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Cashmere Vs Pashmina: Know The Difference

July 22, 2025

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

With over 10 years at GOBI Cashmere, Uchral has dedicated her career to crafting beautifully designed knitwear. Starting as a textile designer, she later led the design division and now oversees design development as its director. Her deep knowledge of fashion design, combined with years of hands-on experience, allows her to create timeless, high-quality cashmere pieces that blend tradition with modern innovation. She shares expert insights on cashmere fashion, design trends, the creative process behind each garment, and also how to wear, care for, and truly appreciate cashmere.

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Is all pashmina cashmere, and is all cashmere pashmina? It's a common point of confusion that often leaves even luxury enthusiasts scratching their heads.
When it comes to choosing warm, luxurious, and elegant fabrics, cashmere and pashmina take center stage. However, used interchangeably by many, these two materials are not the same. Let's distinguish between these two magnificent materials, exploring their origins, characteristics, and what truly sets them apart.

Introduction of Cashmere and Pashmina

Cashmere and pashmina are often mentioned in the same breath, but they originate from different sources and offer distinct experiences. Before deciding which one suits your wardrobe best, it's essential to understand their differences in origin, texture, durability, and use.
Gobi cashmere

What is Cashmere?

Cashmere is a luxurious natural fiber collected from specific breeds of goats known for their incredibly soft undercoats. The quality and warmth of cashmere have made it a prized textile around the world.

Origin and Sourcing

Cashmere originates from the undercoat of goats, with the finest quality coming from the highlands of Mongolia. The harsh climate encourages the goats to develop ultra-soft fibers for insulation. Mongolian cashmere is globally celebrated for its purity and exceptional softness.
GOBI has deep roots in Mongolia and is proud to preserve centuries-old herding traditions. GOBI ensures its organic cashmere comes from ethical, eco-friendly sources, maintaining an unbroken chain from goat to garment.

Characteristics of Cashmere

What makes cashmere stand out? It is incredibly soft, highly insulating, and durable when properly cared for. These qualities make it a luxury cashmere fiber. It provides warmth without added weight and is renowned for its ability to regulate body temperature throughout the seasons. Cashmere is both luxurious and practical, which makes it an essential part of any refined wardrobe.

Common Cashmere Products

Cashmere is versatile and made into various essentials, including the following:
GOBI offers a wide selection of these premium cashmere pieces designed with style and durability in mind. You can buy cashmere fabric and accessories that blend tradition with contemporary design.

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina is another exquisite natural fiber that is sometimes confused with cashmere. While both offer softness and warmth, pashmina has its own story to tell.

Origin and Fiber Source

Pashmina is derived from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, a native of the Himalayan regions in India and Nepal. The extreme altitude and freezing temperatures help produce incredibly fine and soft fibers. This unique environment plays a major role in the delicate texture of pashmina.

Characteristics of Pashmina

Pashmina shawls are known for being feather-light, soft, and delicate. Unlike thicker cashmere, pashmina is ultra-fine and often woven by hand. It is typically used to make scarves and shawls that drape beautifully and add an elegant touch to any outfit.
Pashmina's lightweight nature makes it ideal for formal events or as an accessory that complements your outfit without overpowering it. While it is less durable than cashmere, it shines in its aesthetic appeal.
Gobi cashmere

Key Differences Between Cashmere and Pashmina


This table helps illustrate the difference between cashmere and pashmina for those exploring options. Both have their charm, but their applications and longevity differ.

How to Identify Authentic Cashmere and Pashmina

With so many products in the market, recognizing authentic materials can be challenging. Here's how to tell the real from the fake.

  • Key Signs of Genuine Cashmere

Real cashmere often comes with proper labeling, indicating its fiber composition. You can also do a burn test (done carefully and responsibly) where genuine cashmere smells like burnt hair. Pricing is another indicator; genuine luxury cashmere is never extremely cheap.
GOBI ensures full transparency through its traceable, ethical sourcing practices. Every GOBI product is made with care and respect for both the environment and artisans. Whether you're purchasing cashmere sweaters, cashmere coats, or cashmere scarves, you're investing in long-term comfort and quality.

  • Spotting Real Pashmina

Authentic pashmina is typically hand-woven and feels extremely light. Look for labels that mention 100% pashmina, and pay attention to the weave and finishing details. Traditional techniques from regions like Kashmir or Nepal indicate a real piece. Genuine cashmere shawls or pashmina pieces carry cultural significance and are distinguished by their craftsmanship.
The artistry of real pashmina lies in its handmade quality. Some even pass through a ring due to their fineness, a quality hard to replicate with machine-made fabrics.
Gobi cashmere

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the two depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Both offer elegance but serve different purposes.

Based on Purpose and Use

If you're looking for something for occasional use and special events, a pashmina is the ideal choice. Its delicate finish makes it great for weddings and celebrations. On the other hand, cashmere vs pashmina, which is better for daily wear? Cashmere wins for being practical, stylish, and adaptable across seasons.
GOBI's cashmere is perfect for layering, dressing up or down, and works well in both professional and casual settings. If you prefer everyday wear that still feels luxurious, cashmere is your best option.

Based on Climate and Durability

Cashmere is excellent for colder climates and also available in lightweight versions for layering in warmer seasons. GOBI offers Mongolian cashmere options for all-year comfort. Meanwhile, pashmina is better suited for mild to moderately cool weather and shines when you want a soft, breathable layer.
If you're living in a region with changing seasons, having both may be the perfect solution. A cashmere cardigan for layering and a pashmina shawl for accessorizing offer the best of both worlds.
While both cashmere and pashmina bring warmth and elegance, they cater to different needs. Pashmina, with its ultra-fine texture, is perfect for soft and delicate wraps. Cashmere, with its enduring strength and softness, is perfect for versatile wear.
GOBI takes pride in offering high-quality, eco-friendly, and premium cashmere products that reflect tradition and modern style. Whether you're looking to buy cashmere fabric or invest in timeless pieces like cashmere coats, cashmere scarves, or cashmere sweaters, GOBI is your trusted partner, dedicated to quality, transparency, and craftsmanship.
Choose the warmth that fits your world, made with care, tradition, and the unmatched softness only GOBI cashmere can provide.

FAQs


Is pashmina the same as cashmere?

No, pashmina is a type of cashmere, but not all cashmere is pashmina. Pashmina comes from specific Himalayan goats and is usually more delicate.

Which is softer, cashmere or pashmina?

Both are soft, but pashmina is considered ultra-soft and lighter. However, Mongolian cashmere is known for its luxurious texture and durability.

How do I know if I'm buying real pashmina or cashmere?

Check for origin, labels, and craftsmanship. Genuine products from GOBI come with traceable sourcing and ethical production standards.

Can pashmina be called cashmere legally?

In many regions, only certain fiber diameters qualify as cashmere. So while pashmina is a type of cashmere, labeling must meet legal standards to avoid consumer confusion.
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