Pashmina is a type of wool that is obtained from a special breed of goat endemic to high altitudes of the Himalayan Range Belt of Asia. The special goat's fleece has been used for thousands of years to make high-quality shawls that also bear the same name.
Capra Hircus goat which is the source of Pashmina lives at elevations of 14,500 feet (4,500 meters) and above, where temperatures is harsh to an extent of minus 30 degrees C in winters. The diameter of a Pashmina fiber is very minute (about five times smaller than a human hair). Each goat produces only about 90 grams of Pashmina wool each year. One woven Pashmina shawl requires the wool from three goats.
During Molting Season (Spring), the goats shed away this inner wool which they develop all over again during the course of the winter. The inner wool is collected, sheared and spun to produce Pashmina. The process is natural and the Goat is not harmed in any way. Its something similar to a pet dog who sheds its coat once or twice an year and then get a new set of coat. THE GOATS ARE NOT HARMED IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER
Pashmina accessories are available in a range of sizes, from "Scarf" (12" x 60" or 30cm X 150cm) to "Wrap" or "stole" (28" x 80" or 70cm X 200cm) to full-size Shawl (40" x 80" or 100cm X 200cm). Pure Pashmina is a rather gauzy, open weave, as the wool cannot tolerate high tension. The shawl is hand-made thus can be made in custom designs and sizes as per the buyer requirements.
When Pashmina shawls rose into fashion prominence during the mid 90’s, it was marketed dubiously. In the consuming markets, Pashmina shawls were again defined as a shawl/wrap with cashmere and silk, notwithstanding the actual meaning of Pashmina - which is technically an accessory of pure Pashmina and not the blend.
The most dubious form of marketing of "Pashmina" is the use of the man-made fabric viscose. This is certainly not a true Pashmina and will be nowhere near as warm or luxurious as the real thing. Some unscrupulous companies will go so far as using deceptive marketing statements as "authentic viscose Pashmina" These are often sold for US$20 or less, so you may have to be the judge if it is authenticity, quality, or price that motivates your purchase.
