Being in the cashmere and pashmina business is wonderful, and after six years it seems that the most commonly asked questions by shoppers is whether they should buy a 100% pure pashmina accessory or a pashmina and silk blend. When it comes down to it, it is a really a personal choice, but there are a few distinctions to consider when making a purchasing decision.

1) The first and most obvious difference is visual. This is the lustrous silky sheen of a pashmina and silk blend shawl, wrap or scarf. This characteristic sheen is due to the addition of the silk (most often 30%) and also by the tighter weave commonly used for the silk blended items. The sheen is considered desirable for some occasions, such as weddings or formal events, where the dresses often are made of materials that also have sheen, such as silk or satin. Although you do not have to match the sheen of the dress to the pashmina, many people do make this choice.

2) The second difference to consider is the warmth of the pashmina. In general, a 100% pure pashmina item is going to be warmer than a pashmina and silk blend. Pashmina wool, a type of fine cashmere, is both warm and light so the additional wool content creates additional warmth. How much of a difference in warmth depends on the percentage of silk content, which can vary but should be clearly marked on the item.

3) The possible difference in the weave is another variable to consider. As I pointed out above, a pashmina and silk blend item is commonly produced using a tighter weave that enhances the sheen and creates a smoother texture. A 100% pure pashmina accessory is typically produced with a looser, more textured weave to help prevent pilling and shedding of the wool. It also makes the item a little bit “fluffier” and helps give it that luxurious hand feel that only cashmere has.

4) The thickness of the accessory, of the “ply” is another factor to consider. Some companies, including The Pashmina Store, may offer pure pashmina items in 1 ply, 2 ply, 3 ply or even more. In general, the greater the ply, the thicker and warmer the item will be. Since many pashmina and silk blends are produced in 2 ply, a 3 ply pure pashmina can offer a significant difference in warmth. But since cashmere is a light fiber, even a 3 ply item is light in weight.

For many years, the term “pashmina” typically was considered by consumers to be a pashmina and silk blend, but 100% pure pashminas are just as popular. It is not uncommon for fashionable pashmina wearers to have a selection of both types to suit their needs at any given time based on their particular mood, outfit or the occasion. In the end, you cannot go wrong with either.

Blair Rhodes has been in the pashmina business since 2000 with one of the leading online pashmina retailers in North America, The Pashmina Store. The company offers a colorful selection of 100% pure cashmere pashminas and pashmina and silk accessories. After earning an MBA at the University of Texas at Austin, Blair traveled with his family to Nepal and Kashmir, where they discovered the joys of the culture and the traditions of quality pashmina production. This experience lead to a love of cashmere and pashmina wool and the eventual formation of The Pashmina Store.

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