Pure Silk Fabric: Complete Guide to Types, Uses & Care | Fabriculture Inc.

What is pure silk fabric?
Quick Answer: Pure silk fabric is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms — primarily Bombyx mori — as they spin their cocoons. It is one of the oldest and most luxurious textiles in the world, prized for its natural sheen, softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties. Silk is a true natural filament fibre and contains no synthetic components.

What is Pure Silk Fabric: Key Takeaways

1. Silk is a natural protein fibre spun by silkworms, primarily Bombyx mori, from mulberry leaves.
2. Mulberry silk is the most refined and widely used variety, known for its soft texture and luminous sheen.
3. Silk is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating, making it suitable for both warm and cool seasons.
4. There are eight major types of silk fabric, each with distinct characteristics and best-use applications.
5. Silk is not fully vegan — traditional silk production involves the death of silkworms during harvesting. Peace silk offers an ethical alternative.
6. Silk requires gentle care — hand washing in cool water or dry cleaning is strongly recommended.
7. The burn test is the most reliable DIY method for verifying authentic silk.
8. Silk can shrink when exposed to heat or agitated washing — always follow care labels.
9. Silk momme weight (mm) determines thickness and durability — higher momme means heavier, longer-lasting fabric.
10. Silk is biodegradable and, with responsible sourcing, among the more sustainable luxury fibres available.

What is Pure Silk Fabric: An Overview

Few fabrics have captured human imagination quite like silk. For more than five thousand years, this extraordinary natural fibre has symbolised luxury, refinement, and craftsmanship — from the imperial robes of ancient China to the runway collections of modern fashion houses.

But silk is far more than a status symbol. It is a genuinely remarkable textile with properties that no synthetic fabric has fully replicated. It is soft, breathable, strong, and naturally lustrous. It regulates body temperature, wicks moisture, and drapes beautifully across the body.

Whether you are a fashion designer selecting fabric for a couture piece, a home sewist tackling a silk blouse, or simply someone curious about what makes silk so special, this guide covers everything you need to know.

From the silkworm's cocoon to the finished fabric on your cutting table — let's explore pure silk in full.

What Is Silk Fabric?

Silk fabric is a natural textile made from the continuous protein filaments produced by silkworms as they spin their cocoons. The fibre is composed primarily of two proteins: fibroin (the structural core) and sericin (the gummy outer coating that holds the cocoon together).

Unlike cotton or linen — which are derived from plant fibres — silk is an animal-derived protein fibre, placing it in the same category as wool. This protein structure gives silk its characteristic softness, sheen, and skin-friendly feel.

The most prized silk comes from the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori, which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves. A single silkworm can produce a continuous filament up to 1,500 metres long. Thousands of these fine filaments are combined and twisted to create silk yarn, which is then woven or knitted into fabric.

Silk has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after natural fibres in the global textile industry, used in everything from haute couture to luxury bedding.

History of Silk Fabric

The story of silk begins in ancient China, where legend attributes its discovery to Lady Leizu, wife of the Yellow Emperor Huangdi, around 2700 BCE. A silkworm cocoon reportedly fell into her hot tea, and as she pulled out the unravelling thread, the idea of silk cultivation was born.

For centuries, China guarded the secrets of sericulture — the art of cultivating silkworms — with extraordinary protectiveness. Revealing the process to foreigners was considered a capital offence.

By approximately 200 BCE, silk had become a key driver of international trade. The Silk Road — a network of overland and maritime trade routes stretching from China to the Mediterranean — carried silk westward to Persia, Rome, and eventually Europe. Silk was so valuable that it was used as currency and tribute.

The secrets of silk production gradually spread. By 300 CE, silk cultivation had reached India. By 550 CE, Byzantine monks smuggled silkworm eggs out of China, bringing sericulture to Europe.

Today, China and India remain the world's largest silk producers, accounting for roughly 95% of global output. Other important producers include Uzbekistan, Thailand, Brazil, and Vietnam.

How Is Silk Fabric Made?

Silk production — known as sericulture — is a meticulous, labour-intensive process that transforms a silkworm's cocoon into the lustrous fabric we know. Here is the full journey from larva to loom.

To understand how other natural fabrics are made using different processes, see our guide: How Is Fabric Made? A Beginner's Guide to Fabrics.

Step 1: Silkworm Cultivation (Sericulture)

Silkworm eggs are hatched in controlled conditions. The larvae — silkworms — are fed fresh mulberry leaves continuously for around four to six weeks. During this time, they grow to approximately 10,000 times their original size.

Step 2: Cocoon Spinning

When ready to pupate, each silkworm spins a protective cocoon around itself using a continuous filament of raw silk, secreted from two glands in its head. This takes two to three days. The resulting cocoon — about the size of a large olive — contains a single thread up to 1,500 metres long.

Step 3: Cocoon Harvesting

To preserve the length of the filament, cocoons are immersed in hot water or steam before the pupa inside develops into a moth. This process (which kills the pupa) softens the sericin glue holding the cocoon together, making it possible to unravel the filament in one continuous piece.

Step 4: Reeling

The softened cocoons are brushed to locate the end of the filament. Several filaments (typically 5–8) are reeled together onto a spool simultaneously to create a raw silk thread of useable thickness. This combined thread is called a bave.

Step 5: Spinning and Twisting

The raw silk threads are twisted together to form silk yarn. The degree of twist affects the final fabric's texture — a tight twist creates crêpe-like textures, while a loose twist produces a softer, more lustrous yarn.

Step 6: Weaving, Dyeing, and Finishing

Silk yarn is woven or knitted into fabric on a loom. The fabric is then degummed (the sericin is removed with hot soapy water), which reveals the natural softness and sheen of the fibroin underneath. The fabric is then dyed, printed, or finished according to its intended use.

Types of Silk Fabric

Silk is not a single uniform material. It is woven and processed in many different ways, each producing a fabric with distinct properties, textures, and applications.

Mulberry Silk

• What it is: The gold standard of silk, produced exclusively by Bombyx mori silkworms fed on white mulberry leaves.
• Characteristics: Exceptionally smooth, uniform texture; brilliant natural sheen; hypoallergenic; the finest and most consistent silk variety available.
• Common uses: Luxury blouses, lingerie, scarves, linings, premium bedding, bridal wear.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — slippery; requires sharp needles, tissue paper cutting, and careful handling. Rewarding for experienced sewists.

Charmeuse Silk

• What it is: A lightweight woven silk with a distinctive satin weave — glossy on one side, matte on the reverse.
• Characteristics: Extraordinarily fluid drape; soft, clinging hand; high lustre on the face side; relatively delicate.
• Common uses: Evening gowns, lingerie, draped blouses, scarves, luxury pyjamas.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐ Challenging — extremely slippery and prone to fraying; not recommended for beginners.

Chiffon Silk

• What it is: A sheer, lightweight woven silk with a slightly rough texture from highly twisted yarns.
• Characteristics: Translucent; floaty and airy; subtle texture; elegant movement; delicate.
• Common uses: Overlays, evening wear, scarves, blouses, bridal veils.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐ Challenging — sheer and slippery; use fine pins, sharp scissors, and a French seam technique.

Dupioni Silk (Dupion)

• What it is: A crisp, textured silk woven from irregular threads reeled from two interlocked cocoons.
• Characteristics: Characteristic slub texture (irregular thick-and-thin strands); crisp body; natural sheen; less drapey than charmeuse.
• Common uses: Bridal wear, structured dresses, formal jackets, home furnishings, curtains.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate-friendly — the crisp structure makes it easier to cut and handle than charmeuse or chiffon.

Organza Silk

• What it is: A thin, plain-weave silk with an open, crisp, and transparent structure.
• Characteristics: Sheer and stiff; holds its shape; creates dramatic volume; extremely fine.
• Common uses: Bridal overlays, evening gowns, structured sleeves, ribbon, floral work.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — stiff enough to handle more easily than chiffon, but fine threads require sharp, fine needles.

Habotai Silk (China Silk)

• What it is: The lightest and most basic plain-weave silk, sometimes called China silk or Pongee.
• Characteristics: Lightweight; smooth; soft; subtle sheen; economical entry-level silk.
• Common uses: Linings, scarves, lightweight blouses, screen printing base, children's clothing.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — lightweight and somewhat easier than heavier silks, but still requires care.

Tussar Silk (Tussah)

• What it is: A wild silk produced by Antheraea silkworms feeding on non-mulberry trees such as oak and juniper.
• Characteristics: Rich, textured, matte surface; natural honey-gold colour; coarser feel than mulberry silk; earthy aesthetic.
• Common uses: Ethnic wear, sarees, kurtas, scarves, artisan fashion, eco-conscious clothing.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — less slippery than charmeuse; the coarser texture makes it easier to grip and cut.

Raw Silk

• What it is: Silk that has not been fully degummed — the sericin coating is retained, giving the fabric a rougher, stiffer texture.
• Characteristics: Textured, matte surface; stiffer hand; natural, artisan aesthetic; heavier than degummed silks.
• Common uses: Rustic fashion pieces, artisan textiles, upholstery, craft projects.
• Sewing suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ More beginner-accessible — the stiff texture reduces slipping and fraying compared to polished silks.

Properties of Silk Fabric

Silk has been prized for thousands of years because of its unique combination of softness, breathability, natural sheen, and luxurious drape. Unlike many other textiles, silk is naturally temperature-regulating, helping you stay cool in warm weather while providing insulation in cooler conditions.

The table below compares silk with other popular fabrics, including cotton, linen, and polyester, highlighting the qualities that make silk one of the world's most sought-after luxury textiles.

Key textile science note: Silk's protein structure (fibroin) closely resembles human skin proteins, which is why it feels so comfortable against the body and is naturally hypoallergenic. Silk filaments are also triangular in cross-section — this prism-like shape refracts light and produces silk's famous natural sheen.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Silk Fabric

Silk is often considered one of the world's most luxurious textiles, valued for its exceptional softness, elegant drape, and natural temperature-regulating properties. However, like every fabric, silk comes with its own set of strengths and limitations.

Understanding both the benefits and potential drawbacks of silk can help you decide whether it is the right choice for your clothing, home décor, or sewing project. The table below highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of silk fabric.

Is Silk Fabric Sustainable?

Sustainability in silk is a nuanced topic — and one that deserves an honest, balanced discussion.

In favour of silk's sustainability: Silk is a natural, biodegradable fibre. It breaks down in the environment without releasing microplastics, unlike polyester or nylon. Silkworms are fed on mulberry leaves, a crop that requires relatively low pesticide input compared to conventional cotton. The entire production chain is predominantly manual and low-energy.

Concerns about conventional silk: Traditional silk production involves boiling cocoons while the pupa is still alive to unravel the filament intact. This raises significant animal welfare concerns. It also requires substantial water for mulberry cultivation and cocoon processing. Working conditions in some silk-producing regions have also drawn scrutiny from labour rights organisations.

Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk): Peace silk — also known as Ahimsa silk — allows the silkworm to complete its life cycle and emerge as a moth before the cocoon is processed. The resulting filaments are shorter and more irregular, giving peace silk a distinctive, slightly textured look. It is the ethical choice for conscious consumers and vegans who wish to use silk.

Vegan silk alternatives: For consumers who prefer to avoid animal-derived fibres entirely, a range of innovative alternatives exists — including Tencel (lyocell), bamboo silk, lotus silk, soy silk, and spider-silk biosynthetics.

Learn more about vegan-friendly silk alternatives in our guide: Vegan Silk Fabric: Sustainable Luxury Textile Guide.

Our verdict: Silk occupies a more sustainable position than synthetic fibres, but it is not without ethical complexity. Seeking certifications such as OEKO-TEX, sourcing from responsible producers, or choosing peace silk are meaningful steps toward more conscious silk purchasing.

Silk vs Satin: What's the Difference?

 

 

This is one of the most common points of confusion in textiles. The key distinction is simple: silk is a fibre; satin is a weave.

Explore the full comparison in our dedicated article: Silk vs Satin: What's the Difference and Which Fabric Is Better?

The simple rule: "Satin silk" or "silk satin" refers to silk woven using a satin weave — the best of both worlds, offering the natural fibre quality of silk with an even more lustrous surface. Polyester satin is a lower-cost imitation that mimics the look but lacks silk's natural properties.

Is Silk Good for Summer?

Yes — and science explains exactly why.

Silk is one of the best natural fabrics for warm weather, despite its reputation for luxury. Here's how it performs in heat:

• Breathability: Silk's open fibre structure allows air to circulate freely against the skin, preventing the trapped heat and humidity that synthetic fabrics create.
• Moisture management: Silk can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before it begins to feel damp. It also wicks perspiration away from the body, releasing it as vapour rather than letting it pool. This keeps skin dry and comfortable.
• Temperature regulation: Silk has a unique ability to adapt to body temperature. In summer, it keeps you cool; in cooler months, it provides a surprisingly effective layer of insulation. This dual behaviour makes it genuinely season-spanning.
• Lightweight comfort: Most silk fabrics — particularly habotai, chiffon, and charmeuse — are extremely lightweight. They don't cling, bunch, or create bulk in warm weather.

Discover other top-performing warm-weather fabrics in our guide: Best Fabrics for Summer: 10 Breathable Options for Hot Weather. And if you're curious about what to avoid in the heat, see: What Fabrics Trap Heat? The Worst Fabrics for Hot Weather.

One practical note: silk in direct prolonged sunlight can degrade and fade. For outdoor summer wear, choose styles with UV protection or limit extended sun exposure.

Common Uses of Silk Fabric

Silk's unique combination of properties makes it suitable for a remarkably broad range of applications.

Fashion and Apparel:

• Dresses and gowns — especially evening wear, bridal, and occasion pieces where drape and luminosity are essential
• Blouses and tops — mulberry silk and charmeuse are classic choices for fluid, elegant blouses
• Scarves and accessories — one of the oldest and most iconic uses of silk worldwide
• Lingerie and sleepwear — silk's smooth surface reduces friction against skin and regulates body temperature overnight
• Ties and pocket squares — woven silk remains the material of choice in formal menswear
• Kimono and ethnic wear — tussar and mulberry silk are central to traditional garments across Asia

Home Textiles:

• Luxury bedding — silk pillowcases are widely recognised for benefits to hair and skin
• Curtains and drapery — dupioni and raw silk create elegant window treatments
• Cushion covers and upholstery accents — structured silks add a luxurious touch to interiors

Artisan and Craft Uses:

• Screen printing base — habotai silk is widely used by textile artists
• Hand-painted silk — a traditional art form particularly practised in Japan, India, and France
• Embroidery ground — silk floss on silk ground produces the finest embroidered textiles

Is Silk Fabric Good for Sewing?

Silk is one of the most rewarding fabrics to sew — and one of the most demanding. It rewards patience, preparation, and the right technique.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced (varies by silk type — dupioni and raw silk are more manageable; charmeuse and chiffon are among the most challenging).

Why silk is challenging to sew:

• Slippery surface makes cutting and pinning difficult
• Frays readily along cut edges
• Shows needle holes if you need to unpick stitches
• Can pucker if the machine tension or needle is wrong
• Requires slow, controlled stitching speed

Essential sewing tips for silk:

• Needles: Use a fine, sharp machine needle (Microtex 60/8 or 70/10). Never use a dull needle on silk.
• Thread: Use fine polyester or silk thread for strength and flexibility.
• Cutting: Place silk on a single layer on a non-slip cutting mat. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. Tissue paper between the fabric and mat prevents slipping.
• Pinning: Use very fine, sharp pins. Pin within the seam allowance only to avoid visible holes.
• Seam finishes: Use French seams, flat-felled seams, or serged edges to prevent fraying.
• Pressing: Always press on the reverse side using a low-heat silk setting. Use a pressing cloth.
• Tension: Test on scraps first. Reduce presser foot pressure slightly to prevent the fabric from being dragged.

Beginner suitability: Beginners are best advised to start with less slippery fabrics before attempting silk.

If you're starting, our guide to Best Fabrics for Beginners Learning to Sew will help you build the skills that make sewing silk much easier.

How to Wash and Care for Silk Fabric?

Silk is a delicate natural fibre that rewards careful care with years of beauty and longevity. Treat it well and it will last decades.

Important: Silk weakens significantly when wet. Never wring, scrub, or apply direct heat. Spot-test any product on a hidden area before full treatment.

For specific stain challenges: How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Clothes

Does silk shrink? Yes, silk can shrink when exposed to hot water, heat, or mechanical agitation. Proper cold-water hand washing prevents shrinkage. For more on fabric shrinkage: Which Fabrics Shrink the Most? Complete Guide.

How to Identify Real Silk?

With the global market flooded by silk-like synthetic fabrics, knowing how to verify authenticity is an important skill for any fabric buyer. Here are four reliable methods.

1. The Burn Test (Most Reliable)

Pull a few threads from the fabric and hold them over a flame.

• Real silk: Burns slowly, self-extinguishes when the flame is removed, smells of burning hair or feathers, leaves a soft, crushable dark ash.
• Polyester (fake silk): Burns quickly, melts and may drip, smells of burning plastic, leaves a hard bead of plastic residue.
• Rayon (viscose): Burns like paper, does not self-extinguish, smells of burning paper, leaves no ash.

For a full guide to fibre identification by burn test, see: How to Identify Textile Fibers Using the Burn Test.

2. The Touch Test

Genuine silk warms quickly when held in your palm — it reacts to body heat. Synthetic fabrics tend to remain cool or at room temperature. Silk also feels smooth without being slippery in an artificial way; its surface has a subtle "give" that synthetics don't replicate.

3. The Ring Test

Pull a length of fabric through a finger ring. Pure silk, being composed of extremely fine filaments, passes through smoothly and evenly. Synthetic imitations tend to catch, bunch, or resist.

4. Visual Inspection

Hold the fabric up to light. Real silk has a multicoloured, shifting lustre — the colour changes slightly depending on the angle of light due to the triangular prism structure of silk fibroin fibres. Synthetic fabrics tend to reflect a consistent, often overly bright, white-toned sheen.

Where to Buy High-Quality Silk Fabric?

Buying silk well requires knowing what to look for. Here's what to consider before purchasing.

Verify fibre content: Always look for fabrics labelled "100% silk" or "pure silk" with a clear fibre composition. Blended fabrics labelled "silk-like" or "satin" are often predominantly synthetic.

Check momme weight (mm): Momme is the traditional weight measurement for silk. Higher momme means a heavier, more durable fabric. As a general guide:

• 6–9 mm: Very lightweight; best for scarves and linings
• 12–16 mm: Medium weight; ideal for blouses and dresses
• 19–25 mm: Heavier; suitable for structured garments and bedding
• 30 mm+: Very heavy; used for upholstery and speciality applications

Look for transparency in sourcing: Reputable silk suppliers should be able to tell you where their silk is sourced, the silk type (mulberry, tussar, etc.), and whether any ethical or environmental certifications apply.

Match the fabric to your project: Not all silks perform equally in all applications. Charmeuse drapes beautifully for evening wear; dupioni holds structure for formal garments; habotai is ideal for printing and lining. Knowing your project's requirements saves costly mistakes.

Consider quality over quantity: A smaller length of premium-quality mulberry silk will almost always outperform a larger length of bargain-price synthetic satin — in finish, feel, durability, and garment life.

🧵 Exploring Silk for Your Next Project?

Fabriculture's curated silk collection brings together a thoughtfully selected range of pure silk fabrics — from fluid mulberry charmeuse to textured dupioni and artisan tussar. Each fabric is chosen for quality, authenticity, and creative potential.

Whether you're a fashion designer sourcing premium material, a home sewist planning your next garment, or a fabric enthusiast building your stash, exploring a well-curated collection makes all the difference.

Browse Fabriculture's Silk Collection → fabriculture.store/collections/silks

Pure Silk Fabric: FAQs

Q1. What is silk fabric made of?

Ans. Silk fabric is made from the natural protein filaments produced by silkworms — most commonly Bombyx mori — as they spin their cocoons. The filament is composed of two proteins: fibroin (the structural core) and sericin (the binding coating). Thousands of filaments are combined to create silk thread.

Q2. Is silk a natural fabric?

Ans. Silk is classified as a natural fibre, placing it alongside cotton, linen, and wool. It is, more specifically, an animal protein fibre — derived from the cocoons of silkworms rather than from plants or synthetic petroleum-based processes. This natural origin means silk is biodegradable and does not contribute to microplastic pollution. However, "natural" does not automatically mean sustainable or ethical — traditional silk production raises animal welfare concerns due to the harvesting process. Peace silk offers an alternative that allows silkworms to complete their life cycle before processing.

Q3. Is silk fabric breathable?

Ans. Yes, silk is highly breathable. Its fine filament structure allows air to circulate freely and helps regulate body temperature. Silk also absorbs moisture — up to 30% of its own weight — and wicks it away from the skin, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.

Q4. Does silk fabric shrink?

Ans. Silk's protein fibres are sensitive to heat and mechanical stress. When exposed to hot water or high dryer temperatures, the fibres contract — causing the fabric to shrink. The degree of shrinkage varies by silk type and weave, but even a moderate temperature increase can cause noticeable changes in dimensions. To prevent shrinkage, always hand wash silk in cool water (below 30°C / 86°F) using a mild detergent, and air dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight. If you must machine wash, use a cold, delicates cycle in a mesh bag.

Q5. Is silk fabric sustainable?

Ans. Silk is partially sustainable. It is a natural, biodegradable fibre that requires no synthetic chemicals in its base form. However, traditional production kills silkworm pupae and uses significant water resources. Peace silk (Ahimsa silk) offers a more ethical option by allowing silkworms to complete their life cycle before processing.

Q6. How do you wash silk fabric?

Ans. Silk requires gentle, careful washing to preserve its lustre and structural integrity. Fill a clean basin with cool water and add a small amount of pH-neutral silk or delicates detergent. Submerge the silk garment and gently agitate with your hands for one to two minutes — never scrub or twist. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no detergent remains. Do not wring. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb excess water. Then lay flat on a fresh surface to air dry. Iron on reverse while slightly damp.

Q7. What are the different types of silk fabric?

Ans. The main types of silk fabric include mulberry silk, charmeuse silk, chiffon silk, dupioni silk, organza silk, habotai (China silk), tussar silk, and raw silk. Each has distinct properties: mulberry is the finest; charmeuse has the best drape; dupioni is the most structured; tussar has an earthy, textured quality.

Q8. How can you tell if silk is real?

Ans. Several tests help distinguish real silk from synthetic imitations. The burn test is the most definitive — pull a few threads, hold over a flame, and observe. Real silk burns slowly, self-extinguishes, smells of burning hair, and produces a crushable dark ash. Polyester burns and melts, smelling of plastic. The touch test notes that silk warms to body heat quickly, while synthetics remain cool. The ring test demonstrates silk's fine filaments by pulling fabric smoothly through a finger ring. Visually, real silk shows a shifting, multicoloured lustre as light angles change — synthetic fabrics produce a flat, uniform sheen.

Q9. Is silk good for summer?

Ans. Yes. Silk is one of the best natural fabrics for summer. It is highly breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Silk absorbs perspiration and releases it as vapour rather than allowing it to pool, keeping the body dry and cool even in warm, humid conditions.

Q10. Is silk difficult to sew?

Ans. Sewing silk requires more preparation and technique than most other fabrics. The main challenges are: the slippery surface makes fabric shift during cutting and sewing; silk frays readily; needle holes may be permanent if stitches are removed; and incorrect tension causes puckering. To sew silk successfully, use a fine sharp or microtex needle (60/8–70/10), fine polyester or silk thread, and reduce presser foot pressure. Cut on a non-slip surface with sharp tools. Use tissue paper under the fabric when machining to improve control. Finish seam edges with French seams or a serger to contain fraying.

Q11. What is the difference between silk and satin?

Ans. Silk is a natural fibre; satin is a weave structure. Silk can be woven in a satin weave to create "silk satin," which is the most luxurious option. Satin can also be made from polyester, nylon, or acetate — which are significantly cheaper and less breathable.

Q12. What is mulberry silk?

Ans. Mulberry silk takes its name from the diet of the silkworms that produce it — Bombyx mori silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves in fully controlled, domesticated farming conditions. This controlled environment produces a remarkably consistent, fine, and lustrous fibre that outperforms all other silk types in terms of smoothness and uniformity. Mulberry silk is hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and biodegradable. It is used in the finest luxury silk garments, bedding, pillowcases, and accessories worldwide. It typically commands a premium price compared to wild silks such as tussar or eri, reflecting its quality and production demands.