Skip to content
  • Collections
        • Pure Pashmina

        • Kani Weaves

        • Kalamkari

        • Ari Embroidery

        • Sozni Embroidery

        • Unstitched Suits

        • Men

        • Classic Shawls

        • Spring/Summer

        • Zari Shimmers

        • Luxurious Silks

        • Casual Scarves

        • Phirans & Kashmiri Wear

        • Jackets

        • Contemporary Fashion

        • Ikat Weaves

        • Silk Dupattas

        • Bed Linen

        • Decorative Cushions

        • Reversible Shawls

        • Border Work Shawls

        • Casual Printed Stoles

        • Unisex Pieces

        • Hand Beaded Wraps

        • Jaamavar Handbags

  • Women
        • Causal Scarves

        • Luxury Stoles

        • Exclusive Shawls

        • Phirans & Kashmiri Wear

        • Unstiched Suits

  • Men
        • Exclusive Shawls

        • Luxury Stoles

  • Gift Ideas
        • Gifts for Her

        • Gifts for Him

        • Gifts to Elders

        • Gifts for the Home

        • Felicitation Shawls

        • Wedding Gifts

        • Corporate Gifting

        • Festive Gifting

  • More
        • About Us

        • FAQ

        • Contact Us

        • My KCS

        • Blogs

        • Return Order

        • Wholesale

Kcsshop
Home
Category
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Blogs
  • Wholesale
  • Return Order
  • My KCS
  • FAQ
  • Instagram Facebook Youtube X Pinterest

Our Categories

Fashion

The Difference Between Wool, Cashmere, and Pashmina Shawls: A Global Buyer’s Guide

Written By Harsh Dagar

Posted on July 7, 2025 - 5 min read
thumbnail-img

On this Page

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Cashmere – Also very hot and comfortable, especially in cold climates. The machine produced by Cashmere may look a little heavy.
  3. 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.

Harsh Dagar

Harsh Dagar

Editor

Prev :
Prev: Shopping for Pashmina Online? 7 Things You Must Check Before Buying
Next :
Next: Celebrating 70+ Years of Trust: The Story Behind Our Pashmina Heritage

Featured on KCS

Logo Khub Chand Sawhney’s (KCS) Kashmir Shawl Emporium, was established in 1950. Over the years we have gained the reputation of being the premier retailer of Kashmiri garments and handicrafts in India. Besides shawls, stoles, and scarves we are also known for our collections in Kashmiri sarees, jackets, suits and bed linen. Estd. 1950 Payments
Quick Links
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Blogs
  • Wholesale
HELP
  • FAQ
  • Refund & Cancellation
  • Shipping Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Registered Office
  • Khub Chand Sawhneys
    94, M.M, Janpath Road, New Delhi-110001
    Mobile/WhatsApp :- +919810201838
Contact us
  • [email protected]
Social Links

Popular Searches

Gift Ideas :

  • Birthday Present For Grandfather
  • Corporate Gifting
  • Festive Gifting
  • Felicitation Shawls
  • Gifts for Her
  • Gifts for Him
  • Gifts to Elders
  • Gifts for the Home
  • Luxury Shawls for NRI Winter Gifting
  • Mother's Day Gift Ideas
  • Personalized Home Decor Gifts
  • Wedding Gifts

Collections :

  • Pure Pashmina
  • Ari Embroidery
  • Bed Linen
  • Border Work Shawls
  • Casual Printed Stoles
  • Classic Paisleys
  • Classic Shawls
  • Cozy Living Room Accessories
  • Contemporary Fashion
  • Decorative Cushions
  • Double Side Aksi Embroidery
  • Haldi Ceremony Wear
  • Hand Beaded Wraps
  • Ikat Weaves
  • Jackets
  • Jaamavar Handbags
  • Kani Weaves
  • Kalamkari
  • Limited Edition Winter Shawls
  • Luxuries Under 5000
  • Luxurious Silks
  • Original Pashmina Shawl
  • Phirans
  • Ponchos
  • Raj Durbar Baraat Shawls
  • Reversible Shawls
  • Shawls for Milni
  • Sozi Embroidery
  • Spring / Summer
  • Shawls for Wedding Milni
  • Sangeet Party Reccos
  • Sozni Embroidery
  • Silk Dupattas
  • Travel-Friendly Lightweight Stoles
  • Unisex Pieces
  • Wedding Day Elegance
  • Winter Shawl for Office Wear
  • Zari Shimmers

Pure Pashmina :

  • Original Pashmina Shawl

Kalamkari :

  • Pashmina Kalamkari Shawl

Men :

  • Exclusive Shawls
  • Heritage Wool Shawls for Men
  • Men's Pashmina Shawls
  • Luxury Stoles

Women :

  • Casual Scarves
  • Dressing Gown
  • Exclusive Shawls
  • Luxury Stoles
  • Luxury Winter Shawls for Women
  • Pashmina Shawl for Women
  • Phirans & Kashmiri Wear
  • Unstitched Suits
  • Stoles for Women

Casual Scarves :

  • Silk Scarf For Women

Luxury Stoles :

  • Stoles For Women

Copyright © 2025, Inc. All rights reserved.

Refund and Cancellation
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.

View All
Select your currency
INR Indian rupee
USD United States (US) dollar
CAD Canadian dollar
EUR Euro
AUD Australian dollar
GBP Pound sterling
JPY Japanese yen
AED United Arab Emirates dirham
NOK Norwegian krone
NZD New Zealand dollar
BDT Bangladeshi taka
Image

It's added to your Wishlist!

You can find your Wishlist in your My Account space and modify it

Item removed from wishlist!

View Wishlist

Your cart

Sozni Dordaar Hand Embroidery Shawl – Black Rust
Sozni Dordaar Hand Embroidery Shawl – Black Rust
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $192 $192

Phool Jaal Organza Silk Suit Fabric Set - Nagpur Navy
Phool Jaal Organza Silk Suit Fabric Set - Nagpur Navy
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $176 $176

Floral Breeze Cotton Silk Stole - Offwhite, Multi
Floral Breeze Cotton Silk Stole - Offwhite, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $19 $19

Sozni Palledaar Pure Wool Shawl - Eclipse Black
Sozni Palledaar Pure Wool Shawl - Eclipse Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $426 $426

Autumn Rust Ari Wool Hand Embroidery Jacket [42]
Autumn Rust Ari Wool Hand Embroidery Jacket [42]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $426 $426

Handloom Pashmina Sozni Dordaar Shawl - Camel
Handloom Pashmina Sozni Dordaar Shawl - Camel
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $915 $915

Paisley Butehdaar Ari Wool Jacket - Ivory, Khaki [40]
Paisley Butehdaar Ari Wool Jacket - Ivory, Khaki [40]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $319 $319

Handloom Pashmina Guldasta Palla Shawl -  Multi, Ivory
Handloom Pashmina Guldasta Palla Shawl - Multi, Ivory
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $1,064 $1,064

Madras Check Pure Wool Mens Shawl - Black, Fawn
Madras Check Pure Wool Mens Shawl - Black, Fawn

1 x $70 $70

Masak Jaal Lux Silk Unstitched Suit - Grey
Masak Jaal Lux Silk Unstitched Suit - Grey
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $156 $156

Zari Gulbagh Metallic Wool Shawl - Night Gold
Zari Gulbagh Metallic Wool Shawl - Night Gold
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $145 $145

Handloom Pure Pashmina Shawl - Raw White
Handloom Pure Pashmina Shawl - Raw White
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $298 $298

Florescence Lux Silk Suit Fabric - Sea Green
Florescence Lux Silk Suit Fabric - Sea Green
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $163 $163

Paisley Weave Kani Wool Shawl - Warm Apricot
Paisley Weave Kani Wool Shawl - Warm Apricot

1 x $45 $45

Jungle Skins Hand Emb Wool Scarf - Mischievous Multi
Jungle Skins Hand Emb Wool Scarf - Mischievous Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $35 $35

Handloom Pashmina Stripes Stole - Ivory, Granite Blue
Handloom Pashmina Stripes Stole - Ivory, Granite Blue
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $277 $277

ChandDar Ari Embroidery Wool Shawl -  Bochum Blue
ChandDar Ari Embroidery Wool Shawl - Bochum Blue
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $255 $255

Fawn & Beige Natural Wool Throw Blanket
Fawn & Beige Natural Wool Throw Blanket

1 x $74 $74

Dhaaj Dor Kani Wool Shawl - Blanc
Dhaaj Dor Kani Wool Shawl - Blanc
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $74 $74

Wooly Panther Scarf - Black, Rust
Wooly Panther Scarf - Black, Rust

1 x $15 $15

Kani Dordaar Wool Shawl - Merigold
Kani Dordaar Wool Shawl - Merigold

1 x $72 $72

Potpourri Jama Kalamkari Shawl – Light Beige Multi
Potpourri Jama Kalamkari Shawl – Light Beige Multi

1 x $138 $138

Ari Wool Jamawar Stole - Carmine Maroon
Ari Wool Jamawar Stole - Carmine Maroon
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $319 $319

Shibori Woven Wool Ruana Cape - Indigo
Shibori Woven Wool Ruana Cape - Indigo

1 x $52 $52

ON BLAST Metallic Threads Check Stole - Silver, Green
ON BLAST Metallic Threads Check Stole - Silver, Green
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $22 $22

Tribal Geometry Merino Print Stole - Mexicana Multi
Tribal Geometry Merino Print Stole - Mexicana Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $45 $45

Vintage Kani Paisley Merino Wool Stole - Munich Multi
Vintage Kani Paisley Merino Wool Stole - Munich Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $62 $62

Echoine SuperFine Wool Men's Shawl – Soft Beige
Echoine SuperFine Wool Men's Shawl – Soft Beige

1 x $128 $128

Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Honey White
Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Honey White

2 x $106 $213

Jashn-e-Doshaala - Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Beige, Multi
Jashn-e-Doshaala - Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Beige, Multi

1 x $149 $149

Shaheen Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Navy, Multi
Shaheen Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Navy, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $72 $72

Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Blush Pink
Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Blush Pink
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $340 $340

Petal Poetry Wool Scarf - Monochrome
Petal Poetry Wool Scarf - Monochrome
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $45 $45

Dusty Pink Paisley Decorative Cushion
Dusty Pink Paisley Decorative Cushion
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $14 $14

Badaam Jama Ari Hand Emb Wool Stole - Red, Black
Badaam Jama Ari Hand Emb Wool Stole - Red, Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $319 $319

Patola Jaal Unstitched Suit Set - Black, Multi
Patola Jaal Unstitched Suit Set - Black, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $136 $136

Mint Interflora Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Mint Interflora Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $46 $46

Ambidaar Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Madurai Multi
Ambidaar Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Madurai Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $426 $426

Chethana Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Mysuru Multi
Chethana Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Mysuru Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $575 $575

Crimson Interflora Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Crimson Interflora Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $46 $46

Gingham Checks UltraFine Wool Throw - Slate Grey
Gingham Checks UltraFine Wool Throw - Slate Grey
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $74 $74

Pure Wool Ari Embroidery Palledaar Shawl – Kesari, Black
Pure Wool Ari Embroidery Palledaar Shawl – Kesari, Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $132 $132

Shimmering Serpents Stole - Fawn, Ash
Shimmering Serpents Stole - Fawn, Ash
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $36 $36

Floral Jaal Paisley Border Raw Silk Dupatta - Sunset Gold
Floral Jaal Paisley Border Raw Silk Dupatta - Sunset Gold

1 x $72 $72

Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Autumn Rust
Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Autumn Rust
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $340 $340

Persian Red Paisley Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Persian Red Paisley Cushion and Pillow [2 Each, Set of 4]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $46 $46

Chocolate Brown Paisley Hand Bead Merino Wrap
Chocolate Brown Paisley Hand Bead Merino Wrap
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $38 $38

Handloom Kani Pashmina Shawl -Toosh, Multi
Handloom Kani Pashmina Shawl -Toosh, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $3,830 $3,830

Handloom Diamond Weave Pashmina Stole - Navy Blue
Handloom Diamond Weave Pashmina Stole - Navy Blue
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $255 $255

Potpourri Jama Kalamkari Shawl - Multi
Potpourri Jama Kalamkari Shawl - Multi

1 x $138 $138

Gul Jama Kani Weave Shawl -Saffron Yellow
Gul Jama Kani Weave Shawl -Saffron Yellow

1 x $53 $53

Merino Wool Sofa Throw - Lead & Slate Grey
Merino Wool Sofa Throw - Lead & Slate Grey

1 x $74 $74

Butehdaar Aksi Pashmina Shawl - Mint Blue
Butehdaar Aksi Pashmina Shawl - Mint Blue
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $3,745 $3,745

Contour Ikat Weave Wool Mens Shawl - Mumbai Multi
Contour Ikat Weave Wool Mens Shawl - Mumbai Multi

1 x $81 $81

Handloom Pure Pashmina Jamawar Mens Shawl - Toosh
Handloom Pure Pashmina Jamawar Mens Shawl - Toosh
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $7,022 $7,022

Oriental Paisley Pillow, Blush Pink [Set of 2]
Oriental Paisley Pillow, Blush Pink [Set of 2]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $19 $19

Chunri Booti Aksi Reversible Pashmina Shawl -Black, Ecru, Teal
Chunri Booti Aksi Reversible Pashmina Shawl -Black, Ecru, Teal
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $7,022 $7,022

Phool Jaal Raw Silk Dupatta - Maroon Red
Phool Jaal Raw Silk Dupatta - Maroon Red

1 x $72 $72

Paisley Leaf Kani Wool Zari Shawl - Maroon, Asphalt
Paisley Leaf Kani Wool Zari Shawl - Maroon, Asphalt

1 x $81 $81

Pure Wool Paisley Border Mens Shawl Lohi - Caramel Beige
Pure Wool Paisley Border Mens Shawl Lohi - Caramel Beige

1 x $34 $34

Lux Wool Patch Stole - Gangam Grey
Lux Wool Patch Stole - Gangam Grey
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $51 $51

Natural Beige and Grey Lambswool Stripes Plaid
Natural Beige and Grey Lambswool Stripes Plaid
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $55 $55

Wall of Flowers Merino Wool Scarf -Thyme Green, Multi
Wall of Flowers Merino Wool Scarf -Thyme Green, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $45 $45

Noor Jaal Kani Shawl - Sunflower Gold
Noor Jaal Kani Shawl - Sunflower Gold

1 x $47 $47

Handloom Pashmina Checks Mens Shawl – Fawn, Khaki
Handloom Pashmina Checks Mens Shawl – Fawn, Khaki
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x $532 $532

Max 250 Characters

You Might Love

ImageDarbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss BlueImageDarbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss BlueImageDarbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss BlueImageDarbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss BlueImageDarbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss Blue
Add to cart

Darbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl – Abyss Blue

$72
product

Darbār Daur Kani Wool Shawl - Abyss Blue

72.352$

Add to cart
ImageRaj Durbar Kani Shawl – Sunset GoldImageRaj Durbar Kani Shawl – Sunset GoldImageRaj Durbar Kani Shawl – Sunset Gold
Add to cart

Raj Durbar Kani Shawl – Sunset Gold

$72
product

Raj Durbar Kani Shawl - Sunset Gold

72.352$

Add to cart
ImageHandloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl – Rosewater PinkImageHandloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl – Rosewater PinkImageHandloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl – Rosewater Pink
Add to cart

Handloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl – Rosewater Pink

$2,341
product

Handloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl - Rosewater Pink

2340.8$

Add to cart
ImageKani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – IvoryImageKani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – IvoryImageKani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – IvoryImageKani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – Ivory
Add to cart

Kani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – Ivory

$128
product

Kani Dordaar Wool Mens Shawl – Ivory

127.68$

Add to cart

Cart totals

Subtotal $32,257
Total $32,257
Proceed to checkout
Checkout Add More Item