Pashmina or Cashmere: The Finest Accessories
Having a Pashmina in your styling wardrobe is nothing less than a luxurious addition.
While searching for or buying a Pashmina, the customers generously want to ensure it’s their best investment. Undoubtedly, these are a bit more expensive than others. They have an ancient and regal history, and great techniques are used to craft them into a soulful fabric.
To understand the real difference between Pashmina cashmere, it’s essential to recognize the key differences that make them worthy of investment.
History Of Pashmina
Pashmina has a rich ancient history and has represented royalty since the 19th century.
It was the Europeans who were the first to experience this luxurious wool in Kashmir. They coined the term ‘cashmere’ to describe this wool, well-known for its classiness and rarity. Kashmiri craftsmen obtained it from the undercoats of Himalayan goats, instead of traditional sheep’s wool. However, locals refer to this premium fabric with the name of Pashmina.
Pashmina comes from the fine undercoat of Himalayan goats, especially the rare Changthangi breed found in Nepal and Kashmir region. These delicate fibers, come with 10-15 microns, making them breathable and extremely soft.
Pashminas are undoubtedly expensive due to the intricate, time-consuming handweaving process that Kashmiri artisans have learned over the generations, using the heritage techniques of weaving passed down from their forefathers.
Apparel made from the ultra-fine fibers of pashmina comes out elegant and stunning when handwoven by skilled artisans.
Basically, Pashmina is not just a variety of cashmere—it’s the finest version of cashmere wool. While both pashmina and cashmere come from similar sources, the process of crafting Pashmina is more refined and time-honored, resulting in a more luxurious version of cashmere wool.
Pashminas are best known for their softness, delicate texture, lightweight, breathable, and exceptional warmth, which makes them the epitome of luxury.
What is Cashmere Wool?
Cashmere is made from the hair of cashmere goats that are widely distributed and most commonly found in the regions of China, Tibet, India, and Nepal.
Similarly to pashmina, the wool grows during winter, and in spring, the goats shed their soft undercoat. First, the hairs are collected, separated, cleaned, combed, and then spun to obtain the final version to use.
Just like Pashmina, Cashmere is renowned for its softness and warmth. It is also expensive, though slightly less than pashmina.
To make cloth from Cashmere, both handwoven and machine methods are preferred, but it is easier to spin than Pashmina.
Cashmere is also a luxurious fabric, known for its high quality and being a bit thicker than pashmina.
Difference Between Pashmina Cashmere
| Features | Pashmina | Cashmere |
| Source | Derived from the undercoat of Himalayan goats, especially the Changthangi breed, found in Nepal and Kashmir regions. | Obtained from the undercoat of Cashmere goats, found in Afghanistan, China, Iran, and other regions. |
| Rarity | Rare due to the limited availability of the Changthangi breed in specific regions. | More common due to the wider distribution of Cashmere goats. |
| Warmth | Excellent insulation, making it ideal for cold climates. | Provides great warmth, best suited for cold climates. |
| Softness | Exceptional softness is known for its ultra-fine, luxurious feel. | Soft but slightly less than Pashmina. |
| Fiber Diameter | 10-15 microns, making it finer and more delicate. | 15-19 microns, slightly thicker than Pashmina. |
Production | Hand-processed using traditional weaving methods, passed down through generations. | Produced using both hand and machine processing methods, depending on the region and scale of production. |
| Cost | More expensive due to the rarity of the raw material and the traditional handwoven production methods. | Generally less expensive compared to Pashmina, although high-quality Cashmere can still be pricey. |
| Durability | Highly durable when cared for properly, maintaining its softness and integrity for a long time. | Durable, but slightly less so compared to Pashmina. |
| Usage | Used to create luxury scarves, shawls, and high-end garments. | Commonly used to make sweaters, gloves, scarves, and other everyday clothing items. |
| Care | Requires gentle handwashing and delicate care to maintain its softness and structure. | Requires careful washing, but can be slightly more resilient than Pashmina. |
Conclusion
Indeed, Pashmina is the refined version of Cashmere. There are just a few major differences that make Pashmina the choice between the two nothing else. Both share similar properties, maintenance, care, and sources, but different ways of process.
Having both Pashmina and Cashmere in your wardrobe can effortlessly elevate your overall appearance. Explore our high-end collection of Pashmina shawls, and scarves.