Cashmere vs Pashmina: What’s the Difference?
Few words in fashion are as softly spoken — and as often misunderstood — as cashmere and pashmina. Used interchangeably across labels, markets, and online stores, the two terms have blurred over time. Yet in reality, they’re not quite the same thing.
Understanding the difference matters — not just when it comes to price, but for durability, everyday wear, and how a piece fits into modern Australian life.
The Origin Story: Same Fibre Family, Different Meanings
Let’s start with the most important clarification: pashmina is a specific, traditional subset of cashmere — not a separate fibre. In simple terms, pashmina is cashmere, but it refers to a particular origin, fineness, and, historically, a very specific way of making.
What “Pashmina” Traditionally Means
True pashmina is deeply rooted in Himalayan craftsmanship. Traditionally, it comes from the undercoat of Changthangi goats found in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Nepal, and Kashmir. The extreme climate encourages the growth of exceptionally fine fibres.
- Origin: Changthangi goats in the Himalayan region (Ladakh, Nepal, Kashmir)
- Fineness: Extremely fine fibres, often around 12–14 microns
- Craft: Traditionally hand-spun and hand-woven
- Best suited for: Shawls and scarves rather than structured garments
- Availability: Rare and produced in very small quantities
Because true pashmina is so fine and traditionally woven (rather than knitted), it’s prized for its featherlight softness. At the same time, it’s more delicate — and not always the most practical choice for everyday knitwear.
Inner Mongolian Cashmere: The Gold Standard of Modern Cashmere
When people talk about cashmere sweaters, cardigans, beanies, and everyday layers, they’re usually referring to cashmere sourced and processed at scale. In this space, Inner Mongolian cashmere has become the modern benchmark.
It’s often considered the gold standard because it balances softness with durability and consistency — qualities that matter when a piece is worn regularly, not saved for special occasions.
- Origin: Cashmere goats raised in Inner Mongolia (China)
- Fibre quality: Longer fibre length with consistent fineness
- Fineness: Typically 14–16 microns — soft, yet resilient
- Best suited for: Knitwear such as sweaters, cardigans, and beanies
- Wearability: Generally more resistant to pilling over time
This is why many premium knitwear brands rely on Inner Mongolian cashmere for pieces designed to be worn often — lived in, not just admired.
Why the Confusion Still Happens
Part of the confusion is that the word pashmina has become a catch-all term in modern retail. It’s sometimes used to describe cashmere blends, wool blends, or even non-cashmere scarves. The result can be a gap between expectation and reality.
Today, a more practical approach is to look beyond the label and ask a few simple questions: Where is the fibre sourced? What is it made from? Is it woven or knitted? And is the material described clearly and honestly?
Which Should You Choose?
It ultimately comes down to how you plan to wear it:
- If you’re drawn to something delicate, artisanal, and traditionally woven — a true heirloom wrap — authentic pashmina has its place.
- If you’re looking for softness you can enjoy often, with comfort, warmth, and longevity — especially in sweaters and everyday layers — Inner Mongolian cashmere is usually the better choice.
The Modern Luxury of Clarity
In an industry where language is often used to inflate value, clarity has become the real luxury. Knowing what you’re buying allows you to choose pieces that genuinely suit your life — not just a romantic name on a label.
Because at its best, cashmere isn’t about hype. It’s about warmth, softness, and the quiet satisfaction of choosing well — season after season.