FAQ's about pashmina material and care.

What is a Pashmina?

Despite dedicating a website to the pretty ‘Pash’ or ‘Pashmina’, the term actually relates to the scarf’s fabric, its weave and material, not the shawl/scarf itself.

Pashmina is a fine cashmere wool produced by certain types of goats from regions in Nepal and Kashmir. Pashmina textiles were originally made in Kashmir and translated from the local language means ‘soft gold’.

The ‘soft gold of Asia’ offers the finest, softest and warmest wool in the world. The Pretty Pash can be a stunning piece that adds to any wardrobe. It is always a well received gift for loved ones or a perfect little treat for yourself.

Why does it matter if something is 100% Pashmina?

All 100% Pashmina shawls and scarves are not made by machine. The pure Pashmina fabric is hand-spun into a fine cashmere fibre with shawls and scarves being hand-woven using traditional looms. 100% pure Pashmina shawls are softer, lighter and far more luxurious than the blended wool shawls but they are more fragile than the alternative wool mixes. Because these pashminas have to be hand made, and have a high quantity of high quality material, these are the most expensive of any pashmina range.

The ends of these Pashes are often left with natural ‘eyelash’ fringes rather than being twisted and knotted. Because they are hand-made and delicate, no two of our Pretty Pashes will be the same. From the weave to the fringe each Pash is as unique and individual as you are!

The luxurious 100% Pashmina shawls will always be a ‘Plain Jayne’ which is a timeless and classic Pash, made of a single brilliant colour and tone on both sides.

You have some that are a mix of 70% Pashmina 30% Silk - what does that mean?

The 70/30 Pash offers a more robust alternative to the delicate 100% Pashmina fabric.

Pashminas made of 70% Pashmina and 30% Silk have the warmth of cashmere with the gloss and durability of silk. These Pashes tend to have a higher ply than the 100% so they can be woven into more intricate and interesting patterns and designs. Being thicker, they are also heavier in weight. The versatile 70/30 can be a ‘Plain Jayne’ or a reversible ‘Fancy Nancy’. The ends of the 70/30 are usually twisted and knotted offering a more classic scarf look.

Is a 100% cashmere pashmina better than one that is mixed with silk?

This is a difficult question to answer, both types have their pros and cons. 100% cashmere scarves are beautifully light and respond really well to the body so keep you really warm when you get cold, yet you don't tend to over-heat with them. Due to their material and labour they are more expensive, but they are fantastic additions to any wardrobe. These are also great presents for those belonging to the older generation because their lightness and warmth means they are easy to pick up, put on, or put away.

70/30 mixes are equally really warm and can be used as a shawl to save you needing to take a coat when you are out and about, but they are heavier and thicker. They can have more intricate designs because the fabric is more durable, and they often have a lovely shine to them from the silk.

So really, it all depends on what you are looking for.

How do I care for my 100% Pashmina wool Pash?

Each of our Pretty Pashes comes with its own care label so that you can get as long a life as possible from your Pashmina.

To freshen your 100% cashmere Pretty Pash

Handwash in lukewarm water using ‘Woolite’ or a very mild hair shampoo
Ensure that any detergent has dissolved thoroughly before adding your Pretty Pash
Do NOT wring or twist your Pretty Pash because this could mishape its delicate weave
Rinse it well
After removing excess water, dry flat, away from sunlight
Do NOT tumble dry
Iron on a cool setting. For any stubborn creases use a damp cloth and the heat from the cool iron

Please note that we cannot guarantee colour fastness so please do not wash brightly coloured Pashes with light coloured items.

How do I care for my 70% Pashmina 30% Silk Pash?

Each of our Pretty Pashes comes with a care label so that you can get as long a life as possible from your Pashmina.

To freshen your 70/30 Pretty Pash:

Handwash in lukewarm water using ‘Woolite’ or a very mild hair shampoo
Ensure that any detergent has dissolved thoroughly before adding your Pretty Pash
Do NOT wring or twist your Pretty Pash because this could mishape the delicate weave
Rinse it well
After removing excess water, dry flat, away from sunlight
Do NOT tumble dry
Iron on a cool setting. For any stubborn creases use a damp cloth using the heat of the cool iron

Please note that we cannot guarantee colour fastness so please do not wash brightly coloured Pashes with light coloured items.