Shawls & Wraps - Are they really different from each other?

What’s in a name? 

A rookie mistake that is being observed in the fashion industry is using the terms - shawls, scarves, stoles, and wraps interchangeably. The confusion is very natural and understandable due to the vast range of accessories available today. Yes, they are all fabrics that you use to wrap around your body, but here are some quick facts on how they can be differentiated. 

Shawls are usually long pieces of fabric- rectangle, square, or even triangle, 30 to 45 inches wide to 70 to 85 inches long! They are wrapped around the body to accentuate an outfit, conceal bare skin, fulfill religious requirements, or simply keep warm. 

Wraps is a recently introduced term to describe any fabric or a loose garment that can be wrapped around the body. While wool and other natural materials are typically used to make wraps, more upscale fabrics can also be used. Add a touch of glam to your overall look from the wraps at Omvai!

When we speak of luxurious and soft fabrics, cashmere and pashmina always top the list, but, how do you choose between them? 

Pashmina is cashmere that can be obtained only from a specific type of Himalayan goat whereas cashmere comes from various types of goats. Cashmere is further refined for the fabric to emerge as a Pashmina. This transformation process informs one about the stark difference.  

Pashmina has a texture that is softer and finer than a cashmere fabric. This can be attributed to the fact that pashmina is woven by hand and cannot be spun on a machine. 

Cashmere is delicate, but it is more durable than pashmina. Both fabrics are warm. You can take your pick from our range of options!

It is impossible to think of cashmere without visualizing royalty, opulence, and sheer luxury. No wonder, cashmere wraps make for the most elegant covers for wedding and festive outfits. Can you name a better time than weddings to flaunt the beautiful, rich cashmere wraps?

Weddings equate glamour, grandeur, and festivity. This makes Cashmere the perfect match for wedding affairs; from sliding it into the bridal trousseau to showering bridesmaids with affection! It is also the easiest pick for the chilly wedding months. 

Pashmina carries certain properties that can help you identify a genuine fabric. Before you spend the big bucks on buying that beautiful pashmina, here are some things to keep in mind:

Softness: The first and the most basic way to check its purity. In case it itches and doesn’t feel as soft, run! Your luxury wrap should feel smooth as butter.

Opacity: Genuine pashmina is never transparent. Hold the piece under the light and check for transparency. Also, Pashmina never shines. 

Texture: Genuine pashmina is not even. The artisans are putting in tremendous effort to make it even, but even the finest will display irregularities!

In addition to this, the original pashmina will not generate static electricity. It will also give out a burnt smell. 

1. Pure Pashmina - The epitome of Kashmiri craftsmanship, the pure pashmina fabrics signified exclusivity and security for Kashmiri women.
2. Kani - A part of the valley since the Mughals, this craft comprises the most laborious techniques of weaving. Kani shawls use needles made of wood or cane, as opposed to the shuttle used in regular pashminas!
3. Sozni Jamawar - Sozni needlework is seen as a representation of an artist's tenacity, commitment, and talent. A single needle and thread are required to embroider a Pashmina shawl in sozni so that it becomes light and fine.
4. Tilla - Pure Cashmere wool from Ladakh and J&K is used to create the Tilla Pashmina.
5. Papier Mache Jamawar - A white base is usually chosen. Colorful threads are employed for embroidery over the white base in such a way that heavy strokes adorn the soft base below.

The luxury and elegance that owning a pashmina brings are unparalleled. But how much money does this luxurious piece cost? The price differs depending on a few deciding factors.

Ply defines the density of the fiber used to create the fabric. The buyers can choose from a single-ply or two-ply. Two-ply implies more strength and durability and is therefore priced higher. 

The yarn count indicates the meters of yarn that can be spun per gram. A higher yarn count would account for a thinner, smoother, more delicate pashmina, thus making it more expensive. 

A thick fabric would make the Pashmina lose its essence. Therefore, a finer fabric equates to a more expensive Pashmina. 

The weaving style greatly dictates the price of the Pashmina. 

On average, solid pashmina shawls would cost around $300. Printed or patterned shawls go up to $350. Embroidered shawls can cost $800 to $10000 or more. Kani shawls may value from $1200 to $5000!

Pashmina hasn’t failed to lure celebrities all over the world and many of them have been spotted crushing over the Pashminas. 

Angelina Jolie, seen in solid varieties, Jennifer Aniston, Gisele Bundchen, Jessica Alba, Olsen, Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Rachel Weisz, and Kate Middleton who loves the bright-colored Pashmina, among a few, swear by the fabric.  

Virat Kohli chose to wear a Pashmina shawl on his wedding day! Kareena Kapoor Khan wore one on the sets of her movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Other celebrities who love the Pashmina are Amitabh Bacchan, Shilpa Shetty, the Ambanis, Alia Bhatt, Tabu, Sushmita Sen, and Sonam Kapoor.

Pashmina shawls have left men and women equally spellbound. They offer to complete the look when paired with formal or semi-formal attire. 

Men can start by choosing the right pashmina scarf. The beauty of the scarf can be brought out only if it is paired with the right shirt. Remember to start with simpler styles. 

Adding the right Pashmina to your attire will enable men to carry elegance like never before. 

Remember to check out our collection of Men’s Pashmina products to increase your royalty quotient!