Lifestyle Desk: Shawl is a very favorite garment for warmth in winter. However, it can be quite difficult to recognize the authentic shawl in the crowd of genuine and fake shawls in the market. Buying authentic shawls requires knowing some simple and effective techniques. Let's know some important signs and tricks to know whether a shawl is genuine or fake.
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Be careful with yarn: Real pashmina or wool shawl yarn is very soft and thin. Fake shawls are comparatively thicker and less flexible. If you feel a soft sensation on your fingertips, it's more likely to be genuine.
Check the weight: The original shawl will be very light and will provide comfortable warmth when draped over the body.
Fake shawls are relatively heavy and cannot provide warmth. Real shawls weigh less because they are made from high quality wool.
Price Variation: Pashmina or pure cashmere shawls are very expensive. If someone offers a pashmina or cashmere shawl at a very low price, there is a risk of fakes.
Check the exact price and have an idea about the market price.
Burning Test: If a small quantity of shawl yarn is cut and burnt and it smells like burning flesh, then it is genuine shawl. But if plastic or chemical smell comes out, you can assume it is a fake shawl.
Test under light: Genuine pashmina or pure wool shawls are transparent and show slight light reflection when held under light. But the fake shawls will be very dense and unchanged.
See Handicrafts or Designs: Original Kashmiri Shawl designs are done manually by hand, which is time consuming and delicate work. If the design of the shawl is too plain, uniform or machine-like, it may be a fake shawl.
Heat resistance: Real shawls provide great warmth in cold weather. It will keep you warm, especially shawls made from cashmere wool.
A few caveats : There are usually a lot of fake shawls in the market, so buy from known or trusted stores. Don't forget to collect the certificate of authenticity of the shawl or any guarantee if there is one.