What Is Special About Pashmina Shawls? A UK Guide

What is special about pashmina shawls? In short, it is the mix of soft handle, light weight and real warmth in one long piece of fabric that you can wear as a wrap, a scarf or an evening shawl. This guide explains what pashmina is, whether a pashmina is warm, how it compares with cashmere and what to check before buying a pashmina in the UK.

If you would like to see the colours first, browse our pashmina shawls for women.

What is pashmina?

The word pashmina comes from the Persian word for wool. Traditionally it described a very fine, soft wool from the Himalayan region, hand woven into shawls that were treasured for generations. Today the word is used more widely for fine, lightweight wool shawls and wraps with a smooth feel and a soft drape. You can read more about pashmina as a material.

Because labelling varies between sellers, the most useful thing you can do is read the fibre content on the product page or care label. Our pashmina shawls, for example, are described as made with wool, and each listing gives the size and approximate weight.

What makes pashmina shawls special?

• Warmth without bulk. A good pashmina feels thin in the hand but adds a noticeable layer of warmth over a dress, jumper or coat.
• A generous size. At around 200 cm long, a pashmina shawl covers the shoulders and upper arms, or folds in half to wear as a scarf.
• Light to carry. At approximately 220g, it folds small enough to keep in a handbag until the evening turns cool.
• Soft drape. The fabric falls in smooth folds, which is why pashminas look so neat over evening and wedding outfits.
• Easy colours. Plain shades such as black, grey, pink and green go with most wardrobes and are simple to match.

Is pashmina warm?

Yes. A pashmina is a warm layer for its weight, which is the main reason people wear one from October to March in the UK. Wool traps air between its fibres, so a fine wool shawl keeps the chill off your neck and shoulders without the bulk of a chunky knit. On a cold day, wrap it twice around the neck under your coat collar; on a cool evening, drape it over both shoulders.

A warm pashmina is not a replacement for a winter coat in freezing weather, but it is one of the easiest ways to add warmth to an outfit that would otherwise be too light.

Which is warmer, cashmere or pashmina?

This is one of the most searched pashmina questions, and the honest answer is that it depends more on the weight and weave of the item than on the name. Traditionally, pashmina referred to an especially fine type of cashmere wool, so the two are close relatives. A thick cashmere scarf will usually feel warmer than a fine pashmina shawl, while a pashmina wins on drape and on how easily it packs away. If warmth is your priority, choose a larger size, such as 200 x 80 cm, and wrap it twice.

What should I know before buying a pashmina in the UK?

1. Check the fibre content. Read the listing or label rather than relying on the word "pashmina" alone.
2. Choose the size. A 200 x 70 cm pashmina is a neat scarf and light wrap; 200 x 80 cm gives more cover over the shoulders. Our pashmina shawl size guide compares the two.
3. Think about where you will wear it. Black and grey are the most versatile; pink and green add colour for weddings and spring events.
4. Look at the care label. Fine wool usually needs gentle hand washing or dry cleaning.
5. Check delivery and returns. Free returns make it easier to compare a colour in daylight at home.

Pashmina shawls to start with

• Classic black: the black pashmina shawl (200 x 80 cm) goes with any coat or evening dress. See more in our black pashmina shawls.
• Soft pink: the pink pashmina shawl (200 x 80 cm) is a popular choice for weddings, christenings and spring events.
• Everyday grey: the grey pashmina wrap shawl (200 x 80 cm) works with navy, black, camel and denim.

How to wear a pashmina shawl

Drape it over both shoulders with the ends falling in front for an evening look, throw one end over the opposite shoulder to keep it in place, or fold it in half lengthways and loop it around your neck as a scarf. For more ideas, read how to wear a pashmina shawl: eight simple ways.

How to care for a pashmina shawl

Always follow the care label supplied with your shawl first. Fine wool shawls are usually best dry cleaned, or washed gently by hand in cool water with a mild wool detergent. Do not wring or rub the fabric; press out the water in a towel and dry it flat away from direct heat and sunlight. Store it folded, away from sharp jewellery and bag clasps that could catch the fibres.

Questions and answers

What is pashmina?

Pashmina traditionally means a fine, soft wool from the Himalayan region. Today the word is widely used for fine, lightweight wool shawls and wraps, so check the fibre content on each listing.

Is pashmina warm?

Yes, it is warm for its weight. A pashmina adds a light but noticeable layer over a dress or under a coat, and wrapping it twice around the neck gives the most warmth.

Which is warmer, cashmere or pashmina?

They are closely related, and warmth depends mostly on thickness and size. A heavy cashmere scarf is usually warmer; a pashmina is lighter, drapes better and packs away more easily.

Can you wear a pashmina shawl in summer?

Yes. A light pashmina is a handy cover-up on cool summer evenings, at outdoor weddings or in air-conditioned rooms, and it folds into a bag when you do not need it.

What size pashmina should I buy?

Choose 200 x 70 cm if you mainly want a scarf, and 200 x 80 cm if you want a shawl that covers the shoulders over an evening dress.

Pashminas arrive in a Livloko London gift box or gift bag, so they make an easy present. Compare every colour in our pashmina shawls for women collection.

Orders are normally dispatched within 24 hours, with free UK delivery, 60-day free returns and a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.