How to Care for a Pashmina Shawl: A Complete Guide
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A genuine pashmina shawl is one of the finest textiles you can own. Woven from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat — combed by hand at altitudes above 4,000 metres in Ladakh and the Tibetan plateau — authentic pashmina is extraordinarily fine, warm, and delicate. With the right care, it will last a lifetime and grow more beautiful with age.
Understanding What Pashmina Is
True pashmina is a grade of cashmere with a fibre diameter of 12–16 microns — finer than the finest cashmere and roughly one-sixth the diameter of a human hair. This fineness gives pashmina its characteristic softness and warmth-to-weight ratio. It also means the fibre requires gentle handling.
Be aware that the term “pashmina” is widely misused in the market. Genuine pashmina is always hand-spun and hand-woven; machine-made “pashmina” is typically a blend of viscose and acrylic. If your shawl pills excessively or feels scratchy, it is likely not authentic.
Browse our authenticated Pashmina collection →
Washing Your Pashmina
The safest approach is professional dry cleaning with a specialist who understands natural fibres. If you prefer to wash at home, follow these steps carefully:
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (never above 30°C).
- Add a small amount of pH-neutral detergent or baby shampoo — never regular laundry detergent or fabric softener.
- Submerge the shawl and gently agitate with your hands for 2–3 minutes. Do not scrub, twist, or wring.
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water until all soap is removed.
- Press out excess water by gently squeezing — never wringing — then lay flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel to absorb moisture.
- Reshape and dry flat on a fresh towel, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Never hang a wet pashmina — the weight of the water will stretch the fibres and distort the shape.
Removing Pilling
Some pilling is natural in any fine natural fibre, particularly in areas of friction (under the arms, across the shoulders). Use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver on the lowest setting to gently remove pills. Never pull pills off by hand, as this can damage the weave.
Storing Your Pashmina
- Fold, never hang. Hanging causes the fibres to stretch over time. Fold your shawl loosely and store flat.
- Use a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture and can cause mildew.
- Protect against moths. Natural fibres are vulnerable to moth damage. Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or specialist moth-repellent products. Avoid mothballs, which can leave a chemical odour that is difficult to remove.
- Store clean. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue. Always store your pashmina clean.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will fade natural dyes and weaken fibres.
Handling Stains
Act quickly. Blot (never rub) the stain with a clean, damp cloth. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of pH-neutral detergent directly to the area, leave for a few minutes, then rinse gently with cold water. For oil-based stains or anything that has set, take the piece to a professional dry cleaner immediately.
The Reward of Good Care
A pashmina shawl that is properly cared for does not simply last — it improves. The fibres soften further with gentle washing, the drape becomes more fluid, and the colours deepen. Many of the finest pashminas in existence are decades old, passed from mother to daughter, each generation adding its own chapter to the story of the piece.
At Noori Couture, we include care guidance with every purchase. If you ever have questions about caring for your shawl, our team is always available to advise.