Cashmere is an exquisite fabric in any wardrobe whether it is as an item of clothing or an accessory in the form of a shawl. But do you really know your cashmere from your pashmina?

Firstly, if you are calling your cashmere shawl a pashmina, you are not incorrect, in fact, you’re probably more historically correct than someone who is calling their shawl a cashmere one. The cashmere/pashmina fabric is derived from the Himalayan mountain goat, the capra hircus, who has developed incredibly fine hair within their inner coat creating the soft pashm fibres used for the fabric.

The term Cashmere is thought to have stemmed from the historical use of the pashm fibres for tapestries within the Kashmir Empire during the fifteenth century. The shawl became a product of exclusivity, worn by the ruler of Kashmir, his successors and was aided in development from the local government. However, the collapsing of this empire left the cashmere industry in tatters and it wasn’t until its introduction in Europe in the late 1700’s that it was revived. This industry then collapsed again towards the end of the 1800’s due to the introduction of Paisley shawls and economic pressures following Prussia’s defeat of France.

However, the late 1800s saw the cashmere industry migrate and develop within Scotland as the borders of Scotland had the soft water which is much needed in the finalisation of the shawl.

The term pashmina thus stems from the ancient Persian term for the pashm fibre whilst cashmere is derived from the European term for the same fibre. Whatever terminology one uses for the fabric one thing remains clear, this fabric is exclusive and steeped within history. Its soft elegance makes it perfect for yoga clothing or loungewear and cashmere scarves are a necessary accessory for any outfit, be it an item for your yoga clothing or for days out or even to accompany an exquisite gown. Wellicious have a fantastic range of cashmere clothing exclusive to you for yoga clothing, loungewear and everyday outfits.