Pashmina vs. Cashmere vs. Wool: Which Shawl is Best for You?

When shopping for a fantastic shawl, you may get beyond the word Wool, Cashmere, and Pashmina – often used. But these clothes are not the same. Each has its own history, source, experience and value.

In this guide, we will help you understand the important differences between these three popular fabrics and answer the most common questions:

Is Pashmina better than Cashmere?
Which is warmer: Wool, Cashmere, or Pashmina?

If you are looking for a reliable place to shop, KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium provides premium-quality wool, cashmere, and 100% authentic Pashmina shawls — handcrafted since 1950.

Understanding the Basics

Let’s start with what each of these materials actually is:

Wool

Source: Common sheep
Texture: Coarser and thicker
Warmth: Moderate to high, depending on quality
Price: Generally affordable
Wool is widely available and used for all types of winter wear. However, it’s the least fine and soft among the three.

Cashmere

Source: Cashmere goats (mostly from Mongolia or Tibet)
Texture: Softer and lighter than regular wool
Warmth: Very warm, yet lightweight
Price: Higher than wool, varies by grade
Cashmere is prized for its softness and insulating ability. It’s a luxurious upgrade over sheep wool.

Pashmina

Source: Changthangi goats in Ladakh, India (a rare breed)
Texture: Extremely fine and soft (10–16 microns vs 15–19 in cashmere)
Warmth: Warmer than cashmere, feather-light
Price: Premium and rare
Pashmina is the finest grade of cashmere, and its handmade craftsmanship makes it more valuable and exclusive.

Is Pashmina Better Than Cashmere?

Yes — in terms of softness, craftsmanship, and rarity.
While pashmina technically is a type of cashmere, it sources from the Changthangi goats in the high region of Ladakh, making it soft, lighter and more luxuriousthan machine-spun cashmere.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Cashmere (Regular)	Pashmina (Pure)
Fiber Thickness	15–19 microns	10–16 microns
Weaving Method	Often machine-made	Hand-spun and handwoven
Feel	Soft	Softer, more delicate
Origin	Mongolia, China, Tibet	Kashmir (Ladakh, India)
Price & Rarity	Expensive, widely sold	Premium, rare, artisan-made

If you are really looking for something exclusive and timeless, Pashmina is better.

Which Is Warmer: Wool, Cashmere, or Pashmina?

Here’s how they stand when it comes to warmth and comfort:

Pashmina – Offers maximum heat without weight. Because it is ultra-fine and handwoven, it feels light and traps the heat while feeling light on the skin.
Cashmere – Also very hot and comfortable, especially in cold climates. The machine produced by Cashmere may look a little heavy.
Wool – Good for moderate winter use but not as soft or light. Some types can be itchy or bulky.

So if you shop for elegance and warmth, Pashmina ranks to the top – both in performance and luxury.

Where to Buy Premium Wool, & Pashmina Shawls?

KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium is your reliable premium destination, authentic shawl since 1950. Here’s why thousands of global shoppers choose KCS:

100% Pure Pashmina, Cashmere & Wool shawls
Handwoven and artisan-crafted in Kashmir
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
Worldwide delivery with quality packaging
Heritage brand trusted for over 70 years

Whether you’re dressing for a winter event or gifting a piece of timeless elegance, KCS offers quality that speaks for itself.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to shawls, not all clothes are made the same. Wool is common, Cashmere is luxury, and Pashmina is legendary. If you are someone who gives significance to tradition, softness and sophistication, a handwoven Pashmina is worth every penny.

Explore our premium shawl collection at KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium and wrap yourself in warmth, history and unmatched beauty.

Return

We offer hassle free returns! You can return your order within 7 days of receipt. We request you to initiate returns for unused pieces only. Your money will be refunded in the original form of payment, except COD orders which will be returned via bank transfer!

All items to be returned must be unused and in their original condition with all original tags and packaging intact and should not be broken or tampered with.

Please note this does not apply to international orders. Due to difficulties in generating returns pickups, reverse duties and taxes on import international orders cannot be returned.

Cancellation

Please write to us or call us immediately if you have placed an order by mistake. An order which is not dispatched can certainly by stopped and if payment is made, refunded to you without any hassle!

Please note this does not apply to international orders. International orders once shipped cannot be stopped or cancelled.