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

Mehermaan Ikat Weaves Wool Shawl - Meerut Multi
Mehermaan Ikat Weaves Wool Shawl - Meerut Multi

1 x د.إ108 د.إ108

Handloom Pure Pashmina Checks Stole - Black, Fawn
Handloom Pure Pashmina Checks Stole - Black, Fawn
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ645 د.إ645

Merigold Weaves Stole in Silk Cotton
Merigold Weaves Stole in Silk Cotton

1 x د.إ36 د.إ36

Shaheen Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Tango Red
Shaheen Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Tango Red

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Oriental Paisley Pillow, Roorkee Red [Set of 2]
Oriental Paisley Pillow, Roorkee Red [Set of 2]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ47 د.إ47

Ari Jaaldaar Hand Embroidery Shawl - White
Ari Jaaldaar Hand Embroidery Shawl - White

2 x د.إ484 د.إ968

Creepy Crawlers Glitter Threads Wool Scarf - Lead Grey
Creepy Crawlers Glitter Threads Wool Scarf - Lead Grey
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ71 د.إ71

Superfine Merino Wool Tonal Stole - Natural Grey
Superfine Merino Wool Tonal Stole - Natural Grey

1 x د.إ140 د.إ140

Phool Bagh Ari Jamawar Stole - Sangeen Black
Phool Bagh Ari Jamawar Stole - Sangeen Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ806 د.إ806

Infinity Merino Wool Scarf - Monochrome
Infinity Merino Wool Scarf - Monochrome

1 x د.إ65 د.إ65

Bada Dor Kani Weave Shawl – Antique Red
Bada Dor Kani Weave Shawl – Antique Red

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Boho Weave Hand Embroidery Scarf - Lavender, Lime
Boho Weave Hand Embroidery Scarf - Lavender, Lime
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ94 د.إ94

Rhomb Kani Shawl with Zari  - Honey Mustard
Rhomb Kani Shawl with Zari - Honey Mustard

1 x د.إ156 د.إ156

Interflora Wool Silk Self Checks Stole - Pink
Interflora Wool Silk Self Checks Stole - Pink
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ119 د.إ119

Ambi Jaal Sozni Pashmina Shawl - Thyme Green
Ambi Jaal Sozni Pashmina Shawl - Thyme Green
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ3,763 د.إ3,763

Pure Wool Paisley Border Mens Shawl Lohi - White, Walnut
Pure Wool Paisley Border Mens Shawl Lohi - White, Walnut

1 x د.إ86 د.إ86

Jashn-e-Doshaala - Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Multi, Black
Jashn-e-Doshaala - Kani Weave Mens Shawl - Multi, Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ376 د.إ376

Aztec Pure Wool Stole - Espresso Brown
Aztec Pure Wool Stole - Espresso Brown

1 x د.إ37 د.إ37

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

1 x د.إ108 د.إ108

Handloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl - Offwhite, Crimson
Handloom Pashmina Baledaar Shawl - Offwhite, Crimson

1 x د.إ1,613 د.إ1,613

Contour Ikat Weave Wool Shawl - Latte, Multi
Contour Ikat Weave Wool Shawl - Latte, Multi

1 x د.إ118 د.إ118

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

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Bada Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Heritage Black
Bada Dor Kani Weave Shawl - Heritage Black

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Floral Modal Silky Stole - Lilac Multi
Floral Modal Silky Stole - Lilac Multi

1 x د.إ29 د.إ29

Kani Dordaar Wool Shawl - Crimson Red
Kani Dordaar Wool Shawl - Crimson Red

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Mehermaan Ikat Weaves Wool Men's Shawl - Monochrome Black
Mehermaan Ikat Weaves Wool Men's Shawl - Monochrome Black

1 x د.إ204 د.إ204

Masakali Ari Tichdaar Wool Stole -Jade Green
Masakali Ari Tichdaar Wool Stole -Jade Green
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ1,075 د.إ1,075

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

1 x د.إ156 د.إ156

Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Merigold
Ari Jaaldar Hand Emb Phiran - Merigold
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ860 د.إ860

Antique Green Vintage Paisley Cushion
Antique Green Vintage Paisley Cushion
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ36 د.إ36

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

1 x د.إ806 د.إ806

Bajoodar Ari Wool Phiran - Tumeric Brown
Bajoodar Ari Wool Phiran - Tumeric Brown
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ484 د.إ484

Poshkar Jama Ari Wool Stole- Siya, Multi
Poshkar Jama Ari Wool Stole- Siya, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ614 د.إ614

Poshdar Khatraas Mens Shawl - Grey, Red
Poshdar Khatraas Mens Shawl - Grey, Red

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Mehez Durbar Oversize Wool Silk Foulard - Firozi Blue
Mehez Durbar Oversize Wool Silk Foulard - Firozi Blue
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ133 د.إ133

Lalita Paisley Hand Embroidery Wool Stole - Jade, Multi
Lalita Paisley Hand Embroidery Wool Stole - Jade, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ108 د.إ108

Raj Durbar Kani Shawl - Snow Multi
Raj Durbar Kani Shawl - Snow Multi

1 x د.إ323 د.إ323

Roaring Tigress Hand Emb Wool Stole - Navy, Multi
Roaring Tigress Hand Emb Wool Stole - Navy, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ126 د.إ126

Sohail Paisley Jaal Kani Wool Shawl - Emerald Green
Sohail Paisley Jaal Kani Wool Shawl - Emerald Green

1 x د.إ183 د.إ183

Wild Textures Weave Wool Blend Scarf - Crimson Beige
Wild Textures Weave Wool Blend Scarf - Crimson Beige
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ65 د.إ65

Parizaad Jaal Kani Weave Wool Shawl - Lotus Pink
Parizaad Jaal Kani Weave Wool Shawl - Lotus Pink
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ140 د.إ140

Jalaal Kani Antique Wool Shawl - Neel Navy
Jalaal Kani Antique Wool Shawl - Neel Navy

1 x د.إ215 د.إ215

Zari Wool Dorukha Jaaldar Shawl – Merigold Ivory
Zari Wool Dorukha Jaaldar Shawl – Merigold Ivory

1 x د.إ126 د.إ126

Chethana Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Opulent Beige
Chethana Kalamkari Wool Shawl - Opulent Beige
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ1,613 د.إ1,613

Sozni Palla Pure Pashmina Shawl - Melange Beige
Sozni Palla Pure Pashmina Shawl - Melange Beige
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ4,193 د.إ4,193

Posh Buti All Over Ari Shawl - Black
Posh Buti All Over Ari Shawl - Black
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ806 د.إ806

Roaring Tigress Wool  Twill Stole - Navy, Multi
Roaring Tigress Wool Twill Stole - Navy, Multi
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ113 د.إ113

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

1 x د.إ89 د.إ89

Ari Embroidery Pure Wool Dressing Gown – Black & Red
Ari Embroidery Pure Wool Dressing Gown – Black & Red
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ505 د.إ505

Kullu Daur Wool Blend Throw - Fawn
Kullu Daur Wool Blend Throw - Fawn
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ164 د.إ164

Elevated Weaves Wool Throw - Fossil Grey
Elevated Weaves Wool Throw - Fossil Grey
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ187 د.إ187

Phool Palla Chanderi Unstitched Suit - Turquoise
Phool Palla Chanderi Unstitched Suit - Turquoise

1 x د.إ297 د.إ297

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 د.إ446 د.إ446

Mumtaaz Paisley Cushion, Aurora Red [Set of 2]
Mumtaaz Paisley Cushion, Aurora Red [Set of 2]
Only 1 Left In Stock

1 x د.إ72 د.إ72

Max 250 Characters

You Might Love

ImageOrchid Red Floral Jaal Raw Silk DupattaImageOrchid Red Floral Jaal Raw Silk DupattaImageOrchid Red Floral Jaal Raw Silk Dupatta
Add to cart

Orchid Red Floral Jaal Raw Silk Dupatta

د.إ183
product

Orchid Red Floral Jaal Raw Silk Dupatta

182.784د.إ

Add to cart
ImageKairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, TooshImageKairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, TooshImageKairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, TooshImageKairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, TooshImageKairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, Toosh
Add to cart

Kairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl – Ecru, Toosh

د.إ4,570
product

Kairi Paisley Handloom Pashmina Shawl - Ecru, Toosh

4569.6د.إ

Add to cart
ImageElliptical Polkas Linen Stole – TealImageElliptical Polkas Linen Stole – TealImageElliptical Polkas Linen Stole – Teal
Add to cart

Elliptical Polkas Linen Stole – Teal

د.إ56
product

Elliptical Polkas Linen Stole - Teal

56.352د.إ

Add to cart
ImageDusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded StoleImageDusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded StoleImageDusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded StoleImageDusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded StoleImageDusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded Stole
Add to cart

Dusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded Stole

د.إ97
product

Dusty Pink Wool Hand Beaded Stole

96.768د.إ

Add to cart

Cart totals

Subtotal د.إ24,622
Total د.إ24,622
Proceed to checkout
Checkout Add More Item