Pashmina is a fine, luxurious form of cashmere made from the soft undercoat of the Changthangi goat, native to the high Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Tibet. Renowned for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightness, authentic Pashmina is entirely natural and handcrafted.
Traditional Pashmina is made through a slow, meticulous process. The fine undercoat is gently combed from the goat during its natural shedding season in spring. The fibre is then hand-spun, hand-woven on traditional looms, and often finished with detailed hand embroidery. This labour-intensive process is what gives true Pashmina its unmatched quality and character.
Is Pashmina the same as Cashmere?
Pashmina is a rare and finer subset of cashmere. While all Pashmina is cashmere, not all cashmere qualifies as Pashmina. Pashmina comes specifically from the Changthangi goat of the Himalayan region and is known for its exceptionally fine fibre, softness, and warmth. Standard cashmere may come from different goat breeds and is often machine-spun or blended, whereas true Pashmina is traditionally hand-spun and hand-woven. Since the art of Pashmina shawl weaving originated in, and is still primarily concentrated in the Himalayan valley of Kashmir in India, the word Pashmina is used interchangeably with Cashmere.
What makes a Cashmere qualify as Pashmina?
Traditionally, Pashmina fibre measures around 12–16 microns, with the finest strands often closer to 12–14 microns. In comparison, standard cashmere typically ranges from 15–19 microns, and sometimes higher.
However, micron count alone does not make a fibre Pashmina.
To truly qualify as Pashmina, the fibre must:
Come specifically from the Changthangi (Pashmina) goat
Be hand-combed during the natural moulting season
Be hand-spun (not machine-spun)
Be hand-woven using traditional techniques, primarily in Kashmir
So while fineness is essential, authenticity is defined by origin, method, and craftsmanship, not just laboratory measurements.
Is Pashmina ethically sourced?
Yes. Authentic Pashmina is ethically sourced and cruelty-free. The fibre is collected without harming the animal, and the goats continue to live freely in their natural high-altitude environment. At Pashminelle, we also work closely with artisans to ensure fair wages and respectful working conditions.
How is Pashmina different from Shahtoosh?
Pashmina and Shahtoosh are entirely different. Shahtoosh comes from the Tibetan antelope (Chiru), an endangered species, and its trade is illegal worldwide. Pashmina, on the other hand, is legal, ethical, and sustainable, made from domesticated Changthangi goats and produced in compliance with international wildlife protection laws.
How can I tell if a Pashmina is authentic?
Genuine Pashmina is incredibly soft, lightweight, and warm. It is always hand-spun and hand-woven, which means slight irregularities in weave are natural and a sign of authenticity. Pure Pashmina also drapes fluidly and does not feel synthetic or overly shiny.
Why is authentic Pashmina more expensive?
True Pashmina is rare and time-intensive to produce. From limited fibre yield per goat to months of handwork by skilled artisans, every step adds value. Mass-produced alternatives use blends or machine processes that cannot replicate the feel or heritage of real Pashmina.
Is Pashmina suitable for all seasons?
Yes. Despite its warmth, Pashmina is highly breathable and temperature-regulating, making it comfortable to wear across seasons—from cool evenings to winter layering.
How should I care for my Pashmina?
We recommend gentle dry cleaning or careful hand washing in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid wringing or hanging. Store folded in a breathable cloth to preserve softness and shape.
Do you work directly with artisans?
Yes. We collaborate closely with skilled artisans, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. By supporting traditional methods, we help preserve a craft that is slowly disappearing in the face of mass production.
What makes Pashminelle different?
Pashminelle is built on authenticity, ethics, and respect for craftsmanship. Every piece represents a commitment to preserving a centuries-old art while offering customers genuine, responsibly made Pashmina they can cherish for years.
