Pashmina vs Cashmere

If you’ve ever touched a scarf and wondered, “Is this authentic Pashmina or just Cashmere?” then you are not alone. Both of these fibers being so well-known for their luxurious feel, softness, and warmth, it’s not surprising that the difference can become easily confused.

But the thing is, while they may look similar, Pashmina and Cashmere are not the same. From where they’re sourced to their quality, how they’re produced to how much they weigh in the wallet, the variations are gigantic, and being aware of them can make or break your next purchase.

In this article, you’ll learn just how Pashmina differs from Cashmere, why that’s important, and how to spot the real deal when you’re out shopping.

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina comes from the Changthangi goat’s undercoat, which is a rare native of the high-altitude Himalayan plateaus of Ladakh (India), Nepal, and Tibet. These goats inhabit cold, harsh conditions, and that is why their wool is so extremely fine and warm.

How Pashmina Is Made

Pashmina production is a very traditional, artisanal process. The wool is:

• Hand-combed from the goat’s underbelly in spring.
• Hand-spun into very fine yarns on a wooden spinning wheel.
• Hand-woven into beautiful shawls, scarves, or wraps.
• It’s time-consuming, but it preserves the natural softness and breathability of the fabric.

Key Features of Pashmina

• Diameter: 12-16 microns (very thin)
• Texture: Light as air, soft, and silky
• Warmth: Excellent insulation with no weight
• Weight: Light and refined, perfect for layering

What is Cashmere?

Cashmere also comes from goat undercoats, but not from the Himalayas. It’s harvested from various breeds of Cashmere goats in places like Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. That makes Cashmere easier to get.

How Cashmere Is Made

The process can be partially mechanized, especially in mass-market cashmere. Unlike Pashmina, cashmere is typically:

• Machine-woven
• Sold in larger quantities
• Less time-consuming to make

Key Properties of Cashmere

• Diameter: 14-19 microns
• Texture: Soft and warm
• Warmth: Thick and insulating
• Durability: Stronger and more durable than finer fibers

Is Pashmina a Type of Cashmere?

Yes and no.

• All Pashmina technically is Cashmere because it comes from Cashmere goats.
• But not all Cashmere is Pashmina because Pashmina comes from a specific breed and is processed with certain methods.

Think of Pashmina the champagne of Cashmere, it’s a special, guarded grade with higher standards.

Key Differences Between Pashmina and Cashmere

Pashmina and Cashmere are both high-quality fibers that come from the goat undercoat, but they have some very distinct differences in terms of origin, texture, fineness, production, price, and cultural importance. Below is an exhaustive, detailed comparison of the two for you to differentiate between them confidently:

1. Origin of Fiber

Pashmina is produced exclusively by the Changthangi (Capra Hircus) goat, bred in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh (India), Tibet, and Nepal in isolation. The goats are found above 13,000 feet, where sub-zero temperatures ensure, and their undercoats become extremely fine and produce warm wool. This limited geography makes Pashmina rare and geographically protected.

Cashmere is a broader term for all wool that is produced from many varieties of Cashmere goats found in Mongolia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. They too have soft undercoats, but under other environmental conditions, so their fibers are usually slightly coarser in most instances.

Summary: Pashmina is derived from one particular breed within one definite area; Cashmere comes from multiple breeds within a variety of countries.

2. Fibre thickness or micron count

Amongst the most notable differences is the fiber diameter:

Type	Micron Diameter (approx.)
Pashmina	12 – 16 microns
Cashmere	14 – 19 microns

The very fine fibers of Pashmina is soft, light, and almost transparent when held in front of a light source. It is because of this softness that Pashmina is not employed for high-friction items like socks or sweaters.

Cashmere yarns are a bit heavier, making them more resistant and longer lasting. They are still extremely soft but will hold up to wear and tear, appropriately worn every day and resists multiple times of washing and handling.

Technical Insight: The lower the micron weight, the softer and finer the fiber. Pashmina is among the finest animal fibers in the world.

3. Production Process

The production process of each fabric is responsible for determining the final texture, price, and authenticity.

Pashmina is:

• Hand-combed from goats (rather than sheared)
• Hand-spun on old wooden charkhas (spinning wheels)
• Hand-woven by expert weavers on handlooms
• Hand-finished to preserve natural luster and softness

This human process takes weeks or even months per shawl and involves much hard work, preserving the cultural and emotional value of each article.

Cashmere is:

• Mechanically combed or sheared
• Typically processed in giant textile mills
• Machine-spun and machine-woven, especially in high-street fashion
• Processed with modern machines for uniform appearance

Conclusion: Pashmina is labor of love, handmade; Cashmere’s industrialized and optimized for mass production.

4. Texture and Feel

Pashmina ultra-soft, airy, and light in texture. Draped, it is flowing, elegant-looking and does not hug the body. It’s extremely breathable, ideal for temperate to cold climates, or as an elevated layering piece with formal attire.

Cashmere is also soft but with more weight and structure. It has a warm, plush feel that’s ideal for insulated clothing such as pullovers, turtlenecks, and winter scarves.

Tip: If feather-light sophistication is what you’re looking for, go for Pashmina. For more weighty warmth and structure, opt for Cashmere.

5. Durability and Care

Durability:

• Pashmina is fragile and may pill, fray, or stretch if not treated with gentleness.
• Cashmere is more durable due to having denser strands and will withstand being worn multiple times if properly cared for.

Care Instructions for Both:

• Hand wash cold with wool-safe detergent.
• Do not twist or wring, but instead gently squeeze and flat lay to dry.
• Place cedar balls or lavender sachets inside to repel moths.
• Store in cotton bags that allow airflow, not plastic.

Note: Cashmere is comparatively easier to maintain over the long term, whereas Pashmina needs careful treatment.

6. Price and Value

Feature	Pashmina	Cashmere
Rarity	Extremely rare	More abundant in nature
Production	Handmade	Machine-treated
Price Range	Luxury to high-end	Midrange to high-range
Value	Collectible, handmade	Functional, high-end

Pashmina is costlier because of limited raw material, hand processing, and cultural heritage. Original Pashmina scarves begin from $150 and go well beyond $1000 based on complexity in weaving and embellishment.

Cashmere ranges in price from $50 to $500+, depending on the quality (Grade A being the highest) and country of origin (Scottish and Italian Cashmere being especially prized).

Smart Buying Tip: Always check the micron rating, product label, and origin while buying either fiber.

7. Authenticity and Marking

The majority of products labeled “Pashmina” or “Cashmere” today are imitations or blends, consisting mostly of man-made material or secondary-grade wool.

Tips on How to Identify Real Pashmina or Cashmere:

Pashmina: Ought to be warm and silky in a single thickness; run a genuine Pashmina shawl through a ring, it should flow easily.

Cashmere: Fine quality cashmere is soft, does not shine excessively, and has a dull look. It should rebound upon being stretched lightly.

Best Practice: Buy only from responsible sellers, artisan cooperatives, or certified sellers offering documentation or origin certification (e.g., Chyangra Pashmina, Good Cashmere Standard).

Use Cases & Styling Tips

It’s not always a luxury or budget choice between Cashmere and Pashmina—it’s also about how, when, and where you will wear it. Each material shines best in different situations, and understanding the differences can help you get the most out of your investment.

When to Wear Pashmina

Pashmina is ideal for:

Luxury Gift-Giving & Special Occasions

• The natural beauty and fall of Pashmina are a perfect wedding, cultural, or formal evening accessory.
• Presenting a genuine Pashmina shawl as a gift is a mark of urbane taste and respect, often preserved as an heirloom.

Convenient Travel and Layering

• A Pashmina shawl is light, small, and extremely versatile, ideal for flights, cold evenings, or a change of climatic conditions.
• You can fold a large shawl into a clutch-sized bundle, but it’ll still provide instant warmth when needed.

Style Versatility

• Wear it as a wrap, stole, hijab, dupatta, or even sarong. Its handwoven texture elevates even the simplest outfits.

If elegance, lightness, and artisan value matter to you, Pashmina is the superior choice.

When to Choose Cashmere

Cashmere is best for:

Everyday Winter Wear

• Cashmere cardigans, scarves, and sweaters make cozy winter staples, warm with richness but without the scratchiness of traditional wool.
• It’s a seasonally loved topcoat due to its high insulation value to weight.

Professional & Smart Casual Fashion

• A blazer or Cashmere pullover immediately elevates a smart-casual or corporate wardrobe.
• It has a sleek silhouette yet maintains cozy warmth, perfect for daytime-to-evening wear.

Luxury within Budget

• While Pashmina is out of the budget for some, Cashmere is available at every price point, so it’s affordable luxury if you choose carefully.

Choose Cashmere when you want warm, lasting comfort for everyday elegance.

Allergies and Skin Sensitivity

Both Cashmere and Pashmina are made from natural animal fibres and are generally hypoallergenic in nature. Small texture differences and how they’re treated, however, may affect how your skin reacts to either of them.

Pashmina and Sensitive Skin

• As it’s very fine and usually unprocessed, Pashmina is also kinder to sensitive skin.
• It does not have chemical processing and artificial blends that will iritate skin.
• Recommended for individuals who experience itchiness or rash from coarse wool clothing.

Cashmere and Comfort

• Grade A Cashmere is soft and smooth, but lower-grade Cashmere or blended fibers can be irritating.
• Some brands use dyes or chemical softeners which can act as an allergen for highly sensitive users.

Tip: Always check your skin’s response by rubbing the fabric against your inner wrist or neck before buying.

Care and Maintenance

Pashminas and Cashmere are luxury fabrics and demand the best care. Storing and cleaning the items properly can greatly prolong the life of your Pashmina or Cashmere product.

General Guidelines for Care for Both

Task	Recommended Method
Washing	Hand wash in cold water using a mild, wool-safe detergent
Drying	Gently squeeze out water, flat dry on a towel, never hang
Storage	Store in breathable cloth bags that include moth repellents like lavender or cedar
Bleach	Avoid Bleach, wringing, tumble drying, and direct sunlight exposure

Pashmina Special Tips

• Always air your Pashmina shawl after wearing before folding away.
• Do not expose to perfume or deodorant as this will break down the fibers.
• Fold instead of hang to avoid stretching.

Cashmere Special Tips

• Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pilling from everyday wear.
• For the heavy-duty ones like sweaters, have them dry cleaned professionally every couple of months.
• Don’t wash it after every use; let it breathe between uses.

 Pashmina and Cashmere well cared for can last decades and improve with age.

Conclusion

So, should you choose Pashmina or Cashmere? It all depends on your priorities:

• Choose Pashmina if you want an heirloom-quality, handmade luxury that’s ultra-light and elegantly warm.
• Go with Cashmere for everyday luxury, durability, easier care, and budget-minded warmth.

Both are exquisite; now that you’ve got the knowledge, you can select the piece that aligns with your style, values, and lifestyle.

Explore verified collections from artisans and brands like Diamond Knitland. Before you buy, check for Craftmark certification, micron count, and artisan origin.

If you are a fashion brand, boutique or retailers searching for quality pashmina and cashmere products in Nepal, then Diamond Knitland is the go to place for your fashion requirements.