Know Your Pashminas

Over the past few years, the popularity of pashmina scarves and shawls has grown vastly among fashion-conscious women. They currently rank among the most indispensable articles in the closets of women around the globe. They have quickly become the "must-have" accessory as a result of their versatility, practicality and attractiveness. They are applicable for all-year-round usage, for simply enlivening mundane work wear, ramping up informal outfits or adding that additional bit of lavishness and flair to evening wear.

Traditionally the term "pashmina" only is applicable to scarves and shawls derived from the extra soft wool of the Kashmir goat. Lately, the word has become a more generic term for women's scarves and shawls of a similar style. This, in spite of their composition. Many contain not a smidgeon of pashmina wool being comprised of viscose or rayon. While stylistically they may pass a brief test, true pashmina scarves and shawls are remarked for their feel and weight. Only genuine pashminas are created from 100% pashmina or cashmere wool, or, at most a 70/30% ratio of wool to silk.

The qualities of both pure and blended pashminas scarves and shawls are high in quality but the properties differ slightly. It is up to your own personal preference whether you prefer the Rolls Royce of a 100% pure accessory or enjoy the luxurious blend of silk and Pashmina. The former is lighter, warmer and simply sumptuous. When you add silk to create a pashmina scarf or shawl, you increase its strength. You also add a shimmering sheen and adjust the drape. The overall feel of a blended Pashmina scar or shawl is felt by some women to be more luxurious and to drape with increased elegance.

Yet, when it comes to patterns and colors, no difference exists between the pure and blended pashmina accessories. The range is extensive for both from soft pastels to bold and vibrant hues. Whether your preference is a conventional Jacquard or Paisley-style design or something more modern in stripes or checkers, the choice is there.

The similarity also exists concerning the cost. The prices of both pure pashmina scarves and shawls and those from a mixed blend fall between the same price range. The silk used in production is of high quality so it does not decrease either quality or cost. That being said, pashmina scarves of either type are surprisingly inexpensive. This is particularly applicable to genuine pashminas you purchase from specialist suppliers found online. Overall the cost of pashimas is frequently less than that you would pay for a woman's scarf or shawl made of rayon - even the ones calling themselves pashmina without ever having been in close proximity to a Kashmir goat.

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