A scarf, plural scarves, is a piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth, sun protection, fashion, or religious reasons. They can be made in a variety of different materials such as cashmere, other types of wool, linen, cotton, etc. Scarves are common types of neckwear for various seasons of the year. The wool ones are primarily for the cold because they provide warmth.
What is Pashmina?
The popularity of products marketed as pashmina — an Indian word for
cashmere — has soared in recent years, yet most consumers aren't sure what
pashmina is. That's not surprising, as pashmina is not a labeling term recognized
by the Wool Act and Rules. Experts tell the FTC there is no pashmina fiber
that is separate and distinct from the cashmere fiber.
Some manufacturers use the term pashmina to describe an ultra fine cashmere
fiber; others use it to describe a blend of cashmere and silk. The FTC encourages
manufacturers and sellers of products described as pashmina to use a hang-tag
or other mechanism to explain to consumers what they mean by the term.
The fiber content of a shawl, scarf or other item marketed as pashmina must be accurately disclosed. For example, a blend of cashmere and silk might be labeled 50% Cashmere, 50% Silk, or 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk, depending upon the actual cashmere and silk content. If the item contains only cashmere, it should be labeled 100% Cashmere or All Cashmere. The label cannot say 100% Pashmina, because pashmina is not a fiber recognized by the Wool Act or regulations.
Headscarves or head scarves are scarves covering most or all of the top of a person's, usually women, hair and her head, leaving the face uncovered. A headscarf is formed of a triangular or square cloth folded into a triangle piece of fabric, with which the head is covered.
Learn about women's cashmere shawls.
