There has always been confusion about the difference between Pashmina and Cashmere. Given the cost of Pashmina, customers often seek clarity before investing. Online searches may present varying views, as this ancient material is steeped in folklore and history.
What’s in a Name?
The key difference lies in terminology. Pashmina, derived from the Persian word for wool, refers to the fine fiber collected from Himalayan goats. When Europeans first encountered this luxurious material in Kashmir, they called it Cashmere. Essentially, Pashmina is the local term, while Cashmere is the name recognized globally for the same exquisite fabric.
What Sets Pashmina Apart from Cashmere?
Unlike other wools harvested from sheep, Cashmere comes from goats. Various breeds contribute to this luxury fiber, including the Malra goat (Kargil, India), Changthangi goat (Ladakh, India), Chegu goat (Himachal Pradesh, India), and Chyangra goat (Nepal). Additional subspecies are found in Tibet, China, and Mongolia, all thriving at altitudes above 4,000 meters.
During spring, these goats shed their soft undercoat, which is carefully collected, cleaned, combed, and spun into fine yarn. While both Cashmere and Pashmina are valued for their softness and warmth, they differ in origin and production. Pashmina, derived exclusively from the Changthangi goat (Capra Hircus) of the Himalayas, is a finer variety of Cashmere, with fibers measuring 10-15 microns compared to Cashmere’s 15-19 microns.
Pashmina’s delicate texture requires hand-spinning and manual weaving, making it softer and more luxurious than standard Cashmere. However, distinguishing between the two often requires expert knowledge. Ultimately, Pashmina is a premium subset of Cashmere, prized for its unparalleled softness and craftsmanship.
The Key Differences
The difference between Pashmina and Cashmere begins with their origins, pashmina is a finer variety of cashmere, sourced exclusively from the Changthangi goat in Ladakh, India. In contrast, cashmere comes from various goat breeds found in regions like Mongolia, New Zealand, and the broader Himalayas.
While both are luxuriously soft and warm, pashmina is softer, lighter, and more comfortable, making it highly sought after and pricier, cashmere though slightly less delicate, is more durable, offering a balance of luxury and longevity.
Pashmina is a luxurious fiber derived from the undercoat of Changthangi goats native to the Himalayas, particularly in Nepal and the Kashmir region. In contrast, cashmere is obtained from the soft undercoat of Cashmere goats found in regions like Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. While both are renowned for their softness and warmth, pashmina stands out for its finer and thinner fibers, measuring around 10-15 microns, compared to Cashmere’s slightly thicker 15-18 microns.
Pashmina’s exceptional softness and lightweight texture make it a premium choice for luxury scarves, shawls, and artisanal garments, often hand-processed and traditionally woven. Cashmere, while also soft and luxurious, is less fine but highly versatile, used in a variety of clothing such as sweaters, scarves, and gloves.
Pashmina offers superior warmth due to its delicate fibers, making it ideal for insulation, while cashmere provides excellent warmth with added durability. Both materials are often blended with other fibers, like silk, to enhance their texture and longevity. While pashmina embodies traditional craftsmanship and exclusivity, cashmere offers a broader range of qualities, price points, and applications.
Why Pashmina Reigns
A hundred percent pashmina represents the pinnacle of luxury, crafted from the ultra-fine wool of Himalayan goats. Celebrated for its unparalleled softness, warmth, and timeless elegance, authentic Pashmina—especially the premium Chyangra variety—is meticulously hand-spun and woven on traditional looms. This exquisite fabric originates from the delicate undercoat of Chyangra mountain goats, making it one of the most sought-after textiles in the world.
Often considered a finer variant of Cashmere, Pashmina stands out for its superior quality and craftsmanship. Whether you own a Pashmina or a Cashmere shawl, proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and longevity. Simple maintenance guidelines can ensure that these exceptional fabrics remain cherished additions to your wardrobe for years to come.