principle can be applied to authentic Pashmina. Since it doesn’t have a shine of its own, there is no reason you give a glow and glittery appearance, unless some silk fabric is added to it; which in any case would make it a fake product.
Also Read: Soak In The Romance Of Embroidered Pashmina Shawls
9. Microscopic tests
Using transmitted light under a microscope, an authentic would show block-shaped patterns linked close to one another. If the fiber looks like simple shape placed at an extended distance, then it is certainly not a genuine.
10. Dimensions are extremely important
The standard dimension for Pashmina is 36/80 inches. Higher the dimensions, the steeper the cost. So, if someone sells a standard or higher dimension to you, there are chances of the product being an unauthentic one. If you come across someone who is selling at far below the market rates, it is too good to be a true scenario.
11. We don’t like pilling on our clothes
It is quite a nuisance and hence good products should not have pilling. If you believe in this and are looking for a Pashmina product that guarantees no-pilling, you are certainly going for a fake one. Pilling is a quintessential feature with an animal fiber material. If there is no pilling on the shawl, then probably what you have in your hand is a synthetic product.
By now you must be thinking it is very difficult to choose real pashmina shawl.
Not really, we would say. These tests and a little common sense comes extremely handy in finding a real product.
Now that you have all it takes to differentiate a real and fake Pashmina, you have one more reason to treasure your heart with the snugly embrace of an authentic and pure, made by love, exclusively for you!
Also Read: How to wear a Pashmina Scarf in Different Ways!
FAQ: Real vs Fake Pashmina
What is 100% Pashmina made of?
100% Pashmina is made from the wool of the Changthangi goat, native to the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India. It’s known for its softness, warmth, and luxurious texture.
What is the highest grade Pashmina?
The highest grade of Pashmina is known as Grade A or Grade 1. It’s characterized by its fine quality, minimal pilling, and superior softness. Grade A Pashmina is usually made from the finest and longest fibers of the Changthangi goat.
How much should I pay for a Pashmina?
The price of a Pashmina can vary depending on factors such as quality, grade, size, and design. Authentic, high-quality Pashminas made from 100% pure Pashmina wool are usually more expensive. Prices can range from $50 to several hundred dollars or more for a premium-grade Pashmina.
What are fake Pashminas made of?
Fake Pashminas, often marketed as “Pashmina blends” or “Pashmina scarves,” are usually made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, or viscose. These materials mimic the softness and appearance of real Pashmina but lack the warmth and quality of authentic Pashmina wool.
