Buying a Real Pashmina Shawl? Here’s What to Look For
Over 90% of so-called "pashmina" shawls on the market are fakes. And sometimes these fakes blend in cheap synthetics so well that they can even fool savvy shoppers. That's the cold truth about the ocal market of Pashminas.
I've seen the heartbreak of an Rs 50,000 knockoff unraveling after one wear. But get an original pashmina shawl, and it's like wrapping yourself in a cloud that lasts a lifetime.
Stick with me because in this blog, I'll mention tips on spotting the real Pashmina in a sea of fakes.
How Are Pashmina Shawls Made?
Pashmina is not just another type of fabric—it’s a whole story that begins in the cold mountains of the Himalayas.
In Ladakh, there are special goats called Changthangi goats. During spring, when they start shedding, herders carefully comb out the soft undercoat of these goats.
This undercoat is super fine, so fine that each fiber is only about 12–16 microns thick (that’s much thinner than human hair!).
Once collected, the wool is cleaned, hand-spun, and then woven into shawls by expert Kashmiri artisans. This work is slow and detailed. Women often sort the wool by hand, while men spin the yarn for hours on traditional wooden wheels, called charkhas.
The entire process is done without machines, which makes pashmina shawls rare, authentic, and special.
The best thing about Pashminas is that they are warm but light, cozy yet elegant, and perfect whether you’re layering them over a hoodie or dressing up for a winter party.
How To Identify Authentic Pashminas?
Alright, time to get practical. You're scrolling Etsy or hitting a boutique to shell out money worth your kidneys; how do you know it's an original pashmina shawl?
I've got your back with tests I've used on the spot. These aren't gimmicks; they're tried-and-true from my sourcing escapades.
1. Start with the Burn Test
Take out a tiny thread from the fringe of the shawl and carefully burn it over a sink. If the shawl is real pashmina, the thread will smell like burnt hair and crumble into ash. If it’s fake, it will either melt like plastic or give off a smell like burning paper.
I once tested a shawl during a client fitting and the thread melted right away—it was synthetic, not real. That small check saved us from wasting thousands on a fake.
Tip: Don’t try this test inside a shop. If you want to check before buying, ask for a small sample thread.
2. Look for the GI Mark
A real pashmina should have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Craft Development Institute in Srinagar. This tag is proof that the shawl is 100% authentic, hand-spun, and handwoven without any blends.
The GI tag should be stitched onto the shawl, not something removable. One of my friends, who’s a travel blogger, once ordered a so-called “certified” pashmina online.
When it arrived, it had no GI mark at all. That’s when she realized it was fake. Lesson: Always check the product photos carefully for that mark before buying.
3. Feel the Weave
Run your fingers across the fabric. A genuine pashmina will feel slightly uneven with tiny bumps because it’s made on handlooms. If the surface feels too smooth and perfect, it’s probably machine-made.
The weight also gives clues—real pashmina shawls usually weigh between 150–200 grams. If it’s heavier, it may have fillers like silk or viscose.
These days, I even use a phone scale app when shopping online—it’s a simple way to avoid fakes.
4. Check for Warmth
The easiest test? Just wrap the shawl around your neck. Real pashmina warms up quickly by trapping your body heat. If it stays cold or feels damp, it’s not the real deal.
Last winter, one of my clients brought what she thought was a premium shawl to a wardrobe session. But when she tried it on, it didn’t warm her at all.
We switched it out with my original pashmina and instantly, she felt the cozy difference.
5. Pay Attention to Ply and Labels
Look closely at the threads. Genuine pashmina is usually made of 2- or 3-ply threads, which makes it soft but still strong. If the yarn looks too thick, be suspicious.
Then, read the label carefully—it should clearly say “100% Pashmina” or “Pure Cashmere from Ladakh.” If the tag says “blend” or avoids details, that’s a red flag.
Finally, check the price. A true pashmina usually costs around 10k and more. If someone is offering one for much less, chances are it’s fake. I’ve seen market vendors drop their prices quickly just to make a sale—that’s a warning sign to walk away.
Is Pashmina Different From Cashmere?
Now that we know how to check if a Pashmina shawl is authentic, it’s also important to understand the difference between Pashmina and Cashmere.
Many people use these two words as if they mean the same thing, but that’s not exactly true.
Pashmina is actually a type of cashmere, but not all cashmere is pashmina. Both can be soft, warm, and handwoven, and at first glance, they may look similar.
But if you look closely, there are some clear differences.
1. Spinning
Cashmere yarn is usually spun with machines because the fibers are a bit stronger and can handle the process. Pashmina, on the other hand, is much finer and more delicate.
The fibers break if you try to spin them on a machine, so pashmina yarn is always hand-spun by skilled artisans. This is one reason why Pashmina is considered so special.
2. Fibre Thickness (Diameter)
The thickness of the fibers is another big difference. Pashmina fibers are extremely fine, measuring between 10 and 16 microns in diameter.
Cashmere fibers are slightly thicker and can go up to 19 microns. The finer the fiber, the softer and lighter the fabric feels, which is why Pashmina is known for its unmatched softness.
3. Making Effort and Cost
Pure Pashmina is usually more expensive than regular cashmere. This is because the fine Pashmina fiber is harder to find, and the process of making it takes more time and effort.
Hand-spinning the yarn, weaving the fabric, and finishing the shawl require highly skilled artisans. This level of craftsmanship makes each Pashmina piece unique and valuable.
Where to Buy Authentic Pashmina?
When shopping for pashmina online, make sure you've done your due diligence on the seller. Read the customer reviews as you would when scrolling through your feed—look for reviews that contain real photos from buyers (not just polished stock photography).
Check their return or exchange policy; a reputable seller will always have an easy way for you to return or exchange an item if need be.
Good places to shop would be sites like Taroob or websites run directly by artisans working with wool from Kashmir, or other verified sellers on a platform like Etsy who have established testimonials from people who look like they may actually be real customers. If it's any more famous than that (e.g., Amazon) or a large public retailer, it will likely just be filled with cheap knockoffs.
If you are shopping for pashmina in-person, visit any of the certified stores in the markets in Delhi, or to visit fairs in Ladakh. Don't feel bad about asking questions!
Real Pashmina sellers love to share their process and will gladly share where the wool comes from, as well as how the shawl is made in person.
Once, I took a cohort of clients to a cooperative in Kashmir where they could feel the raw wool, and they even met some of the weavers.
That was a really special experience!
Final Words
Buying a real pashmina shawl is not just about picking up another piece of clothing—it’s about owning a piece of tradition and culture.
It adds richness to your wardrobe and can completely change the way you look, whether you are dressing up for a wedding, a photoshoot, or even a casual day out.
Once you experience the softness and warmth of an authentic pashmina, you’ll understand why it’s so treasured.
Tell me—what’s your dream way to style a pashmina? I’d love to hear in the comments!
