How to Identify Authentic Pashmina

Pashmina. Just the word brings images of softness, warmth, and timeless elegance. But let’s be honest — not every shawl that says “Pashmina” actually is one.

With so many imitations out there, it can get confusing. I’ve spent time with artisans in Kashmir and studied real Pashminas closely, and here’s what I’ve learned about spotting the genuine article.

What Makes a Pashmina Real?

Authentic Pashmina comes from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, a special breed in the Himalayas. The fiber is so fine — thinner than a human hair — that it feels like a whisper against your skin.

Hand-combed, hand-spun, and handwoven, a genuine Pashmina takes weeks, sometimes months, to make. That’s why it’s soft, warm, and feather-light at the same time.

If a “Pashmina” feels stiff, too shiny, or cheap, it’s likely not the real deal.

How to Tell if Your Pashmina is Authentic:

Here are practical ways to check, based on real experience, not theory.

1. Feel It

Pick it up. Rub it gently between your fingers. A real Pashmina feels soft, warm, and slightly textured. It’s never slippery or plasticky.

Tip from artisans: Fold it over your hands and see how it drapes. If it sticks out like cardboard or feels heavy, it’s probably blended with synthetic fibers.

2. Look Closely at the Weave

No two handwoven Pashminas are exactly alike. Hold it up to the light and see the weave. Minor irregularities are a good sign — they mean humans, not machines, created it.

Perfectly even threads often mean factory production.

3. Check the Label and Price

A genuine Pashmina is made of 100% cashmere. Labels that say “Pashmina blend” or “cashmere mix” are red flags.

And if the price is too low for the softness and warmth you feel, be cautious. Authentic Pashmina is labor-intensive, so it’s naturally more expensive.

4. The Warmth Test

Wrap it around your shoulders. A real Pashmina warms up quickly without being bulky. Machine-made versions often stay cool and heavy.

5. Touch the Embroidery (If Any)

Many Pashminas have hand embroidery — tiny stitches, often uneven on the back. This is a mark of human craftsmanship. Machine embroidery looks too perfect, almost “soulless.”

6. Ask About Certification

Genuine Kashmiri Pashminas sometimes come with a GI tag or certificate of authenticity. Reputable brands like Noorzari provide this. Always ask for proof of origin if you’re unsure.

Quick Tip from Artisans

I remember a master weaver telling me:

“You can tell a Pashmina by how it feels when you fold it, how it drapes, and how it warms your skin. If it doesn’t speak to you softly, it’s not real.”

That’s the key — real Pashmina has personality. It’s alive in your hands.

Caring for Your Pashmina

Once you have a real Pashmina, treat it gently:

1. Dry clean only

Always use a trusted dry cleaner who understands delicate fabrics.

2. Store flat

Folding your Pashmina and keeping it flat in a breathable cotton bag prevents stretching.

3. Avoid perfume or moisture

Keep it away from direct sprays or damp areas.

4. Use natural moth repellents

Lavender sachets are ideal; avoid chemical mothballs that can damage fibers.

Why Genuine Pashmina is Worth It

It’s not just a shawl. A real Pashmina is heritage, warmth, and artistry woven into every thread. Owning one is like holding a piece of Kashmir’s craft history.

Brands like Noorzari focus on authenticity, ensuring every shawl is handwoven, ethically sourced, and pure cashmere.

So the next time you’re choosing a Pashmina, trust your eyes, fingers, and instincts. Let the shawl tell you if it’s real.