In the realm of high end fashion, where stunning design is intertwined with exquisite craftsmanship, there are two fabrics that can be considered the epitome of opulence: cashmere and pashmina. These unique textiles, celebrated for their unrivaled softness and warmth, evoke a sense of refinement that is second to none.
But as highly cherished as these fabrics are, they are also misunderstood. While it’s true that they have similar origins, cashmere and pashmina scarves have distinctive nuances that every luxury fashion connoisseur should know about.
Join us as we lift the veil of mystique surrounding cashmere and pashmina, exploring their origins, weaving techniques, and remarkable qualities that have made them coveted symbols across the globe.
What Is The Difference Between Cashmere and Pashmina?
You’ve likely heard the terms pashmina and cashmere used interchangeably, but the two do have subtle distinctions.
Location is what truly marks the difference between cashmere and pashmina. Though still rare and sumptuous, cashmere wool can be acquired from several different breeds of mountain goats, including the Malra, Chigu, Licheng, Tibetan, and Liaoning, which can be found in mountain ranges all across Asia, from China and Mongolia to Iran and Iraq.
Pashmina, on the other hand, is the golden thread in the tapestry of the Kashmir valley. Although it technically is a form of cashmere, it merits its own distinction due to its rich history and superior quality.
Where Does Pashmina Come From?
Pashmina is said to be made from the most resplendent cashmere wool in the world, exclusively originating from the rare chyangra goat. This particular breed of mountain goat can only be found in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas, where it endures some of the harshest winters on the planet. This is why no other type of cashmere can be considered pashmina.
The fleece of the chyangra goat is finer, softer, and smoother than any other kind of cashmere, having evolved over time to withstand the extreme weather conditions in its native habitat. It’s also rarer than its counterparts. There are approximately 400 million cashmere-producing goats worldwide; the chyangra goat population is a fraction of that, with estimated levels between just 150,000 and 200,000. In addition, Ladakhi pashmina wool can only be harvested during a specific period of the year, making it even more exclusive.
With its rarity, supreme softness and comforting warmth, this exceptional wool serves as the cornerstone for crafting the most luxurious pashmina scarves and shawls.
What Defines A Pashmina Scarf?
Although the wool itself is intrinsically linked to the art of pashmina, it’s the skilled artisans who bring the magnificent fabric to life.
The weaving and creation process is a symphony that echoes through the valleys of Kashmir, harmonizing its heritage and craftsmanship. With origins that trace back to the 15th century, pashmina craftsmanship is a highly specific skill that remains deeply rooted in Kashmir. The artisans’ dedicated craftsmanship serves as a serene tribute to the preservation of nature's splendor and Kashmiri culture.
This is another noteworthy distinction between cashmere and pashmina; while cashmere scarves and garments can be crafted anywhere in the world, genuine pashmina can still be traced back to the skillful hands of Kashmiri artisans.
In an endeavor to elevate the quality of the fleece, meticulous steps are undertaken to purify its fibers. Through a careful cleansing process, the fibers are rendered immaculate, radiant, and ready to absorb sunlight.
Once cleansed, the fibers are transformed into delicate yarn through an intricate spinning process that creates the finest cashmere on the planet. While regular cashmere typically falls within the range of 14 to 19 microns, pashmina can be woven to be a mere 12 microns. In terms of the traditional cashmere grading system, pashmina is always guaranteed to land in the highest ranking.
While both cashmere and pashmina share the treasured qualities of softness, warmth, and excellent quality, pashmina emerges as a captivating subset imbued with artistic integrity. The meticulous craftsmanship and weaving techniques used to create pashmina scarves and garments render them unparalleled in their beauty and elegance. Each delicate thread tells a tale of heritage, culture, and the inimitable spirit of the artisans who have mastered the art of pashmina creation.