What is Pashmina?

You see them everywhere. From airports to garden weddings, to school meetings and soccer games, the pashmina is truly a staple in every fashionable woman’s closet.

Origins of the word "Pashmina"

The word pashmina comes from the ancient Persian word “pashm” which means wool. Nepal is one of, if not the, prime exporter of pashmina products all over the world. In fact, the pashmina itself is a native and indigenous product of Nepal. Cultivated from a rare breed of goats found only at 12,000 to around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal and Central Asia, most notably Mongolia, the pashmina is considered the best cashmere on earth. The goats from where the pashmina comes are called the “capra hircus.” In order for these goats to protect themselves from the harsh temperate climate, the goats have developed short, thin and shiny inner coats on their underbelly over time. These short inner hairs have proven to be the best natural insulation in the world. When these goats shed their hair during spring, these are collected to form the pashmina. In fact, the Persian word for wool refers precisely to the inner coat of the “capra hircus.”

Pashmina fiber

Pashmina is incomparable to the other fibers found anywhere else. The pashmina has been treasured throughout Asia and the Middle East, and its no wonder that the West and the rest of the world have finally caught on the craze. Not only does it provide warmth, but it also comes in a dazzling array of colors and can be extremely versatile. It is strong yet flexible, it is not heavy on the body, and while it provides maximum warmth, it still manages to be a soft, luxurious and comfortable wrap for both daytime and evening wear.

Items made from Pashmina

Aside from shawls, the pashmina also comes in a variety of forms such as pashmina stoles, pashmina mufflers, pashmina scarves, sweaters and blankets, all handwoven by the traditional weavers of Kathmandu valley. These exquisite products also come in a variety of sizes, patterns and qualities and all sold at a fairly reasonable price.

End uses of Pashmina

A pashmina is usually worn as a wrap. In some instances, the pashmina is worn close to the face, a la the famous and beautiful Hollywood legend and the late Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. The colors of pashmina that are particularly fashionable and in demand according to distributors are shades of purple, from a pale lilac to a deep violet shade of grape. Some other trends include pashminas that are dotted with ethnic embroidery and pleats. Many other women opt for the classic look, and choose all-time favorite colors such as pink, yellow, white and jet black. Because of its versatility, the pashmina can also be worn over a jacket or as a muffler around the neck or simply just draped over the shoulders and the chest. Indeed women of all ages, shape and sizes, from mothers to Hollywood celebrities, from students to business executives, all seek the elegance, sheer comfort and practicality of beautifully woven pashmina.