The pashmina is the best choice when you decide to buy a luxury scarf to keep it warm and elegant when the weather is cold. However, with so many immoral people filling the market, you can be scammed if you don't buy carefully. Below are some easy tests to identify a genuine cashmere pashmina scarf from a fake. Just test the authenticity of the item before you actually buy it.
Step
Step 1. Check the look of the pashmina scarf
While cashmere can sometimes look a little shiny, in most cases the real thing will have a matte (non-shiny) look. If the cashmere looks a little shimmery, check to see how much shine it has. If it's just a little, that's okay. However, if the whole scarf looks very shiny, then you chose the wrong type of material!
Step 2. Check the diameter
This is one of the best ways to check. In some markets, diameter has become essential. In fact, the original cashmere manufacturer will definitely mention it, and if it is not mentioned it means that the cashmere is not genuine. As simple as that. So, what should be the diameter? Top quality cashmere 14-15.5 microns in diameter. To get good quality cashmere, don't buy items that are more than 19 microns in diameter. The lower the micron number, the lighter and smoother the product will be.
Step 3. Check the weave
Genuine cashmere pashmina shawls are always woven by hand. As a result, the scarf will have an irregular weave. Hold the scarf in front of the light and the irregularity will easily be seen.
Step 4. Perform a burn test
This is a tough test because you don't want to damage the scarf. However, you can cut a thread from the edges so as not to damage the material or design, and at the same time do a cashmere authenticity test. Now, place the thread over the ceramic or steel pan and don't cover it. You can also use microwave-safe dishes. After the thread is placed on the plate, just light the match and let the thread burn. You should watch it burn, smell it, and examine the ashes with your fingertips. If you smell like burnt hair and the ashes turn to flour, chances are that the cashmere is real. However, if it smells like burnt leaves and a huge fire devours the threads, oops, you've been ripped off. It is viscose fiber. Meanwhile, if you smell vinegar or burning plastic and the ashes form small lumps, the scarf is not cashmere. It can be acrylic or polyester.
Step 5. Check the layers (ply) and dimensions of the scarf
This dimension is very important. The larger the dimensions, the more expensive the price. If someone tries to sell you large cashmere at a lower price, you are definitely being ripped off. For scarves, the standard dimensions are 0.9x2 meters. You may be wondering, what is meant by “layer” (ply) here? These are strands of fabric woven together. When multiple strands are used, you should check the coating. Two-ply using two strands, three-ply using three strands, and so on. This layer makes the fabric thicker. For scarves, stoles, or shawls, the number is always less.
Step 6. Perform a rub test
This is the easiest test to check the authenticity of clothes. Just rub it and you'll know if it's genuine or not. However, you have to know the logic behind this to know how it works. Acrylic or polyester fabrics will collect static electricity in them. So, when rubbed the cloth will emit a splash. You can even see the sparks in the dark and the sound can be heard too. Meanwhile, clothes that use plastic materials in their manufacture will contain the same static electricity to attract hair, dust, or some kind of small particles. When rubbed, the cloth will show what material it is made of. If it's acrylic or polyester, you'll hear splashes. If it's plastic, the fabric will attract small particles.
Step 7. Perform a feather test
Again, this is the easiest test to perform. You just need to see if there are any fine hairs on the surface of the scarf. If the product is made of 100% fabric, you will find a lot of fluff on the surface after use. This is a natural characteristic of the fabric. However, if there is no fur at all, then you have purchased a fake product.
Step 8. Check if something is glued to the scarf
Only fake materials have labels or stickers attached because the real ones are impossible. You can't stick anything on real cashmere. The glue won't stick for long.
