What is Pashmina?

The Pashmina Shawl has captured the heart of the west like no other fabric has. Western flirtation with the pashmina shawl can be traced back in history when Napoleon Bonaparte was presented with one. So fascinated was he with the shawl from India that he is said to have presented it to his beloved Josephine.

Since then Pashmina has always mesmerized the west, and in recent times it has topped the chart as a most desired piece of apparel. The word pashmina is derived from the Persian word pashm, which means wool. Pashmina is sheered from the underbelly and neck area of the special mountain goat Capra hircus found at over 14,000 feet. It is popularly known as the pashmina goat.

Pashmina is as delicate and soft as it is warm. A pashmina pure shawl is so soft that it is weaved mixing silk yarn to give it some stability. Pashmina shawl with silk are normally available on the market at ratios ranging from 50% - 50% to 70% pashmina and 30% silk. This gives strength and adds to the durability of pashmina.

Pashmina shawls are available at their cheapest, as more traders are now catering to the buyers’ demand. Prices are not likely to fall any further because of the limited supply of the fabric. These shawls are also being referred to as Cashmere pashmina shawl, since they come from the Kashmir region in India. However, Cashmere is a different kind of superior quality wool and is not to be linked to pashmina.

Pashmina wool is a very special kind of wool and is in no way to be considered and treated as a normal woolen item. Made from one of the most delicate yarns, pashmina shawls merit special care and attention. Many pashmina owner's, ignorant about the extra care it needs, have rued over their decision to handle it a little less delicately. Pashm, as the wool is called, is very fine, about 1/6 th the thickness of human hair. At 12 microns, pashm obviously needs more care than your ordinary woolen sweater.

How To Care Pashmina

Here are some helpful tips on how to care for your pashmina shawls .

• Depending on the quality of the fabric, it will help to occasionally dry clean your pashmina shawl at a dry cleaning store that understands pashmina.

• If you decide to wash your pashmina at home, use either lukewarm or cold water.

• Never use harsh detergents or soap bars. To help retain the softness of the fabric, use baby shampoo, or pH-neutral detergent.

• Since the fabric is delicate, refrain from squeezing or wringing it tightly. A gentle squeeze will suffice. Do not rub the fabric either. Caress the fabric gently, and allow it soak the detergent for about 10 to 15 minutes.

• Rinse the shawl or sweater in lukewarm or cold water thoroughly until you run off the suds.

• Allow the water to drain for sometime and re-shape the garment to its original size and shape.

• Next, place the garment on a dry towel, and allow it to dry in shade, away from direct heat and sunlight.

• Iron your pashmina on low heat using a damp cloth.

• If your pashmina acquires stubborn ink, coffee, or wine stains using Gonzo stain remover that is non-toxic, odorless, and non-flammable will help.

Having said all that, the safest bet is to dry clean your pashmina stole or shawl. The above tips are a second best option. Store your pashmina in a cool dry place, away from heat and humidity. Use mothballs for extra safety.