5 Common Shawl Buying Mistakes Indians Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Nearly 60% of shawls sold online in India are marketed as "pure pashmina"...but are they acually…Pashmina??

Well, you’ll be surprised to know the truth being so deviated from this. These shawls are often passed around as pure pashmina when they're actually blends or complete fakes. 

So, the question arises, how do you identify the authentic pashmina from the fake ones. Over the years in the textile industry, I know that most of us are making the same mistakes over and over again when trying to purchase a shawl.

Whether you're buying a statement piece for wedding season or hunting for that perfect travel companion, understanding these common shawl buying mistakes can save you money, heartbreak, and closet regret.

Let's start.

Mistake #1: Falling for the "Pure Pashmina" Trap

First things first… what is Pashmina? Pashmina is actually a fiber, often passed around as fabric or weave. And since it has to be obtained through an arduous process from the rare Changthangi goats, it is expensive. 

So. if someone's selling you a pashmina shawl for under ₹5,000, alarm bells should start ringing in your ears.

Authentic pashmina comes from the undercoat of Changthangi goats in Ladakh, and the production process is incredibly labor-intensive.

Why this happens: The term "pashmina" has become so commercialized that it's slapped onto everything from acrylic blends to viscose wraps. Many sellers bank on customers not knowing the difference.

The fake pashmina shawl problem is massive. I've seen Instagram ads promising "luxury pashmina" for ₹800, complete with fancy packaging. When you receive it, the fabric feels nothing like the buttery softness of real pashmina.

How to spot a fake:

• Do the ring test—authentic pashmina is so fine you can pull it through a ring

• Check the weave closely under light; machine-made pieces have perfectly uniform patterns

• Burn test (carefully!)—real pashmina smells like burning hair, not plastic

• Look for GI (Geographical Indication) tags from Kashmir

Real pashmina shouldn't feel slippery or synthetic. It should have a natural, slightly irregular texture that screams handcrafted luxury.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Fabric Composition When Buying Online

Shopping for shawls online has become super convenient, but it's also where most of us mess up. Last year, I bought what looked like a gorgeous Banarasi silk shawl from a well-known e-commerce site. 

The listing said "silk blend" in tiny print. What arrived was mostly polyester with maybe 10% silk thrown in for show.

The reality check: Knowing how to buy shawl online means becoming a detective. Product descriptions can be deliberately vague, and those filtered photos? They're the visual fakes of originlal peces.

Your online shopping checklist:

• Always read the complete fabric composition (not just the headline)

• Check if the seller mentions thread count or GSM (grams per square meter)

• Look for close-up shots of the weave

• Read reviews that specifically mention fabric quality

• Screenshot the product description for reference

Current fashion trends lean heavily toward sustainable and transparent sourcing. Brands like Raw Mango and Good Earth are leading the way by clearly stating their fabric sources and weaving techniques. 

If a seller can't tell you exactly what their shawl is made of, that's your cue to keep scrolling.

Pro tip: Save the product page as a PDF before ordering. E-commerce sites sometimes change descriptions after complaints roll in.

Mistake #3: Choosing Style Over Functionality

We've all been there. You see this absolutely stunning shawl with intricate zardozi work, gold threads catching the light, and you're already imagining yourself draped in it at your cousin's wedding. You buy it. It arrives. 

And then it sits in your closet for two years because it's too delicate to actually wear anywhere.

I bought an ornate Kashmiri shawl with heavy embroidery three winters ago. Beautiful piece, no doubt. But it weighs a ton, can't be machine washed, and honestly? I've worn it exactly twice.

The functionality factor matters more than we admit.

Think about your actual lifestyle:

• Will you hand-wash this shawl or does it need dry cleaning?

• Can you wear it to work, or is it purely ceremonial?

• Does the weight work for travel, or will it eat up too much of your luggage space?

• Is the color practical for your wardrobe?

Right now, fashion trends favor versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night and also from one occasion to another. A solid-colored merino wool shawl or a subtle printed cotton-silk blend gives you way more versatility than something that requires a special occasion.

Smart shopping means asking: "Will I actually wear this only once or more than ten times?"

Mistake #4: Neglecting to Check Weaving Techniques

This one is subtle but game-changing for those who know the art of identifying weaving techniques. 

The weaving technique determines everything—how the shawl drapes, its durability, even how it ages over time.

During a trip to Varanasi, I met a master weaver who showed me the difference between power loom and handloom Banarasi sarees. 

The power loom version looked almost identical at first glance, but the handloom piece? It had this organic quality, slight imperfections that somehow made it perfect.

Common weaving techniques you should know:

Handloom weaving: Slightly irregular, more expensive, lasts forever

Power loom: Uniform, affordable, less character

Jacquard weaving: Creates complex patterns, can be handloom or power loom

Pashmina weaving: Ultra-fine, requires skilled artisans, time-intensive

Why this matters: Power loom shawls aren't necessarily bad, but you shouldn't pay handloom prices for them. Many sellers conveniently forget to mention which technique was used.

Shawl shopping tips for identifying weaving quality:

• Look for the selvage (finished edge)—handloom has tightly bound edges

• Check if patterns are identical on both sides. 

• Feel the thickness—handloom tends to be denser

• Ask directly about the loom type used

The current movement toward supporting Indian handlooms means more consumers are actively seeking handwoven pieces.

 Brands like Ekaya and Pero have built their entire identity around celebrating traditional weaving techniques with contemporary designs.

Mistake #5: Not Considering Care and Maintenance Requirements

You know what nobody tells you? That gorgeous modal silk shawl you bought needs to be dry cleaned only, stored in muslin cloth, kept away from direct sunlight, and basically treated like a newborn baby.

I learned this after accidentally throwing a supposedly "washable" wool-silk blend into my washing machine on regular cycle. It came out felted, shrunken, and completely unwearable. Expensive lesson.

Different fabrics have wildly different care needs:

Pashmina/Cashmere:

• Hand wash in cold water only

• Use baby shampoo, never detergent

• Lay flat to dry, never hang

Silk:

• Most require dry cleaning

• Some can handle gentle hand washing

• Keep away from direct sunlight

Wool blends:

• Often machine washable on delicate cycle

• Can handle more wear and tear

• May pill over time

Cotton-silk:

• Relatively easy maintenance

• Can usually be hand washed

• Iron on low heat

Before buying any shawl, ask yourself: Am I willing to commit to its care routine?

The minimalist fashion trend that's dominating 2025-26 isn't just about aesthetics—it's about buying fewer, better-quality pieces that you'll actually maintain properly. A well-cared-for shawl from a heritage brand can literally last decades.

Maintenance red flags to watch for:

• "Spot clean only" usually means you'll never clean it

• Shawls with heavy embellishments often can't be washed at home

• Delicate fabrics may not survive your lifestyle

The Bottom Line

Avoiding these shawl buying mistakes boils down to one thing: being an informed shopper. Whether you're browsing Fabindia in person or figuring out how to buy shawl online from a boutique website, knowledge is your best accessory.

Quick recap:

1. Don't fall for fake pashmina deals that seem too good to be true

2. Read fabric compositions carefully when shopping online

3. Choose pieces that match your actual lifestyle

4. Understand the weaving technique before you pay

5. Consider long-term care requirements

The Indian shawl market is incredible—we have access to some of the world's finest textiles. From Kullu weavers creating geometric masterpieces to Kashmiri artisans carrying forward centuries-old traditions, there's so much authentic craftsmanship to celebrate.

But with that comes responsibility. Every purchase you make either supports genuine artisans or feeds the counterfeit market. Your money votes for the kind of fashion ecosystem you want to see.

So next time you're eyeing that beautiful shawl—whether it's at a physical store or in your online cart—pause. Ask questions. Check labels. Read reviews. 

And remember that the best shawl isn't always the prettiest or cheapest one. It's the one you'll reach for again and again, the one that tells a story, the one that was worth every rupee.