Understanding Authentic Pashmina
We help our customers distinguish them from genuine handcrafted Pashmina.
Pashmina is one of the world's finest natural fibres, yet also one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented. Since a genuine Pashmina shawl is an investment, it's worth understanding exactly what you're buying as many sellers are selling fake as original pashmina. The customers should not fall in the trap of ‘’ FAKE PASHMINA SELLING’’
At Art of Kash, we believe in complete transparency. Our goal is not only to offer authentic Kashmiri Pashmina but also to educate our customers so they can make informed decisions.
What is Authentic Pashmina?
Authentic Pashmina (also known internationally as Cashmere) comes from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi (Capra Hircus) goat found in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. The goats naturally shed this fine fibre every spring, and it is carefully collected by combing.
Traditionally, authentic Kashmiri Pashmina is:
- Made from Ladakhi Pashmina fibre.
- Hand spun by skilled artisans.
- Hand woven on traditional wooden looms in Kashmir.
These traditional methods have been practiced for centuries and are responsible for the exceptional softness, warmth, durability, and beauty of genuine Kashmiri Pashmina.
Understanding Different Manufacturing Methods
Today, Pashmina shawls are produced using different combinations of spinning and weaving techniques.
1. Hand Spun & Hand Woven (Traditional)
The traditional method of producing Kashmiri Pashmina, considered the finest form of craftsmanship. Each stage is completed entirely by hand, preserving the natural character of the fibre and supporting centuries-old artisan traditions. The production for these shawls is on the lower end as many artisans have given up this work, the government is trying to revive it by introducing GI tags and other incentives for artisans but it is huge task and will take long time to get back to where it all started.
2. Machine Spun & Hand Woven
This is the most popular form of pashmina preferred for sozni embroidery and as a plain fabric as well. A significant portion of authentic Pashmina available today is machine spun but hand woven. Although the spinning is mechanized, the weaving is still carried out by skilled Kashmiri artisans on traditional handlooms — offering excellent quality and authentic craftsmanship, generally considered as good as hand spun & hand woven.
3. Machine Made
Fully machine-made pashmina-like products are mass produced. The fibre used is often Mongolian Pashmina which is usually used for men’s Arabic shawls.
We provide a lab tested certificate for this form of pashmina as well. The quality may not be as good as the other two forms of pashmina but never the less, it is also pashmina.
How to Spot Authentic Pashmina
“Genuine Pashmina is exceptionally soft and fine — it can pass through a wedding ring.”
This is the biggest lie that has been fed to general public from a long time. Machine-made blends often feel more soft and can pass more easily through the ring than the traditional pashmina.
These are only marketing gimmicks performed by unprofessional sellers, who don’t respect the craft or are not traditionally involved in the business, who often want to make quick money and are the ones who often cheat customers and hurt the entire business industry overall.
Yes, the feel is important, pashmina will be soft but it will not be shiny and may even not pass through the ring. You can rely on reputed names and trusted people from whom you buy pashmina.
Locally, it the hand feel and other factors such as weight and weaving with which an experts can identify the real pashmina. The amount of adulteration that is happening in weaving or in yarn, it even becomes difficult for and expert to identify pashmina shawl from the feel.
Therefore, the best way to identify the pashmina is by testing it from a certified lab.
Understanding GI Certification
The Geographical Indication (GI) certification helps protect the authenticity and heritage of genuine Kashmiri Pashmina products. There are different GI categories depending on the product and the craftsmanship involved.
Fabric GI
Genuine Ladakhi Pashmina fibre, hand spinning, and hand weaving — the traditional process of producing authentic Kashmiri Pashmina fabric.
Sozni GI
Ladakhi Pashmina base fabric, machine spun yarn, hand woven, with hand embroidery by skilled Kashmiri artisans — recognizing traditional Sozni embroidery on handwoven Pashmina.
Kani GI
Applies to traditional Kani woven shawls, produced using the historic Kani weaving technique — renowned for intricate woven patterns created without printing or embroidery.
Our Commitment
At Art of Kash, we work directly with local artisans to preserve Kashmir's textile heritage while ensuring complete transparency with our customers. We proudly offer:
- Traditional Hand Spun & Hand Woven Pashmina.
- Authentic Machine Spun & Hand Woven Pashmina.
- GI-certified products where applicable.
- Custom handcrafted Pashmina for wholesale and retail buyers.
Since getting GI tag on a shawl is long process and may take months to get GI done, we also provide certificate from trusted and certified lab which is as good as a GI tag.
We clearly communicate how every shawl is made because we believe customers deserve to know exactly what they are purchasing. Transparency, authenticity, and respect for traditional craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do.
Note: GI certification is governed by the relevant authorities, and eligibility depends on compliance with the applicable specifications for each GI category. Customers should always verify certification through the accompanying GI labels or documentation where provided.