Pashmina vs. Cashmere — What’s the Difference? A Shopper’s Guide

Many visitors to the Istanbul Grand Bazaar see “pashmina” and “cashmere” used interchangeably — but they are not exactly the same. Cashmere House helps you understand the difference so you can shop with confidence.

What Is Cashmere?

Cashmere refers to the fine fibers collected from Himalayan mountain goats. It is:

• Extremely soft

• Warm yet lightweight

• Luxurious and long-lasting

What Is Pashmina?

“Pashmina” is actually the highest grade of cashmere.
Pashmina fibers are even finer and softer, often hand-spun and hand-woven.

Think of it like this:
All pashmina is cashmere, but not all cashmere is pashmina.

Key Differences