How to Identify an Original Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." – John Keats.
And the same can be said for an original Kashmiri Pashmina shawl! It’s warm, it’s soft and it’s a treat to the eyes!
But imagine paying a hefty price for something beautiful, only to realize later that it’s a fake! That would be such a disastrous heartbreak!
You won’t believe, but that’s exactly what happened to me the first time. I bought what I thought was a genuine Pashmina shawl.
The seller swore it was authentic! And I believed him. I was clearly blinded…blinded by its beauty, softness, and intricate embroidery.
I learned the truth only when my friend from Kashmir came over one day and happened to inspect it. He let out a knowing sigh of disappointment and said, “girl you were DUPED!”
It.Was.Fake. Not even a blend. Just pure DECEPTION.
That moment stung. But that day I also swore to never be fooled again!
If you're someone who loves a Pashmina or wants to invest in an authentic Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl, this guide is for you. Here’s how you can test…
1. The Burn Test
Alright, this is an age-old practice and a sure-shot method to identify a pure pashmina.
Take a tiny fiber from the shawl (just a strand!) and burn it. Authentic Pashmina Shawl, made from pure cashmere wool, smells like burnt hair. It also turns to ash.
But the fake ones smell like burnt plastic or paper. Most often they leave behind a melted bead.
It is a solid trick if you are buying from an unreliable source. I mean, it sure would be better than spending a fortune and then repenting.
Visit Taroob.com to explore some authentic Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls.
2. The Ring Test
This one's my favorite because it is a timeless test.
An authentic Pashmina Shawl is so fine and delicate that it can pass through a ring effortlessly. If you have a ring on your finger, try it now!
A genuine Pashmina, even when embroidered, will slide through without resistance. If it bunches up or gets stuck, chances are it’s a blend or a fake.
I remember doing this test at a market in Srinagar the second time, and the vendor smiled knowingly. I left with a true Kashmiri masterpiece that day!
3. The Softness Test
Your skin does know best! And you can use it to identify an authentic Kashmiri Pashmina.
Rub the fabric and place it gently on your cheek. It should feel warm and feathery soft and not slippery or plasticky.
The reason this test is effective is because an authentic Pashmina comes from the underbelly of Changthangi goats in Ladakh. It’s one of the softest natural fibers in the world.
That’s how a real Pashmina Shawl should feel, extremely soft and buttery.
If your shawl feels slightly rough, scratchy, or overly synthetic, it’s likely not real Pashmina.
4. The Weave Test
Ever looked closely at the weave of your Pashmina? Hold your shawl up against the light. If you see slight variations in the weave, it’s likely handmade.
Authentic one is handwoven, which means it will have slight irregularities.
Machine-made shawls, on the other hand, are too perfect. They are too uniform to be handwoven.
Learned about this trick from a weaver in Kashmir. He showed me the difference between a handwoven and a machine-made shawl. He showed me how to inspect a shawl for irregularities.
It is these irregularities that lend the shawl its true beauty and worth. You can explore authentic handwoven Pashminas at Taroob.com.
5. The Price (If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Not Pashmina!)
This may be unattractive for someone looking for a budget product. Authentic Pashmina does not come cheap and for a good reason.
To weave one shawl by hand, the weavers and artisans take weeks. Sometimes even months. The process is very elaborate and onerous, and the raw material also is quite rare.
A genuine, high-quality Pashmina Shawl is quite exquisite and expensive. The prices can vary depending on the embroidery and craftsmanship.
I once saw a vendor in Delhi selling "Pashmina" for $20. When I asked if it was real, he grinned and said, "Madam, at this price, even I wouldn't buy it!"
That was a rare moment of honesty in a sea of fakes.
6. The Pashmina GI Certification
This is a foolproof way to confirm authenticity! Look for the Geographical Indication (GI) Certification.
In 2019, the Indian government introduced the GI mark for Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls. The sole purpose of this certification was to prevent counterfeits.
If a shawl has this certification, you can be sure that it's 100% authentic and the seller is registered and approved by the GOI (Government of India).
Next time you shop, ask the seller about the GI mark.
Own a Piece of Timeless Luxury
A Pashmina Shawl is an heirloom. It brings you closer to the heritage of Kashmir. But fakes are everywhere.
Use these simple tests to identify the fake from the authentic. Trust your instincts. Always prefer to buy from reputable sources.
Because when you finally hold an authentic Pashmina, you’ll know why this art form is celebrated all over the world.