What is the Difference Between Cashmere and Pashmina?

Cashmere and Pashmina are both luxurious fabrics made from the softest wool, but they have some differences in terms of their origin, fiber diameter, and the way they are processed. Here are the key differences between Cashmere and Pashmina:

1. Origin: Cashmere refers to the soft wool that comes from Cashmere goats, while Pashmina specifically refers to the finest and softest fibers sourced from the undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats.
2. Fiber Diameter: Pashmina fiber is thinner, with a diameter of 10-15 microns, while the basic Cashmere fabric has a diameter of 15-19 microns.
3. Processing: Due to the thin texture of Pashmina, it is necessary to hand-spin the wool and manually weave them to make beautiful shawls, scarves, throws, and wraps with utmost care. On the other hand, Cashmere is easier to spin.
4. Softness: Pashmina is considered to be softer compared to Cashmere due to its thin texture.
5. Luxury and Quality: Both Cashmere and Pashmina are considered luxury fabrics, prized for their softness and warmth. However, Pashmina is often considered the finer version of Cashmere.

In conclusion, Pashmina is a type of Cashmere, but it is specifically sourced from the undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats and has a finer and softer texture compared to regular Cashmere.

Comparative Table: Cashmere vs Pashmina

The main difference between cashmere and pashmina lies in their sources, fiber diameter, and softness. Here's a table comparing the two:

Pashmina is a type of cashmere, specifically referring to the finest and softest fibers sourced from the undercoat of Himalayan mountain goats, primarily found in Nepal and the Kashmir region. In contrast, cashmere refers to the soft wool that comes from Cashmere goats, found in regions like Mongolia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan. While both materials are luxurious and soft, pashmina is known for its exceptional softness and finer fiber diameter, making it a highly prized material for shawls, scarves, and wraps.