The History, Popularity, and Styling Tips for Luxurious Pashmina Blankets

The History and Popularity of Pashmina Blankets

Pashmina blankets have become incredibly popular in recent years. But where did these luxuriously soft and warm blankets originate from? Here's a look at the history and growing popularity of pashmina blankets.

What Are Pashmina Blankets?

Pashmina blankets are made from pashmina wool, which comes from Changthangi or Pashmina goats that live in the Himalayas. Pashmina wool is incredibly soft and warm. It's five times finer than human hair and provides insulation even in the coldest climates.

Authentic pashmina comes from northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. For a blanket to truly be considered pashmina, it must be made from 100% pure pashmina wool. Pashmina blankets are lightweight, silky smooth to the touch, and provide superior warmth.

The History of Pashmina

The word pashmina comes from the Persian word "pashm" which means soft wool. Pashmina blankets and shawls have been produced in Kashmir for thousands of years.

However, pashmina first gained worldwide attention in the early 19th century during the British Raj colonial rule. As the British discovered these luxuriously soft blankets, pashmina became highly sought after. By the late 1800s, pashmina was being exported throughout Europe.

The finest pashmina has always come from Changra goats that graze at high altitudes of 14,000 feet and above in Ladakh. The harsh climate helps these goats produce a super soft undercoat known as pashm. For centuries, Ladakhis have spun this rare wool into pashmina.

Pashmina Goes Mainstream

By the 1990s, pashmina had gained mainstream popularity around the world. As pashmina blankets and shawls were exported globally, demand quickly increased. Many textile manufacturers started blending pashmina with silk or wool to make it more affordable.

Today, pashmina products are sold by luxury brands and retailers. However, authentic 100% pashmina remains a scarce and costly material. Approximately six goats are needed to make a single pure pashmina blanket.

The Appeal of Pashmina Blankets

So what makes pashmina blankets so coveted worldwide? Here are a few key qualities that contribute to their appeal:

• Extreme softness - The feather-light touch of pure pashmina against skin is unrivaled.
• Incredible warmth - Pashmina provides incredible insulation and warmth without being heavy.
• Versatility - Pashmina products can be used as blankets, shawls, scarves, and more.
• Luxurious and heirloom quality - Pashmina is exceptionally fine and often passed down for generations.
• Scarcity - True 100% pashmina is rare and production is limited.

In addition to their beauty and luxury, pashmina blankets are also versatile. They can be used on beds, sofas, or as shawls and scarves. The timeless style and enduring quality of pashmina ensures it remains coveted worldwide.

How to Care for Pashmina Blankets

To help pashmina blankets maintain their softness and insulation, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for caring for pashmina blankets:

Hand Washing

Pashmina blankets should always be hand washed in cold water using a gentle liquid detergent or wool wash. Avoid hot water or aggressive scrubbing which can damage fibers.

Drying

After washing, gently press out excess water from the pashmina but do not twist or wring. Lay flat on a towel to dry. Reshape the blanket and allow to fully air dry. Do not hang or machine dry pashmina blankets.

Ironing

If needed, iron pashmina on a low heat setting inside out after it's fully dried. Use an ironing cloth to prevent damaging the fibers.

Storage

When not in use, store pashmina blankets in a cloth bag or box. Avoid plastic bags or containers which prevent airflow. Store in a clean, dry place away from moisture and moths.

Avoiding Damage

To prevent pilling or tearing, handle pashmina gently and avoid pulling snags. Remove jewelry before wearing and keep away from rough surfaces. Spot clean any stains immediately with cold water.

With proper care and maintenance, pashmina blankets will remain soft, insulating, and beautiful for many years.

Different Ways to Style Pashmina Blankets

Beyond keeping you warm at night, pashmina blankets are also incredibly stylish. Here are some creative ways to wear and style pashmina blankets:

As a Shawl

Drape a pashmina blanket around your shoulders as a stylish shawl. Fold diagonally and loosely wrap around the upper body. Shawls add elegance to any outfit.

As a Scarf

You can also fold a pashmina blanket into a long rectangular scarf. Wrap around the neck for extra warmth and sophistication.

Cocoon Wrap

For an encapsulating look, wrap a large pashmina blanket around your entire body like a cocoon. This creates a chic, layered style.

Beach or Plane Blanket

Drape a pashmina blanket over your legs and feet for extra coziness as a stylish beach or plane blanket.

Capelet

Place a pashmina blanket over your shoulders and secure under the arms with decorative pins or ties. This capelet style is elegant and unique.

Head Covering

Use a pashmina blanket as a decorative head wrap or covering for a boho chic look.

Pashmina blankets are so versatile they can be worn in countless ways beyond just bedding. With stylish draping techniques, they make perfect accessories.

High Quality Pashmina Blankets

When shopping for pashmina blankets, focus on finding authentic, high quality products. Here's what to look for:

100% Pashmina Wool

Authentic pashmina is always made from 100% pure pashmina wool, not blends. Check product details.

Fineness

High quality pashmina wool should have a thread count of at least 24-26 microns. The finer and softer, the better.

Lightweight

Real pashmina has a featherlight, airy feel despite its warmth. Heavy, stiff blankets are often synthetic blends.

Origins

Traditional pashmina comes from specific regions like Kashmir in India. Seek out authentic origin details.

Handmade Quality

The finest pashmina is hand spun and woven. Look for handmade details and craftsmanship.

With so many pashmina style blankets on the market, it helps to know what details to evaluate. Investing in a genuine, high quality pashmina blanket will provide lasting softness and comfort.

FAQs

How can you tell real pashmina from fakes?

Authentic pashmina is always made from 100% pure pashmina wool, while fake pashmina often contains blended fibers. Real pashmina has a featherlight and exceptionally soft handfeel. It's also very warm and breathable. Examine quality markers like place of origin, thread count, handmade details.

What's the difference between pashmina and cashmere?

Pashmina and cashmere come from different types of goats. Pashmina is considered finer and softer than cashmere. It's also lighter in weight yet warmer. Cashmere tends to be more durable for everyday wear, but pashmina provides superior lightweight insulation.

How should you wash a pashmina blanket?

Pashmina blankets should always be hand washed gently in cold water using a mild detergent made for wool. Do not wring or twist pashmina when wet, just gently press out water. Lay flat to air dry. Never use hot water, bleach or dry clean pashmina blankets.

Can you wear pashmina blankets outdoors?

Yes, pashmina blankets make excellent outdoor wraps and scarves. The lightweight warmth of pashmina provides insulation without bulk. Style a blanket around your shoulders or neck for chic outdoor wear.

Is pashmina good for all seasons?

Pashmina blankets provide exceptional insulation for winter yet remain breathable for summer. Their lightweight versatility makes them useful year-round. During warmer months, use pashmina mainly as a fashionable wrap rather than a blanket.