"Cashmere" and "Pashmina" appear on the same labels, yet they are not always synonymous. Understanding the overlap helps you buy with intention.
Cashmere in broad terms
Cashmere describes fine undercoat fibre from goats, named after the Kashmir region but sourced globally today — Mongolia, China, Iran, and elsewhere. Quality varies widely by micron count and processing.
Pashmina in the strict sense
In India, Pashmina often denotes fibre from the Changthangi goat at altitudes above 4,000 metres, traditionally processed in Kashmir. GI (Geographical Indication) protection applies to registered Kashmiri Pashmina.
Practical differences
Not all cashmere is Pashmina; not all items labelled Pashmina meet the traditional standard. Hand-combed, hand-spun, hand-woven pieces command higher prices and greater durability than mass-produced blends.
The craft does not scale infinitely — which is precisely why a well-chosen piece holds its value. Soznique curates slowly rather than flooding the gallery.