How to identify authentic 100% silk and cashmere scarves and stoles

Is my silk scarf real ?

Here are some easy tips to check that your silk is genuine.

Real silk is more flexible and smoother than artificial silk which will more likely to crease or fold. You can pass mulberry silk scarves through a woman’s ring.

Also, look carefully for slight irregularities in the fabric.

Artificial silk is mass produced and has no apparent individual character.

Gently pull the fabric through your fingers. It should have slight resistance and feel warm and soft.

With real silk the colour on the surface should continue to change as the angle of the light changes. Artificial silks will give a white sheen regardless of the direction of the light.

Silk is a luxury fibre and a budget friendly price may indicate it is not real silk. Garments described as silky or silk feel are made from artificial fibres.

The final test is an extreme test. Silk fabric can be ironed with a medium hot iron. Other than at a cool heat artificial silk will melt.

Is my cashmere scarf real ?

· Only 100% fibres from the cashmere goat can be called cashmere.

· Cashmere can be ironed with a medium hot iron and will not melt or burn

· A scarf or stole will always have a natural unfinished edge, it will never have a hem, fringe or tassels

· Cashmere has a very soft light feel and a slight sheen but should not be shiny. This might indicate the presence of other fibres such as nylon or silk.

· When gently stretched the cashmere will fall back into shape

· True cashmere is gossamer thin and never thick or fluffy