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Pashnoor Shawls vs. Pashmina: Understanding the Difference
- himanshu kwatra
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Pashmina and Pashnoor shawls are both types of luxurious shawls that people often mix up. They share the same traits of softness, warmth, and elegance, but each style has its own unique origins, materials, and craftsmanship. Knowing the difference can certainly help you make an informed purchase if you are an enthusiastic shopper for these exquisite shawls.
What is a Pashmina Shawl?
A kind of shawl is the Pashmina shawl made of pashmina wool which comes from the undercoat of a Changthangi goat found in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. The goat's undercoat is compared to fine cashmere wool. The term Pashmina comes from the Persian word Persian Pashm which means soft wool. They are hand-woven into shawls by skilled craftsmen and therefore are treasured items all over the world.
Primary Characteristics of Pashmina Shawls:
Material: Constructed of 100% cashmere wool
Source: Comes from Chamgthangi goats found in Ladakh, India
Texture: Super soft, warm, and light in weight
Artistry: Embroidered by hand, spun by hand, and woven by hand.
Price: High cost owing to the shawl's rarity and the depth of craftsmanship put into it.
What is a Pashnoor Shawl?
Pashnoor shawls, however, are stylish high-class shawls that are woven out of fine wool in contemporary styles which these shawls are made to be warmer and cheaper than pure Pashmina shawls. Pashnoor Shawls are said to be made out of a combination of fine-quality wool and are usually beautifully patterned with designs that are representative of traditional artistry.
Key Points About Pashnoor Shawls:
Material: It is made of fine wool along with some blend of synthetic fibers
What Makes It Unique: A shawl from Pashnoor is produced in various textile regions like Kashmir and Punjab
Texture: Soft and warm, but not as soft as Pure Pashmina
Craftsmanship: Intricately woven with the use of a machine or hand
Price: Less costly than Pashmina due to the use of blended materials.
Pashnoor Shawls vs Pashmina Shawls: Main Differences
Feature
Pashmina Shawl
Pashnoor Shawl
Material
Cashmere wool which is 100% cashmere.
A blend of wool and synthetic fiber.
Origin
Ladakh, India
Various regions of textile such as Kashmir and Punjab
Weaving Process
Handwoven with no machine assistance.
A combination of machine assistance and hand-weaving.
Ultra-soft and luxurious
Soft but not as soft as Pashmina Shawl.
Price
Costly because of its rarity.
Less expensive.
Final Verdict, Which One Should You Pick?
Your selection of shawls will depend on your preferred budget along with your intended use.
To wrap yourself in luxury and heritage craftsmanship along with exclusivity, invest in a Pashmina shawl. If looking after them properly, these shawls can be passed down for generations.
If you are interested in a stylish, warm, high-quality shawl without paying hefty prices, then Pashnoor shawls are for you. They offer priceless elegance at a far more affordable price than Pashmina.
How to Distinguish Real Pashmina From Fakes?
Due to the high demand for Pashmina, many fakes have already flooded the market. Here’s what you need to check for to authenticate a Pashmina shawl:
Burn Test: Real Pashmina burns like hair, while blends of acrylic and polyester smell like burning plastic. When the Pashmina is burned, it smells like burnt hair and when fake Pashmina is burned, it smells like plastic.
Ring Test: A pashmina shawl can easily fit through a ring because of its finer weave.
Hand feel: Synthetic Pashmina blends are unable to replicate the warmth and softness of pure Pashmina.
Concluding Remarks
Both Pashnoor and Pashmina shawls have their distinct beauty and worth. Choose Pashmina if you are looking for a fine, handcrafted work of art. On the other hand, if you want a nice, warm shawl for a reasonable price, then Pashnoor is the best option.
Make sure to buy either Pashmina or Pashnoor from respected dealers to guarantee your purchase is genuine. Even though shawls may not be at the top of one's shopping list, they certainly are a worthwhile buy since you not only can improve your wardrobe but display the stunning craftsmanship in the texture of the Indian shawl.
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