What is Pashmina?

The term Pashmina is often used in conversations about luxury shawls — but what does it really mean? And how does it relate to the fiber we at vonoz consider our foundation: cashmere?

In this article, we unravel the history, confusion, and cultural relevance of the word "Pashmina" — while clearly reaffirming why, at vonoz, we exclusively speak of cashmere when referring to the noble underfleece that defines our craft.

The Origin of the Word "Pashmina"

The word pashmina comes from the Persian word pashm, meaning "wool." In traditional usage, it referred to any fine animal fleece — and over time, especially in the Himalayan regions, it became associated with the extremely soft undercoat of the Capra hircus goat.

In modern retail, however, the term has become vague, often used to label products that are not genuine or pure — including blends with silk or synthetic fibers. In fact, many items marketed as “pashmina scarves” are not made from high-quality cashmere at all.

Cashmere: The True Fiber Behind Pashmina

At vonoz, we speak exclusively of cashmere — a specific term with a well-defined origin and quality standard. True cashmere refers to the ultra-fine underfleece of Capra hircus goats, collected once a year during molting season.

The finest cashmere we use comes from Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas, where the goats develop a downy undercoat to survive harsh winters at 4,000 meters altitude. This fiber is combed by hand, never sheared, and sorted meticulously.

The resulting cashmere is incredibly soft — typically 12–15 microns in diameter — and forms the basis of the handwoven shawls found in our Kashmiri Heritage Collection and our Bespoke line.

Why We Avoid the Word "Pashmina"

While the romanticism surrounding “Pashmina” is undeniable, its use today is imprecise. The term lacks legal protection and is frequently misapplied to products with little or no relation to authentic Himalayan cashmere.

Worse, it is often used for shawls that include silk blends or even viscose — misleading buyers and undermining true craftsmanship.

That’s why at vonoz, we choose clarity over confusion. We work exclusively with pure cashmere, traceable to its source, and never refer to it as “Pashmina” in our product labels or descriptions.

Crafting with Cashmere at vonoz

Our atelier combines traditional techniques like Kani weaving and Sozni embroidery with the rarest cashmere fibers available. Every shawl is woven by hand — often from handspun yarn — and completed over weeks or months.

In our Nepali Essence Collection, we also offer lighter, modern styles using selected Mongolian cashmere, washed for an exceptionally soft hand. Whether in Kashmir or Kathmandu, our focus remains unwavering: pure, uncompromising cashmere.

Is All Cashmere Equal?

Not all cashmere is created equal. While the name might appear on many labels, the origin, processing, and purity vary dramatically. Machine-spun, mass-produced fibers from lowland farms cannot compare to the softness and resilience of high-altitude cashmere.

That’s why we source exclusively from trusted regions and producers, with strict criteria for softness, length, and origin. We ensure every piece lives up to what cashmere should be — not what it is often claimed to be.

How to Identify Real Cashmere

One of the most common questions we hear: how do you know if it's real? The answer begins with education. Real cashmere is:

• Warm to the touch and soft without being slippery
• Slightly textured when handspun — not perfectly uniform
• Light in weight yet intensely warm
• Never fuzzy or pilling straight out of the box

At vonoz, we offer full transparency about our materials and processes. Because trust is the foundation of true luxury.

Conclusion: Cashmere Over Pashmina

In summary, while “Pashmina” remains a culturally meaningful term, its modern use has become diluted. At vonoz, we choose instead to honor what it truly represents — by speaking clearly, sourcing responsibly, and crafting shawls from the world’s most exquisite cashmere.

Understanding the fiber is the first step toward understanding the art.

Want to know more about cashmere? See our Cashmere Knowledge Hub.