Pashmina Wrap vs. Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina shawls are larger than pashmina wraps.

Both pashmina wraps and shawls contain pashmina wool, which is the soft wool that comes from the undercoat of Himalyan goats. A single goat yields only about 8 oz. of pashmina each year. Each pashmina strand is very thin, at least five times thinner than human hair, which accounts for its incredible softness. Pashmina wraps and shawls, which you can find online or at clothing stores and boutiques, come in a variety of colors. Many include fringed edges while some are adorned even further with beads or sequins.

Size

The easiest way to differentiate between a pashmina wrap and a pashmina shawl is by the size. Wraps are generally narrower than shawls, with a shape more like a scarf than the square-like design of the shawl. When draped over the shoulders, a wrap will often hit at the elbow whereas a shawl will reach past the waist. Pashmina wraps run about 28 inches wide by 80 inches long, whereas pashmina shawls are still about 80 inches long but are a larger 36 inches wide. Some retailers categorize pashmina wraps as shawls, or even dual purpose accessories, calling them shawl-wraps.

Grade

Wraps and shawls made from 100 percent pashmina are the softest, warmest, heaviest and costliest on the market, but different grades make the accessories more affordable. Retailers often mix pashmina with silk to both add strength to the material and bring down the overall price. Different grades include wraps and shawls made with a fabric comprised of different ratios of pashmina and silk, such as 80 percent pashmina to 20 percent silk, or a 50/50 mix. The grade of silk also has a bearing on the softness and the price. You can also mix pashmina with cashmere, which is also less costly than pure pashmina.

Cost

The cost of a pashmina wrap or shawl depends on a variety of factors. The size is one, with the wraps generally less expensive than the larger shawls. Material grade and pashmina content is another factor, as is the number of layers of material. Wraps and shawls generally come in two-ply and three-ply varieties, with the latter being more expensive because it is warmer and heavier. A 28-inch-by-80-inch wrap can start as low as $50 for lower grade, two-ply variety. A lower grade, two-ply 36-inch-by-80-inch shawl can start around $75. Cost reflects prices in 2010.

Wearing

Both the wraps and shawls are incredibly versatile when it comes to wearing them. Since the wraps are thinner and less bulky than the shawls, they work well as a head and shoulder wrap, a long or puffed-up scarf secured with a pin or brooch or as a makeshift belt secured around the waist or hips. Shawls work draped over the shoulders, crunched and wrapped into a very thick and warm scarf or even as a sarong or skirt of wrapped and secured around the body and waist.

Considerations

If you're still undecided between a pashmina wrap and pashmina shawl, consider how much coverage you want and what you will be using it for. Both work equally well with a variety of casual and dressier clothes. Wraps serve more as a scarf to add a splash of color or interest to an already established outfit, like paired with jeans and a blazer or atop a sweater or T-shirt. Shawls serve more as a way to keep warm, a substitute for a poncho, stole or jacket. They can top off a tank top, sundress or even a formal gown. They also work in highly air-conditioned offices as a layer of warmth over summer outfits.

References

• Pashmina Online: About Pashminas
• Rocky Mountain Emporium: Wearing Pashmina and Other Articles