Pashmina and Cashmere are two types of wool distinguished by softness, warmth, and quality. These both come from the undercoat of goats living in the Himalayas of Asia. However, they don’t mean the same things. Some differences between Cashmere and Pashmina are quite minute. This guide will describe the distinction between Cashmere and Pashmina and what makes them unique and special.
( Source: WeaverStory )
What Precisely Embodies Pashmina?
When talking about Pashmina, it is apparent that this particular kind of Cashmere comes from a special breed of goat called Changthangi, or a cashmere-producing animal. These goats are unique to the Ladakh area in India which is a cold and harsh region where they live. The Persian word “pashm” means wool or soft gold, from which Pashmina is derived.
In spring, as they naturally molt their winter coats, Pashmina goats generate very fine and soft hair, which is often hand-collected. After cleaning the hair, skilled craftsmen sort, spin, and weave them into shawls, scarves, or blankets of pashminas. It is normally very expensive because these types of Cashmere are hand-made using traditional tools and methods, unlike other types.
What Characterizes Cashmere?
Cashmere refers to wool from the hair of several goat breeds, including lamps, Mongolian and Iranians. These goats inhabit widespread areas of Asia, including China, Mongolia, and Nepal, as well as Afghanistan. These animals adapt easily to harsh environments being cold with less moisture.
Cashmere wool comes from the fine and soft undercoat of hair produced by goats, leaving for the outer side a thick and coarse coat. They collect the hair by shearing or combing the goats, then process it with machines or manually to separate Cashmere fibers from those that are coarser. Then, the fibers are spun, woven, and knitted to make Cashmere products like sweaters, socks, hats, and gloves.
Decoding the Difference Between Cashmere and Pashmina
Since you know what Pashmina and Cashmere are, let us differentiate them. The table mentioned below shows the difference between Cashmere and Pashmina:
| Aspect | Pashmina | Cashmere |
| Origins and Geographical Significance | Himalayan regions – India, Nepal, Pakistan | Global – Mongolia, China, Iran |
| Fibre Fineness | Ultra-fine fibres (12-15 microns) | Varies, with some varieties rivalling Pashmina’s fineness |
| Artisanal Craftsmanship vs. Production Methods | Meticulous hand-weaving, artisanal craftsmanship | Varied, encompassing both handcrafted and machine-made methods |
| Temperature Regulation and Insulation | Natural insulation, suitable for various climates | Versatile insulation, suitable for a range of temperatures |
| Cultural Associations and Market Perceptions | Symbolic heritage, deep cultural significance in Kashmir | Global market presence, transcending specific cultural ties |
| Price Points and Accessibility | Exclusive luxury, higher price point | Varied price spectrum, with more accessible options |
| Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability Practices | Emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing | Variable sustainability practices, depending on the producers |
Cashmere and Pashmina are two types of wool known for their luxuriousness, warmth, and softness. Although they both come from goat hair, there are some slight disparities between the two. As such, Cashmere and Pashmina are lovely, refined textiles that can make adorable warm things.
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