Wait, are you just buying a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl and feel it is a little too expensive? Well, you’re not the only one. Most people find Kashmiri shawls not so affordable and a huge burden on their pockets.
But why so? Why are Pashmina shawls expensive?
Well, the answer is so predictable!
If you ever run your fingers across a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, you’ll spot it. It’s a rare piece of luxury, beauty, and authenticity that adds to its overall price. However, here is a whole blog justifying the valid reasons from The Gifts Connect.
Because It's Not Just Any Other Goat's Wool
Not only are Kashmiri Pashmina shawls rare, but their source is also rare. It’s not just any wool, but comes from a specific breed of mountain goat called the Changthangi or Capra Hircus. And guess what?
- These goats are found only in the freezing heights of Ladakh.
- It takes time for these goats to grow a super-fine layer of fleece for commercial purposes (almost a whole season).
- Moreover, each goat yields just 80-170 grams of this precious fleece per year. Yes, you’ve found it. It takes wool from 3 to 4 goats to create just one shawl.
That’s how rare the source and accessibility of Kashmiri Pashmina fiber are, which adds to its cost. However, Pashmina shawls are still worth every penny, as this wool can withstand a temperature drop of up to -40 degrees.
It's a 100% Hand-Crafted Process
Not only is the collection of Pashmina difficult, but also its weaving. It’s not produced like synthetic fabrics in bulk by machines. In fact, each real Pashmina shawl undergoes a completely handmade journey, breaking into:
- Combing the fleece: After spring, herders gently comb the fleece from the goats by hand.
- Cleaning & Spinning: The raw Pashmina is cleaned without chemicals and spun manually using a wooden spinning wheel (yinder).
- Weaving: Traditional wooden handlooms (no machines here as well!) are used to create the base shawl.
- Dyeing: Natural vegetable and mineral dyes are often used, lending earthy, heritage-inspired hues.
- Embroidering: At the end, local artisans add intricate hand embroidery in Pashmina shawls that can take weeks or even months. It totally depends on the design and its quality.
Can you note? How slow is every step of making an authentic Pashmina shawl? In the world of fast fashion, it is still a slow luxury that takes time and effort (hence dollars, too).
The Market Competition and Global Demands
From the old Bollywood actress to modern-day fashion influencers, the world is going gaga about Pashmina shawls. This surge in demand automatically connects with slow supply and high production costs.
Wait, there’s something worse than that. The market is flooded with fake “pashmina” that’s actually blended wool, acrylic, or even viscose. Thanks to its fame. These cheaper alternatives may look similar, but lack the warmth, softness, and heritage. This again contributes to the high selling prices of authentic Pashmina shawls.
The Quality Trademark of GI on Pashmina
In 2008, the Indian government issued GI (Geographical Indication) tags to Cashmere Pashmina. It is a sign that indicates that products possess unique qualities, characteristics, or a reputation linked to a specific place.
In simple words, it’s a certification that makes the product renowned. Thus, GI identifies the authenticity, traceability, and ethical sourcing. And, this is also a reason behind the high costs of authentic Pashmina shawls.
The Pashmina Fiber is One of the World's Finest Fibers
Let’s talk about something really practical: texture. Kashmiri Pashmina is six times finer than human hair. It’s a cloud-soft but still manages to keep you warm in chilly weather. It’s one of the lightest yet warmest natural fibers known to date.
But the delicacy requires expert hands to weave without damaging the fibers. So while machine-made imitations may look similar, they can never match the real feel or finesse. And, it comes with expensive costs.
Versatile Embroidery, Lightweight, and Durable
The embroidery you see on an authentic Pashmina isn’t stitched in a day. Depending on the pattern, like Sozni, Kani, Tilla, or Aari, it may take weeks, even 6-12 months, to complete a single shawl. And, you can’t forget about the master artisans who struggle with eye strain. That’s more than labor.
Even after embroidery, a real Pashmina shawl is soft and fine. It’s dreamy, yet when stored well, it can last a hundred years. Just like a leather journal, it ages with a natural patina, growing beautiful with time. Though it comes with a price, it’s still worth a penny.
So, Is It Worth Buying an Authentic Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl?
Absolutely. When you buy an authentic Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, you’re not just purchasing a luxury product. It is a piece of Himalayan history and an art that you will cherish forever. If you’re looking to buy a Pashmina shawl online, you can always visit The Gifts Connect.