Women’s Pashmina Shawl vs. Cashmere: What’s the Difference?
Pashmina is often mistaken for cashmere, but it possesses distinct properties that differ from true cashmere. The two types of fibres are both sourced from the soft undercoats of goats and share qualities like softness, warmth, and luxury; there are major differences that set the two apart as they relate to production, fibre quality, origin, and how each fibre is woven and so on. The following guide will help answer many common questions about cashmere vs. pashmina; these include questions like, “Which fibre costs more, cashmere or pashmina?" and “Which fibre is better: pashmina or cashmere?" Additionally, you will also learn if pashmina is warmer than cashmere and if the term “cashmere” is a common name given to the various grades of goat hair in India. Origin & Definition: When we refer to cashmere, we are actually using the term in a general way. Cashmere actually refers to the soft downy hair collected from various breeds of goats that produce the fibre in multiple regions of the world i.e., Mongolia, China, Tibet, Nepal, and India. In contrast and as defined above, "pashmina" refers to the very fine, downy hair obtained specifically from Changthangi Pashmina goats that are located in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, mainly the Jammu & Kashmir state of India. In summary, all pashmina is cashmere; however, not all cashmere is pashmina.
Pashmina and Cashmere: Explained Pashmina and cashmere are both soft fibres taken from goats' undercoats living in the cold regions of the mountains. The distinction between pashmina and cashmere is that not all cashmere is considered pashmina. Pashmina is one of the finest and most luxurious cashmeres produced today; this type of cashmere is produced from a particular breed of Himalayan goats known for producing exceptionally fine-feeling fibres that are hand-spun and handwoven by skilled artisans, creating exquisite Women’s Pashmina Shawls that have been revered for hundreds of years. The term "cashmere" is used to refer to any wool taken from cashmere goats throughout the world; therefore, the term "cashmere" is a broader category that includes all types of cashmere produced by various species of cashmere goats throughout the world. What do they call cashmere in India? A common question from those shopping for Pashmina in India is, "What do they call cashmere?" In India, "pashmina" is usually what is referred to as the finest quality of cashmere fibre. The term originates from Persian and means "extremely fine fleece" or "soft fleece" from the hairs of Himalayan goats. India has a long history of producing pashmina, especially in the Himalayan region, so to many people the term "pashmina" signifies luxury and craftsmanship.
Pashmina vs Cashmere: Which Is Better?
It depends on what you want. If you're looking for something soft and has a lot of draping ability, pashmina is typically the best choice because it has an unusually high-quality, silky feel. Both types of material will keep you warm when worn because of how well they insulate. Because of the fine hollow fibres of pashmina, it also has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. If you care for Pashmina properly, it will last a long time. The finer the weave and the more professional the finishing, the longer the item will last. Mass-produced cashmere blends may be less expensive than using real pashmina or premium-grade cashmere, but they do not perform as well.
Is Pashmina Warmer Than Cashmere?
Pashmina is lauded for being a lightweight, warm material. The pashmina fibres are very fine, and when woven into both dense and lightweight fabrics, the Women's Pashmina Shawl will often feel warmer for its weight compared to some cashmere. Warmth can vary vastly between each type of fibre, depending on the micron count, yarn density of the weave, and stitching method used to construct each piece—so a well-made cashmere sweater can be warmer than a loose-fitting pashmina wrap.
Which Is More Expensive: Cashmere or Pashmina?
Luxury shoppers have often wanted to know which type of wool is more costly — cashmere or pashmina? Typically speaking, real pashmina is often pricier than average-quality cashmere. Four key factors account for this increased cost: - Pashmina fibres are fewer in number and finer than standard cashmere fibres. - Collecting the pashmina fibres from the baby goats is an old-fashioned and difficult job. - The use of traditional hand-spinning methods and hand-weaving techniques requires a high degree of expertise and a greater time investment. - Pashmina production is limited due to the high demand for the product compared with large quantities of mass-produced cashmere. Thus, when you buy a real pashmina shawl for women, you not only purchase the raw material, but you also purchase the many years of craftsmanship and artistic skill that went into making it.
Texture & Appearance The easiest way to differentiate between a real and a fake pashmina shawl is by touching them both. Real pashmina shawls are ultra-soft, smooth, lightweight, drape beautifully, and get better with age. Fake cashmere products may feel soft too, but their texture can vary depending on the quality of the fibres used to create them and how they're manufactured. Pure pashmina is typically the softest of all luxury fabrics; many of those who love luxury fabrics believe that Pure Pashmina feels unbelievable. Reasons Women Adore their Pashmina Shawls Women wear their pashmina shawls as fashion accessories, but pashminas also give women warmth, beauty, and versatility in any wardrobe. Pashmina can easily be worn with traditional outfits, evening gowns, or casual clothing; whatever your outfit happens to be, a pashmina will enhance its overall appearance. Because of their light weight, pashminas are convenient to carry around, and their luxurious feel brings sophistication wherever you go. Conclusion Both pashmina and cashmere are luxurious natural fibres, and yet pashmina is the highest quality in terms of the artisanal craft of cashmere that exists today. Pashmina has superlative qualities in terms of softness, warmth, lightness, and a handmade background. For this reason, pashmina has been coveted all over the world. If you're wondering which is more expensive: cashmere or pashmina? Is pashmina warmer than cashmere? Or, if I buy either pashmina or cashmere, which will I prefer? The answer is often based on quality and workmanship. A Pure Women’s Pashmina Shawl remains a classically luxurious purchase and one of the finest investments you could ever make. At Himalayan Weavers, we celebrate the rich heritage and culture of authentic pashmina weaving. We craft high-quality, one-of-a-kind handmade shawls that embody the inherent beauty, cultural significance, and unmatched comfort of this exquisite Himalayan masterpiece.