Silk Guide
All you need to know
About Silk
History of Silk
The history of silk began in ancient China, about 3000 BC. According to Chinese legends, silk was first discovered by Empress Hsi Ling Shih, when sitting beneath a mulberry tree sipping tea. When a cocoon fell into her teacup and started to unravel, she loved the shiny strands of what later became known as mulberry silk.
So what makes mulberry silk unique? A single strand of fiber spun by a mulberry silkworm is mainly composed of silk fibroin and sericin binder. The silk fibroin structure provides the fiber stiffness and strength whilst the sericin binder acts as an adhesive which helps to hold the structure of the fiber together. Unlike other fabrics that tend to draw moisture from skin and hair (such as cotton), silk fibroin is a natural protein fiber with 18 essential amino acids, which makes it exceptional at maintaining the appropriate moisture balance in the skin.
What is momme (mm)
Mommes (mm) is a unit traditionally used to measure the quality of silk fabrics.
Momme measures the density of silk. The density of the threads in the 25 momme silk fabric is significantly higher than that of the 22 momme or 19 momme.
Higher momme = more threads = more durable and expensive.
In contrast, 25 momme silk that is used in all our luxury silk products, weighs 25 x 4.34g sqm = 108 grams per square metre. This is up to 30% more silk used in each pillowcase than other merchants selling 19 and 22 momme silk pillowcases. Higher momme also makes the fabric more opaque, much longer lasting, softer hand-feel and a deeper more complex colour.
Always pay attention to what MOMME silk you’re buying!
We don’t recommend buying silk products lower than < 25 MM as they are not so durable, might wash out very fast and doesn’t give that luxurious feel to the touch.
Especially beware of merchants that do not point out the MM count is the product description.
It’s the most important thing when buying silk!
About our Silk
Our main goal always has been to offer the highest possible quality products on the market.
Now we can say it without hesitation – if you’re seeking for quality, you’ve came to the right place.
All of our silk products are 100% Pure Mulberry silk, luxurious-quality 25 MOMME, made of 6A Grade silk fibres – which is the highest grade in silk production!
Our Products are Certified by:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Benefits of Silk
Silk has been named the “queen of fibres” for a long time because of its many beneficial properties like breathable, anti-allergy, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, anti-aging and so on.
Silk is naturally hypoallergenic. It is a naturally formed fiber by silkworms, that essentially consists of the proteins sericin and fibroin. Since sericin is inherently resistant to infections, it can ward off common allergens like mold, dust mites, and germs.
Silk is also free of any potentially harmful substances or irritating compounds, so even those with sensitive skin can wear it without risk.
Sleeping with silk pillowcases can actually stop or lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to research on the cosmetic uses of silk. Silk’s natural cellular albumen can help to speed up skin cell metabolism which fastens skin cell renewal, both of which leads to healthier, plumper skin. Because silk contains a lot of hydrophilic groups, such as amino groups, it can also help with hydration. Sleeping in silk gives you that ‘spa’ feeling every night.
Longtime silk users and beauty experts agree that silk fabric helps maintain soft, moisturized and tangle-free hair.
This is primarily due to two important characteristics of silk:
• Of all the fibers, silk has the least amount of friction force (7.4%), making it smooth on the skin, so as you sleep on silk, your hair won’t frizz.
• Water molecules can easily diffuse through silk due to its porosity and abundance of hydrophilic groups like amino. So instead of absorbing moisture from your hair like cotton fabric, silk fabric will moisturize your hair, promoting healthier, shinier hair.
Sleeping on silk pillowcases is incredibly comfortable and easy to relax your body since the natural silk fibre is so smooth and sensitive to the touch. Moreover, sleeping on silk keeps you cool and prevents overheating because of its insulating and breathable qualities. As everyone knows, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial, and the truth is that silk, in all its forms, enhances the quality of your sleep.
Studies shows that silk has specific characteristics, including its natural hydrophobicity and antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities.
Breathable and light-weight, silk fabric is known to be a natural temperature regulator, helping to naturally expel excess heat in warm weather, whilst helping the body to retain warmth in cold temperatures. Silk can naturally help to maintain a comfortable body temperature whichever season of the year it may be.
Care of Silk
Handwashing is the safest and best method washing delicate items, especially silk. DRY CLEAN is also a suitable method.
But for those who lack the time, patience, or ability to wash silk by hand – our items can also be machine washed. Of course, there is an additional risk, and it is necessary to minimize it with particular measures.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Fill a basin with <= lukewarm water 30°C/86°F.
It’s the perfect temperature for silk to be hand-washed.
2. Add a few drops of the silk delicates specific detergent.
3. Turn your silk items inside out, put them in and allow them to soak for 3 minutes.
4. Gently stir the delicates in the water.
To wash away any dirt or residue, gently submerge the silk object up and down in the water. This will allow the water to pass through the fabric. This action is far gentler than what a washing machine would do.
5. Rinse your silk items <= lukewarm water (30°C/86°F).
After taking the silk object from the water, give it a thorough rinse in clean water to ensure that all of the detergent soap suds are gone.
6. After washing, use a towel to absorb water.
To remove the moisture from your silk item, use a fresh white towel; do not rub or wring it out.
7. Allow the silk items to air dry.
Hang flat if possible; however, keep out of direct sunlight.
1. Check the care label.
Check the label to determine if it is machine washable before throwing it in the washer. Machine washing can cause certain silk goods to lose their color or get damaged.
2. Sort your laundry.
Wash various fabrics and colors separately.
3. Always use a mesh bag for protection.
Turn your silk items inside out and put them in a delicates mesh bag, to prevent the ripping and shearing of silk fibers.
4. Add the appropriate amount of silk-specific detergent.
5. Choose a delicate/silk cycle.
Wash in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle.
6. Reduce the spin time.
Because the forces involved in spinning can shear weaker silk fibers, it can be extremely harmful for silk fabric.
7. After washing, use a towel to absorb water.
After removing the items from the machine, dab away any extra moisture using a fresh white cloth. DO NOT TUMBLE DRY.
8. To dry, hang or place flat.
If possible, hang dry; however, keep out of direct sunshine.