Differences between Cashmere and Pashm wool

Differences between Cashmere and Pashm wool
People often ask the question – what is the difference between Cashmere and Pashmina? The simple

answer is that nowadays there is very little difference. Cashmere is the westernized word for the

soft clothing material originating from the Kasmir region of India. Pashmina is the local name and

is derived from “pashm” which is the wool produced from inner hair of certain goats. It becomes

Pashmina after it is combed, cleaned and then spun ready for use in clothing. Traditionally Pashmina

was finer, higher quality than cashmere which is why it was predominantly used for scarves and

shawls since it was lighter and softer than cashmere.

Pashm Wool

1. It is the undercoat of the Changthangi goats that live at altitudes above 4000 metres high.

2. It is thinner and softer than Cashmere.

3. Very hard to spin as it is very thin.

4. Its diameter varies between 10 e 16 mícron.

5. As it is only harvested from this specific goat and as they only produce between 80 to 170g per

year it is very hard to find.

Cashmere wool

1. It is the undercoat of different species of goats that don’t need to live at such high altitudes

to produce this fleece.

2. It is thicker and harsher than Pashm wool.

3. As it is thicker it is much easier to spin

4. Its diameter varies between 16 e 19 mícron.

5. As it is harvested from different sub species of goats that produce this fleece in more quantity,

it is easier to find.