Cashmere fabrics

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[edit] Cashmere vs. Pashmina

Cashmere and pashmina originate from the same source.

Cashmere and pashmina are derived from the pashm goat or "Capra Hircus" as it is known in Latin.This goat makes its habitat in the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountain ranges and in the Sub-Siberian latitudes. These regions encompass Inner Mongolia, Kazakhstan, inner portions of Iran, and Afghanistan.

Pashmina is the same hair from the Capra Hircus, but is hand-spun using traditional methods and not using modern methods as used in Europe and initiated by the Europeans. Today, pashmina is a name given to any shawl with knotted fringes and this has given birth to terms like wool pashmina and viscose pashmina, which are not really pashmina in the real sense.

Genuine Pashmina and cashmere fibres and fabrics do not originate from Kashmir and Nepal.These regions have similar weaving traditions deep-rooted in their past, and have therefore developed an association with Pashmina-like shawls.

Similarly, pashmina and cashmere have no connection with the illegal [shahtoosh], and shahtoosh originates from the Tibetan Antelopes-an endangered species of animal. Pashmina and cashmere are fully legal and safe to enjoy as possessions,and this is a phenomenon not likely to change.

Cashmere or pashmina are available in pure form or as blends with silk (silk cashmere), linen (linen cashmere), or just about anything possible.The key is to buy from reliable sources, who can can be trusted on their statements about the content and composition of the cashmere.