Overview of Pashmina:
To understand what makes Pashmina shawls unique, we must first understand what Pashmina is. Crafting exquisite clothing and accessories by hand from the fluffy undercoat of Himalayan goats is known as pashmina. It’s a type of handicraft that can be thought of as a premium, multifunctional handmade woolen product. One of the softest, most delicate, and fluffy types of fiber is pashmina. It is also known as Diamond fiber because it is the best natural insulator. The fiber known as pashmina is derived from the extract of the Himalayan goat, also known as chyangra, which inhabits the Himalayan belt at elevations exceeding 14,000 feet above sea level. The diameter of this distinct hair coat is roughly one-sixth that of all other hair types.
Pashminas may last a lifetime with the right maintenance, and we’ve heard that even in affluent and royal families, this special fiber has been passed down from generation to generation. It has been discovered to be the warmest, coziest fiber that is safe for human skin, giving warmth and comfort. Cashmere, another name for pashmina, is less fine and has a thicker diameter than pashmina.
What is so Special About Pashmina?
Nepali Pashmina ranks as the third-largest foreign export for the country, alongside ready-made garments and hand-knitted woolen carpets. It is a form of handicraft, representing a high-quality, handmade woolen product with versatile applications. The inherent qualities of warmth, softness, durability, lightness, and finesse characterize Pashmina items. The evaluation of Pashmina revolves around its fundamental attributes of warmth and softness.
Pashmina shawls, often hailed as the pinnacle of opulence and sophistication, occupy a distinctive position in the realm of fashion and textiles. Revered for their unmatched gentleness, feather-light warmth, and timeless allure, these refined shawls stand out. The remarkable softness of Pashmina shawls is owed to the exquisite fineness of Cashmere wool fibers, measuring a mere 12 to 15 microns in diameter—considerably thinner than human hair. This fine fiber diameter allows the creation of exceptionally light and gentle fabrics. Running your fingers over a Pashmina shawl provides a luxurious experience that proves challenging to replicate with alternative materials, akin to being embraced by a cloud of warmth and serenity.
In Nepal, pashmina is also referred to as “Soft Gold.” But because pashmina wool is rare, it is traditionally spun by hand, and it requires a high level of skill to weave, it is more expensive in Nepal. In Nepal, traders claim that pure Pashmina can easily fit through the smallest ring. However, pashmina in Nepal is now adulterated, containing a mixture of synthetic, cotton, or silk fibers. Genuine Pashmina products are sold by a select few names in the Pashmina industry. The pure pashmina can be easily distinguished by Nepali pashmina experts, but a novice pashmina buyer may find it difficult to distinguish between mixed and pure pashmina at a precise level.
Production of Pashmina:
A pashmina product is typically made by weaving, dying, processing, fringing, tassels, embroidery, beadwork, printing, and several other techniques.
In the global market, pashminas are in great demand. The majority of Pashminas’ business is done in Kathmandu. This region produces goods of export quality, of which 5% are used domestically and the remaining 95% are thought to be suitable for export. Over half of the total amount of handicraft products exported are pashmina products. It is also the main export component of the category of handicraft goods. Through Tribhuwan International Airport, Nepali Pashminas are exported by air cargo.
The demand for Nepali pashminas has surpassed 40 different countries in the international market due to their high quality and veracity, including Canada, the USA, Italy, the UK, France, Japan, Germany, and India. Modern technology, fresh research, and a suitable market have allowed this product to appear in ever more sophisticated forms, opening up new opportunities for the Pashmina handicraft sector. The Pashminas still have a long way to go.
Conclusion: Why Nepali Pashmina?
In conclusion, Nepali Pashmina stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage of the Himalayan region. Renowned for its unmatched softness, warmth, and durability, Pashmina shawls embody luxury and elegance. Termed “Soft Gold” in Nepal, the rarity of Pashmina wool, traditional hand spinning, and expert weaving contribute to its higher cost. Despite facing challenges like adulteration, genuine Pashmina connoisseurs can discern its purity. With over 50% of Nepal’s handicraft exports attributed to Pashmina, its global demand continues to soar. As a symbol of timeless beauty, Nepali Pashmina remains a cherished legacy, promising a prosperous future for this exceptional handicraft industry. Selecting Himalayan Cashmere guarantees an investment in quality and authenticity when looking for a reliable and superior product. Thus, add a touch of timeless elegance to your wardrobe by incorporating the dependability and sophistication of Himalayan Cashmere.
