What is the difference between Cashmere and Pashmina?

Pashmina is the highest grade of cashmere. It is more supple and lighter than “regular” cashmere. In fact, its texture is so fine that Veronica Chambers of Newsweek magazine said, "It is the fiber equivalent of meringue."

Pashmina fibers come from the soft, downy undercoat that grows on the neck and belly of the Himalayan mountain goat, which the Kashmiri call Capra hircus – The Pashmina Goat. This wool is called pashm (Pashmina), the Persian word for wool. In its woven form, Pashmina is the highest quality of cashmere.

Once you experience true Pashmina, you will notice how light, soft and warm it feels against your skin. Its texture is so fine that it emanates a certain glow or luster. Its fibers are 12 microns thick as compared to premium sheep’s wool that is 23 microns thick. Designer Gabriele Sanders, maker of embroidered pashmina shawls says, "pashmina makes regular cashmere feel like cardboard.”  Best Pashmina comes from Kashmir where it has been handmade since 15th century.. Nepal Pashmina is of high quality as well. Regular quality cashmere comes mostly from China and a number of eurpean countries.