Pashmina vs Cashmere: Let's Clear the Confusion
You know how sometimes you're shopping and someone tells you "this is pashmina" and then you hear "it's actually cashmere"? And you're like... aren't they the same thing?
They're not. But the confusion is totally understandable because the names get mixed up a lot in India.
Here's the honest truth:
What is Pashmina Actually?
Pashmina comes from the Kashmir region—specifically from a special breed of goats that live in the high mountains of Ladakh and Kashmir. These goats produce incredibly fine wool from their undercoat, and that wool is what we call pashmina.
The word "pashmina" actually means "wool" in Persian. It's been used for centuries in Kashmir for making shawls, and it's deeply connected to our Indian heritage.
The fineness of this wool is around 12-16 microns (that's how we measure fiber thickness). This thinness is why pashmina feels so soft. It's like comparing a hair strand to thread—pashmina is genuinely that delicate.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere also comes from goats, but these are Cashmere goats that come from—you guessed it—the Cashmere region, which is mostly in Mongolia, China, and Iran now.
Cashmere is also fine wool, but it's typically slightly coarser than pashmina—around 14-19 microns. It's still incredibly soft and expensive, but there's a difference in fineness.
Here's the thing: the word "cashmere" has become a generic term used in fashion for fine goat wool from various regions. So sometimes cashmere from Mongolia is labeled as cashmere, and sometimes pashmina gets called cashmere just because it sounds fancier.
Real Differences Between Pashmina and Cashmere
|
Factor |
Pashmina |
Cashmere |
|
Origin |
Kashmir, Ladakh |
Mongolia, China, Iran |
|
Goat Type |
Pashmina/Changthangi goats |
Cashmere goats |
|
Fineness |
12-16 microns (finer) |
14-19 microns |
|
Cost |
Generally more expensive |
Expensive, but usually less than pashmina |
|
Warmth |
Extremely warm |
Extremely warm |
|
Durability |
Can be more delicate |
More durable |
|
Weight |
Lighter |
Slightly heavier |
|
Feel |
Incredibly soft, almost feathery |
Soft, but slightly less delicate |
Which One Should You Buy?
Here's my honest take: if you want the absolute finest, most luxurious feel and you're willing to care for it carefully, pashmina is your answer. It's our own heritage textile, and supporting Kashmiri artisans is meaningful.
If you want something slightly more durable that still feels amazing and costs a bit less, cashmere is fantastic too.
But here's what matters more than the name: Who made it? Is it hand-woven by artisans? Is it good quality? Will it last?
We focus on this at Pashloom because a poorly made pashmina isn't better than a well-made cashmere. The craftsmanship matters more than the label.
How to Know If You're Getting the Real Thing
- Ask about the fiber count: If someone can tell you it's 12-14 microns and hand-woven, they actually know their product.
- Check the weight: Authentic pashmina shawls are lightweight. If it feels heavy, it's probably blended with other fibers.
- Feel it: Real pashmina should feel incredibly soft, not rough or scratchy.
- Check the price: If it's too cheap, it's probably not pure pashmina. Authentic ones cost for a reason.
The Bottom Line
Pashmina and cashmere are both amazing. The real difference is in the origin, fineness, and heritage. For us in India, pashmina is special because it's ours—it comes from our mountains and has been part of our culture for centuries.
Whether you choose pashmina or cashmere, the most important thing is buying from someone who cares about quality and fair practices. That's where the real value lies.
