- Pashmina is the fine, soft down fiber from the undercoat of Changthangi goats, a special breed of cashmere goat native to the high-altitude Himalayan plateaus of Ladakh. The fiber is known for being lighter, finer, and warmer than standard sheep’s wool.
What makes pashmina fiber unique
- Origin: Pashmina fiber is collected from the Changthangi goat, also called the Pashmina goat, which inhabits the harsh climates of the Himalayas where temperatures can fall to -40°C. This environment causes the goats to develop an exceptionally thick, warm undercoat to survive.
- Collection process: The undercoat is harvested in the spring when the goats naturally shed their winter coat. Instead of shearing, herders gently comb the fine fibers from the goat.
- Fiber characteristics: The diameter of genuine pashmina fiber is typically between 12 and 15 microns, which is significantly finer than human hair (around 70 microns) and standard Merino wool (20–40 microns).
- Insulation: Despite its light weight, pashmina fiber creates tiny air pockets that provide excellent natural insulation, making it very warm.
- Breathability: Pashmina is naturally breathable and comfortable to wear in various climates.