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The Kashmiri pashmina is a luxurious symbol of fine craftsmanship, but over the years, the grace of Pashmina has seen imitation. Most shawls marketed and passed off as pashmina are either of low quality or inferior substitutes - a reality that not only deceives buyers but also undermines the skilled artisans who dedicate months to creating each authentic piece.
The good news? You can spot fake pashmina in minutes with seven simple tests. At Luxury of Kashmir, we want you to shop with confidence. This guide shows you exactly how to identify authentic Kashmiri Pashmina, protect your investment, and support real artisans keeping this traditional craft alive.
When you understand what makes genuine Kashmiri pashmina extraordinary, you're not just avoiding counterfeits; you're honoring a centuries-old heritage and supporting traditional craftsmanship that deserves to be preserved. This guide will help you recognize the markers of authenticity, understand why they matter, and invest in pieces that carry real cultural value.
- Why test the authenticity of a Pashmina?
- What makes real Pashmina special?
- Tests to check for authenticity
- FAQ
Why test the authenticity of a Pashmina?
Any good article stands the risk of being imitated. In the pashmina market too, various synthetic counterfeit shawls exist, marking a significant risk to artisans who work hard to produce quality pashminas. When you buy real handcrafted Pashmina, you're supporting skilled artisans in Kashmir who've carried on this craft for generations. When you buy fake pashmina, you're funding factories that destroy this traditional heritage.
The solution? A few expert-approved tests that are easy, quick, and foolproof.
What makes real Pashmina special?
Real Pashmina comes from goats from the Himalayan region called Changthangi with fine undercoat fiber. No other goat produces this quality. From combing the undercoat, spinning the fiber into thread, and weaving it on traditional looms, all effort is manual and takes about 3-4 months from concept to completion per shawl. No machine can replicate the manual effort that goes into crafting a pashmina shawl. The result is a drape that's unbelievably soft, incredibly warm, yet lightweight.
1. Ring Test
What it reveals: How fine and lightweight the fabric really is
How to do it:
● Take a plain Pashmina shawl (not heavily embroidered)
● Try pulling it through a standard wedding ring
● See if it passes through easily
What it means:
● Real Kashmiri Pashmina is so fine it can pass through a wedding ring
● This proves the fibers are 12-16 microns (incredibly thin)
● Fake pashmina is too thick and won't fit
Important note: This works best for plain shawls. Heavily embroidered Kashida pieces might be genuine but too thick for the ring. Use this test with others.
2.Touch Test
What it reveals: The natural texture only real Pashmina has
How to do it:
● Feel the fabric with your whole hand
● Rub it gently between your fingers
● Hold it against your cheek for 30 seconds
Real Pashmina feels:
● Incredibly soft and buttery (not slippery)
● Warm against your skin almost immediately
● Slightly grippy with natural texture
● Has tiny irregularities (hand-spun fiber)Fake Pashmina feels:
● Too smooth and slippery (like satin)
● Stays cool against your skin
● Perfectly uniform (machine-made)
● Sometimes rough or scratchy
3.Weave Test
What it reveals: Whether humans or machines made it
How to do it:
● Hold fabric under good light
● Check edges and fringe
● Check for perfect vs. imperfect patterns
Signs it's handmade:
● Variations in the weave
● Hand-twisted fringe with character
● Edges finished by hand
● Small "imperfections" that prove human work
Signs it's machine-made:
● Uniform weave with zero variation
● Factory-cut fringe/synthetic binding
● Laser-cut edges
● Extreme perfection
Also Read
Quiet Luxury: Why Kashmiri Embroidered Shawls Are the Ultimate Investment
How to Style Your Pashmina Shawl for Every Occasion
How to Care for Your Pashmina During Monsoon
FAQ
What's the difference between Pashmina and Cashmere?
All Pashmina is cashmere, but not all cashmere is Pashmina. Real Pashmina is finer (12-16 microns) and comes from Changthangi goats in the Himalayas. Regular cashmere is 18-19 microns from various goat breeds worldwide.
How do I store Pashmina properly?
Fold loosely and store flat (never hang because it stretches). Keep it in a breathable cotton bag with cedar blocks to prevent moths. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
Does Pashmina have slight imperfections?
Small irregularities in the weave prove hand-crafted work. Machines make perfect fabric. Skilled artisans make beautiful fabric with character. Those "imperfections" are actually signs of authenticity.
Protect yourself from expensive mistakes. While these tests help you identify fakes, it is always better to buy from brands like Luxuries of Kashmir that are rooted in authenticity. Each handcrafted Pashmina comes with complete transparency, is made with authenticated materials, and has our guarantee of genuine Kashmiri craftsmanship.
