Silk Science

What is Mulberry Silky?

Mulberry silk refers to the silk made from the cocoons of the larvae of mulberry silkworms reared in captivity. The entire production process has been carefully monitored and the environment of the silkworm larvae is also strictly controlled.

This allows for the larvae to spin silk threads that are rounder, more excellent, smoother, lighter, and more uniformly colored than any other type of silk in the world. Mulberry silk fibers are also firm, easily beating steel fibers of the same diameter in strength and durability.

What Is Momme And Thread Count?

During the process of silk production, the silk factory will adjust the density and yarn count of the silk thread to control the weight or momme of the fabric.

Mommes

Mommes (mm), is a unit traditionally used to measure the quality of silk fabrics. One momme = 4.340 grams per square meter; 8 mommes is approximately 1 ounce per square yard or 35 grams per square meter.

Thread count

Thread count or threads per inch (TPI) is a measure of the coarseness or fineness of certain fabrics, most notably cotton. While it is not the definitive measurement of the quality of silk fabrics, it is good for reference when you purchase silk online. It is measured by counting the number of threads contained in one square inch of fabric or one square centimeter, including both the length (warp) and width (weft) threads. The thread count is the number of threads counted along two sides (up and across) of the square inch, added together.

Weaves of Pure Silk	Typical Momme (mm) Range
Gauze	3 to 5 momme
Organza	4 to 6 momme
Chiffon	6 to 8 momme
Crepe de Chine	12 to 16 momme
Charmeuse	12 to 30 momme (typically used in a silk pillowcase or sheets)
Raw silk	35 to 40 momme (this is very heavy silk with texture)

Our 22 momme silk pillowcase has a thread count of 600+

Normally, the higher the momme weight, the more durable the weave, the more luxurious the fabric is, the more suitable it is for heavy-duty use, and the longer the shelf-life. But the heavier the silk, the more opaque it becomes. This can vary even between the same kind of silk. Therefore, it does not mean that you must always buy silk products with higher momme weight. For instance, it would be too heavy to put on 25mm silk sleepwear for the night.

What Is The Difference Between Silk, Satin and Cotton?

SILK

Silk fabric is made from a natural fiber produced from silkworms, popularly mulberry silk. High-quality silk is a fabric that has been manufactured for thousands of years and has maintained its reputation as a symbol of luxury.

SATIN

Satin, on the other hand, is a man-made material made up of a mixture of satin, nylon, and polyester. Satin is more delicate than silk, so it needs more careful handling. It does not shimmer, but it does have a glossy appearance.

COTTON

Cotton is a strong fiber but the strength is largely affected by moisture, as its wet strength is 20% (much higher than dry strength) Cotton has better breathing capability.

Cotton can often be stronger than silk in some cases, as silk does require extra due care and special attention to ensure it retains its durable properties to make it last. But silk has a natural thermometer that helps cool you down in the hotter months and then amping up the insulation when the temperatures drop. To get that effect from cotton you have to add or remove layers.

Silk is the same on both sides, while the manufacturing process leaves satin with a dull flat back. Satin is not breathable and we do not recommend sleeping on it.

If you wish to sleep like a celebrity, then silk is the way to go. Your hair, skin, and inner natural beauty will thank you for it. You can never go wrong with sleeping on the worlds most luxurious fabric, silk.

How To Identify Real Silk

	Genuine silk	Fake silk
Flames	Burning genuine silk produces a smell very similar to that of burning human hair. The flame is close to invisible when burning the edge of the real silk fabric. Very soon after the flame source is taken away from the fabric, the silk will self-extinguish.	The ash from burning is black, crispy and turns to powder easily when grinded.
Ashes	Most fake silk are in fact petroleum based polyester products. When burned, these materials tend to combust rapidly in intense flames, and give a smell of burning plastic.	The ash of fake silk tend to be sticky, twisted, and difficult to break apart.

What Makes Silk So Great?

Silk is the Queen (or King) of fabrics, so it’s no wonder it has many benefits that give it this most deserved title. Rare and luxurious, here’s just a few reasons to love this material.

1. 100% Natural Fiber

Silk is a 100% natural fiber obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. The Cocoons are softened in water and filaments are unwound and woven together to create silk threads. It is lustrous, and smooth drapes well and is very strong.

According to science, silk is made of strings of amino acids with the same ph level as our skin, it is naturally hypo-allergic, natural mulberry silk containing sericin, a protein that reduces the possibility of an allergic reaction and thus is beneficial for those who suffer sensitive skin and itchy skin, such as (rosacea and eczema).

2. Anti Aging & Reduce Hair Breakage

Do you sometimes wake up with creases on your face? Rougher materials, like cotton, is a very absorbent fabric that draws moisture from your face and hair. Silk doesn't absorb moisture as much, and also reduces friction between your skin and the pillow.

The natural properties of silk, including its smooth surface, can help reduce friction which often causes damage, such as split ends. Hence, you'll wake up with nourished, tangle-free hair instead of fragile hair!

3. Enhance Sleep

The temperature regulating properties of our silk pillowcase allows you to keep cool at all times during the night without the discomfort associated with fluctuating temperature and the constant tossing and turning for restful night sleep. The result of sleeping with Silky Dreams silk is your body stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.