What Is Pashmina Silk?

Pashmina silk is a blend of wool and silk.

Pashmina is produced primarily in Central Asian nations, goes by several different names around the world and comes from only one species of animal. Pashmina silk refers to a particular type of cloth that is made out of a combination of different types of material. An experienced weaver can produce higher-quality pashmina, but manufacturer standards vary.

Definition

Pashmina is the proper name for a type of wool that is harvested in Central Asia, along with all the cloth products created from this wool. It is made from the coat of the Chyangra goat, which is bred at the higher elevations around the Himalayan mountains. This wool is cleaned and straightened into threads and yarns that are then woven to create soft clothing products.

Cashmere and Silk

Cashmere is another popular name for pashmina products. The name is derived from the area Kashmir, a disputed region lying between Pakistan and India. Cashmere is not usually considered a silk product, and pashmina is a wool, so buyers are sometimes confused by products that claim to be pashmina silk. However, pashmina is often mixed with silk to created clothing products for export.

Creation

Pashmina can be hand woven or produced by machine. Traditional pashmina products are made by hand, and experienced weavers can give the cloth a softer, tighter, and warmer feel. Machine-produced pashmina can be produced more quickly, costs less and allows materials like silk to be combined with the wool more easily.

Silk Grades

Some types of pashmina are made from 50 percent wool and 50 percent silk. Even the versions claimed to be pure pashmina are about 30 percent wool. Truly pure pashmina is much weaker and is rarely exported. Adding silk to the wool improves strength while giving the cloth a sheen and draping effect that many people prefer.

Uses

Pashmina silk is used for many different clothing products, especially shawls. These shawls can be designed for warmth and comfort, or as part of dress gowns meant as a fashion accessory. Blankets, scarfs and wraps are also made of pashmina.

References

• Pashm: Silk and Cashmere
• Pashmina Stores: Pashmina FAQ