Real vs. Fake: 7 Red Flags to Spot a Duplicate Pashmina Kashmiri Shawl

Is that pashmina shawl you are after? The charm of a genuine pashmina shawl is hard to resist. Soft. Warm. Elegant. A prized possession for many. But the popularity of these wraps has brought a flood of counterfeits. That makes it tricky to tell the real from the fake. Many buyers end up with poor quality, thinking they have an original Kashmiri pashmina shawl. This guide will help you find the signs of a genuine pashmina Kashmiri shawl.

Spotting a Genuine Pashmina Kashmiri Shawl

It’s a common worry. Are you getting the real thing? A pashmina Kashmiri shawl has unique signs. Some you can see. Some you can feel. Knowing them can save you money and disappointment. And help you get a truly luxurious original pashmina shawl.

Here are seven red flags to watch out for:

• The Price Seems Too Good to Be True

Real pashmina costs more. It is a premium wool. If the price is way lower than usual, it’s likely fake. An authentic Kashmiri pashmina shawl takes skill and time to make. It is all about handmade wool shawl craftsmanship.

• Look Closely at the Weave

A real pashmina Kashmiri shawl is often an artisan-woven shawl. Small imperfections are normal. They show it’s a handcrafted Kashmir shawl. A perfect weave may mean machine production. Often with synthetic materials. Check the fringes. These Pashmina shawls have Majorly eyelash fringes. 

• The Burn Test (Use with Extreme Caution)

If you can, and with care, cut a tiny thread. Burn it. Real pashmina smells like burnt hair. The ash will crumble. Synthetic fibres melt. They smell like plastic and form a hard bead.

• Feel the Texture

Genuine pashmina is soft and light. Warm to the touch even before wearing. Fake ones can feel slippery, too shiny or heavy. A real soft woolen wrap is delicate.

• Check for Blends (Be Aware)

Authentic Pashmina shawls are pure and not blended. Cheap imitation pieces are often mixed with silk or other materials to cut costs or add shine. Avoid shawls with lots of viscose or acrylic. Check the label for fabric composition.

• The Dye and Colour

Pashmina shawls can be dyed using both natural and chemical dyes. Genuine pashmina can have either, so the presence of bright or uniform colours alone doesn’t indicate a fake. Look instead at the overall feel, softness, and weave quality when judging authenticity.

• The Pilling Factor

Real pashmina can pill a little with use. That’s normal. But heavy or quick pilling means low-quality wool or synthetic blends.

Understanding the Craftsmanship

An original Kashmiri pashmina shawl is made with care. Skilled artisans use traditional methods. One handmade pashmina wool shawl can take days or weeks to weave. The price reflects this. And the beauty shows it. Beware of the so-called “pashmina” that looks mass-made. Support authentic handcrafted Kashmir shawls to keep the tradition alive.

Caring for Your Shawl

Once you have a pashmina Kashmiri shawl, care is key. Don’t machine wash. Use gentle hand washing with mild detergent in cold water. Or dry clean. Store your premium wool shawl folded in a breathable cotton bag. Keep it safe from moths and dust. Handle your soft woolen wrap with care. It will last for years.

Key Considerations Before Buying

Before you get a pashmina Kashmiri shawl, check the seller’s reputation. Go for trusted stores or reliable online sites. Ask about origin and craftsmanship. A genuine seller will tell you all about their original Kashmiri pashmina shawl range.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I tell if my pashmina is real at home?

Rub it against your cheek. Real pashmina feels soft and warm. Look at the weave. It should not be perfect. Try the burn test carefully on a small thread.

• Are all “cashmere” shawls real pashmina?

No. In India, it’s called pashmina, but in the West, it’s cashmere, named after Kashmir, where it was first sourced. Not every “cashmere” shawl is real Himalayan pashmina.

• Why are real pashmina shawls so expensive?

The wool is rare. The handmade wool shawl is skilled. Each artisan-woven shawl takes time. That is why it is a premium wool shawl.

• Can a real pashmina shawl be machine-woven?

Some blends may be partly machine-woven. But a high-quality pashmina shawl is usually handcrafted. That is what gives it the softness and delicate weave.

• What is the best way to store a pashmina shawl?

Fold it gently. Keep it in a breathable cotton or muslin bag. Keep it from sunlight and moisture. Use cedar balls or lavender sachets to stop moths.

Conclusion

Spotting a genuine Pashmina Shawl is easy once you know the signs. Price, weave, and texture say a lot. Minor flaws show it is handmade. Softness and warmth mean real pashmina. A true original Kashmiri shawl is rare. It blends beauty, skill, and tradition. Owning one means holding a piece of heritage. That is why it is worth every bit.

At Shahkaar, we value authenticity. Our range is crafted by skilled Kashmiri artisans. Each shawl reflects patience and fine detail. With us, you get the real luxury of a Pashmina Kashmiri Shawl.