We’ve all heard about them, but only a small number of us can tell the difference between pashmina and cashmere.
In this article, we will analyze the difference and point out the characteristics of these two types of fabrics.
Before we start sharing the details, let’s say that the difference between these materials was greater in the past.
Today, they are more similar.
Namely, cashmere is a term which is usually used in the Western world.
It describes a soft clothing material that has origins in the Kashmir region situated in India and Pakistan.
On the other hand, pashmina is a term used by the locals.
It comes from the word pashm, which represents the wool obtained from the inner hair of specific goats.
This wool is turned into pashmina when it is carefully cleaned, combed and spun/prepared for use.
Generally speaking, pashmina is considered to be the finer wool, wool with premium quality.
This wool was usually used for shawls and scarves because it was softer and lighter compared to cashmere.
It’s good to know that although cashmere wool got its name from the specific region of Kashmir/Cashmere, this wool was produced (and still is) in different areas.
These goats are found all over the Himalayan range.
So, cashmere is actually obtained from a wide range of subspecies of goats that live in Nepal, Tibet, and Kashmir.
There are goats like this in Mongolia and China too. When it comes to pashm wool, this wool is harvested from the Tibetan goat during the winter period.
This is the time when these goats are found at an altitude of 4000 meters. The final products from this wool are known as pashmina.
The low temperature makes goats produce extremely thin, but strong undercoat between the throat and belly.
Pashmina vs Cashmere: Differences explained
So, the first difference is the goats that produce this wool. In the case of pashm wool, only Tibetan goats found during the winter period at altitudes above 4000 meters can produce this wool.
On the other hand, just like pashm wool, cashmere wool is produced from the undercoat of goats, but this time the manufacturers use different subspecies of goats that live in a wider area.
Next, when we compare these two types of wool, we will notice that cashmere is a little bit coarser and thicker compared to pashm wool.
Experienced people can notice the softer touch of pashm wool.
In addition, treating pashm wool is much more difficult because it is difficult to spin it since it is extremely thin.
Obviously, cashmere wool is simpler to spin.
Furthermore, even though the diameter is not clearly visible, studies have shown that pashm wool has a diameter between 10 and 16 microns while cashmere has a diameter between 16 and 19 microns.
Finally, due to the fact that pashm wool is obtained during a specific period of the year and from specific goats, and the fact that they produce between 80 and 170 grams every year, this wool is difficult to find.
It is much simpler to find cashmere wool. There are more than 400 million cashmere goats in the world.
Regardless of the wool, you select and the product you will use, it is very important to keep the cashmere/pashmina product safe and protect and to maintain it in the right way.
For instance, you should never place the products in a washing machine.
Bottom line
Pashmina is the most refined version of cashmere products.
However, both versions have exceptional qualities and they are considered to be one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world today.
Further Reading: Cashmere or Alpaca for the coming winter?
Great post! thanks for the posting. pay a visit to this site if you are seeking for pure cashmere products like poncho, scarves, top, jumpsuit, shorts, gloves, cap, cardigan, socks, pant, pillow cover, etc on demand, custom made. only at Cashmere shawl Manufacturer and supplier company from Nepal
Thanks for sharing the valuable information, After reading this article, i bought a Pashmina Shawl for my mom.
Are you nuts or what?
“…When it comes to pashm wool, this wool is harvested from the Tibetan goat during the winter period…”
Winter means COLD if you don’t know already. Try to walk to your office without clothes during the winter. Then you might understand how those animal might suffer.
It really helped when you mentioned how cashmere clothing is made from goat wool that is found at altitudes of 4000 meters. I can see that taking the time to understand this can help you find the type of clothing you want and make sure it is of great quality. My daughter is looking into cashmere wraps and I wanted to know more about them, so I’m glad I found your post.
Hi Marcus, We make fine pashmina scarves with a beautiful dual tone. These are hand weaved. Each piece takes around 20 days to make from start to finish. Please check the website link to order or contact us- http://needlecraft.us/product-category/pashmina-stoles/
Scarves of quality warm and light to heavy weights.
If you guys around in asia or in nepal want to buy cashmere/pashmina from nepal then let me tell you,i’m always here to help you to show best quality …You can find my store in Thamel , opposite potala guest house Zambala Handicrafts … We have pashmina shawls with hand stiches,cashmere stoles with stiches , muflers, panchos, cashmere sweaters, nad embroidery bags and many more …Contact +9779861935775
Can you please share videos of how the goats are skinned to obtain the “luxurious” wool in the first place?
Get off your high horse, Bhavna. Your ignorance is showing. Goats are NOT skinned for the wool! They are shaven. And like any hair, it grows back!
Shaven during the winter and they live in high up in mountain. Still grows back?
People often get confused between Cashmere scarf and Pashmina scarf, Cashmere shawl and Pashmina shawl while there is very little difference.
Cashmere is the westernized word originated from the Kashmir region of India & Pashmina is the local name came from “Pashm” a Persian word which means wool made from a special breed of Persian goats. Traditionally, Pashmina was lighter and softer than Cashmere which is why it was predominantly used for making shawls and scarves. Generally Pashmina is costlier than Cashmere.
You can check more difference like price and material on our website https://kashcrafts.in.
Very useful information for sellers and buyers as well. It simply differentiates between the two and is very easy to understand, so thankyou and keep updating ,,,,
What’s up colleagues, its enormous paragraph about tutoringand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
Pashmina is a better and warmer wool, then why are Pashmina scarves less expensive than Cashmere scarves? I absolutely love them! I have 5 Pashmina scarves in different colors and the price combined for all 5 was less money than 1 cashmere pull over that I still haven’t been able to afford.
It seems like here in the US, Pashmina is used for scarves while Cashmere is used for sweaters. Why?