About Pashmina

About Pashmina

Pashmina is the traditional name for the very finest grade of Cashmere wool. Because of its unique softness and comforting warmth, Pashmina is also known as the "diamond fabric" and the "soft gold of high Asia." Put simply, it is the finest, softest and warmest wool available anywhere. 

This amazing Cashmere wool comes exclusively from the underbelly of the Capra Hircus goat. This goat lives high in the Himalayan Mountains and on the cold high level plains of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Because they live approximately 14,000 feet above sea level, these special goats grow a thin, inner coat of hair known as ‘Pashm’ (hence the name Pashmina), that insulates them during the long, harsh Himalayan winters. It is this unique inner coat of hair that is used to produce Pashmina Shawls. Each hair is about 1/6th the diameter of most other types of hair - but is still surprisingly durable while being stunningly soft and comforting to human skin. You may be surprised to discover that it takes the entire annual growth of three of these goats to create just one Pashmina shawl. But take comfort in the fact that these goats are not harmed during the process of producing Pashmina. This is because the wool is collected only after being shed naturally. It is almost like this special cashmere wool is the goats' gift to everyone. And what an amazing gift it is! 

Pashmina is also quite unusual in that it actually becomes softer and more comfortable with each use, actually making it gentler on your skin each and every time you have the luck to wear it. With proper care, the "diamond fabric" will last a lifetime or more. This is evident in the fact that Pashminas have been handed down from generation to generation in royal and wealthy families throughout the world. Of course now with Pashmina Paradise, you don't have to be royalty to enjoy a Pashmina of your very own! 

It is interesting to note that Napoleon may have started the Pashmina fashion craze over 200 years ago when he presented a Pashmina shawl to his wife. She was so pleased with the shawl that she asked Napoleon to get more so she could share them with her fashionable society friends. Two hundred years later Pashmina remains an essential part of a fashionable wardrobe, attesting to the durability and widespread appeal of this classic accessory.
We make every effort to qualify the authenticity of each item - spot testing every batch and asking all providers to guarantee they send us the authentic items we order. In addition, we personally check every single Pashmina we sell, prior to mailing. In the rare event an item is sent out that is not as described, we will exchange the item. Our Pashmina shawls are quite versatile and can be worn just about anywhere.  The fabric is extremely lightweight, so they can be safely rolled up and placed in purses or other small spaces.

A genuine Pashmina shawl is very soft, made from the most sophisticated fabric collected from the mountain goat. It takes great care during washing, ironing or maintaining your products.
One of the wonderful things about your Pashmina is that it can last for years and years - if you take proper care of it. It will even get softer and more luxurious with each wash!