Wrap Yourself in Luxury: The Ultimate Guide to Cashmere Wraps and Shawls

Cashmere has been the luxury fabric of choice since the 3rd century BCE when the King of Kashmir received a pair of cashmere socks. Over the centuries, although much has changed, cashmere remains unmatched for its exceptional qualities in clothing, providing a unique warmth and cosiness that artificial fabrics and heating cannot replicate.

The inherent comfort of wrapping oneself in luxury cashmere makes it a standout choice, particularly for a wrap or scarf. A premium cashmere wrap not only offers this cosy feeling but is also a versatile accessory suitable for year-round wear, adaptable to various occasions. This blog will guide you through choosing, caring for, and styling your cashmere wraps and shawls, as well as understanding the subtle differences between cashmere and pashmina.

a model wearing an orange cashmere wrap around them like a scarf

Pashmina vs Cashmere - Decoding the Differences

While "pashmina" and "cashmere" are often used interchangeably, it's crucial to grasp the distinctions. Both are renowned for warmth and softness, but the key differences lie in their origins and production methods.

Pashmina comes from the undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats, while cashmere is made from the fine hair of Cashmere goats. Pashmina, sourced exclusively from the Capra Hircus breed, has thinner fibres. The thinness of fibres is measured in microns, with pashmina fibres measuring 10-15 microns, in comparison to the 15-19 microns diameter of cashmere fabric. The delicate nature of pashmina requires hand-spinning and manual weaving to craft shawls, scarves, throws, and wraps with precision. Cashmere, on the other hand, is more straightforward to spin.

Pashmina vs Cashmere: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding the subtle differences between pashmina and cashmere helps to choose what material to choose for your wrap or scarf. Pashmina, with its lower micron measurement, is softer than cashmere. However, the thinness of the fibres also means that it’s less durable. Thinner fibres means it’s more prone to stretching and breakages.

Due to the thin fibre measurement, pashmina is also more expensive than cashmere. This is because it can only be sourced from the very finest strands of the goat’s hair, meaning it is a scarce resource. In addition, it is harder to spin, requiring more delicate work.

These nuanced differences make cashmere the preferable choice for those looking for a luxuriously soft fabric with increased durability, and a more accessible price point.

a model wearing a blue cashmere wrap around them like a scarf

How to Style a Pashmina Scarf or Cashmere Wrap

Essentially a large cashmere rectangle, a cashmere wrap can be styled in countless ways, from a scarf to a shawl or even a cosy blanket during a long flight. As it's so versatile, it can be worn to myriad occasions. It works well draped over your shoulders at a summer wedding, or wrapped around as a scarf paired with jeans and trainers. It's an accessory that effortlessly elevates any outfit to new heights of refinement, but is laid back enough you can wear it day-in-day-out.

Rise & Fall’s Cashmere Wrap

Rise & Fall's Cashmere Wrap is a testament to unparalleled versatility. Essentially a sizable cashmere rectangle, this iconic piece transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly transforming from a scarf to a shawl or even a cozy blanket. It effortlessly elevates any ensemble, adding a touch of refinement to every look.

Beyond its style prowess, this wrap is a wise and enduring investment. The timeless luxury of cashmere, celebrated for centuries, remains undiminished. Certified by The Good Cashmere Standard, this high-quality wrap, with proper care, endures for years, retaining its original charm. Moreover, it adapts to unpredictable weather, keeping you cool in warmth and warm in coolness. Cashmere's thermo-regulating and breathable qualities make it ideal for wintry mornings and late summer evenings alike. This Cashmere Wrap from Rise & Fall is the epitome of the perfect pairing between luxury and practicality. Its premium softness attests to expert craftsmanship from the finest cashmere, while its remarkable versatility ensures it becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine.

The collection of classic colours ensures that this wrap complements any wardrobe effortlessly. Choose from timeless hues such as camel or navy, or go for a pop of modern colour with red or our signature Rising Blue. In addition, the wrap pairs seamlessly with our collection of cashmere jumpers, designed to form part of your go-to capsule wardrobe.

Caring for Your Cashmere

Once you’ve chosen your cashmere scarf pure or shawl, it’s time to make sure you care for it properly to ensure long-lasting durability. 

  • When it comes to washing, cashmere should be hand-washed in cool water with a small amount of detergent. It should then be laid flat to air-dry. 
  • To store, first fold your cashmere before placing it in your wardrobe. At Rise & Fall, we provide complimentary cotton zip bags with all of our cashmere products. This prevents dust, dirt and moths from reaching your cashmere while it's folded away. It’s important not to hang cashmere, as the hangers can cause it to stretch. 

Maintaining your cashmere requires some care and attention. Though it is a durable fibre, it is also naturally prone to pilling. Its the result of the soft top layer of these quality yarns being exposed to friction. Pilling is easily removed with the help of a cashmere comb, or gently by hand.

Making Sustainable Fashion Accessible

At Rise & Fall we only use 100% A-Grade cashmere, handpicked for its exceptional quality featuring extra fine fibres (16 microns or less) and extra-long strands, resulting in irresistibly soft knits. Our commitment to ethical production shines through, with our cashmere being crafted in a factory certified by the Good Cashmere Standard, ensuring not only the premium quality of our garments but also the well-being of animals, their herdsmen, and the grazing lands.

These standards go beyond fashion, safeguarding the welfare of animals, the livelihoods of herdsmen, and the ecological balance of the grazing lands. At the heart of our creations lies a commitment to not only providing you with luxurious knitwear but doing so with a conscience, ensuring that every piece you wear is a testament to responsible and mindful fashion.

Whilst having a commitment to quality, we are also dedicated to making luxury quality affordable. We have pioneered a new supply chain in the luxury sector, one that operates both more efficiently and more equitably, so we can create shared value for all. This means we are able to offer luxury cashmere without the mark-up, whilst still paying our manufacturers a premium. Through only partnering with manufacturers that have ethical and sustainable certifications, we can do all this whilst minimising environmental impact. 

model wearing a pink cashmere wrap around them like a blanket

Conclusion

Indulge in luxury, comfort, and style as you wrap yourself in the timeless elegance of Rise & Fall's cashmere collection. The journey is not just about fashion; it's about embracing a lifestyle of affordable luxury. Visit Rise & Fall to experience the magic firsthand and embark on a journey where each accessory tells a story of sophistication and conscientious fashion choices. Don't miss out—shop online at Rise & Fall, follow on social media, or sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends and offers. Elevate your style with cashmere, and let every outfit be a statement of your refined taste.