Silk Types You Need to Know When Shopping for Silk Bed Sheets

by Elizabeth / Thursday, 11 May 2017 / Published in Silk Buying Guide

19 Momme Seamless Silk Bedding Set Light Blue 2

Silk bed sheets are renowned for their luxurious feel, temperature regulation, and potential benefits for skin and hair. However, not all silk is created equal. Understanding the different types of silk is crucial when investing in silk bedding. This guide will walk you through the key silk varieties to help you make an informed purchase.

What Makes Silk Special for Bedding?

Before diving into the types, let’s understand why silk is so desirable for bedding:

Temperature Regulation: Silk’s natural fibers help regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Hypoallergenic: Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Gentle on Skin and Hair: The smooth surface of silk reduces friction, minimizing wrinkles, bedhead, and hair breakage.
Luxurious Feel: The soft, smooth texture of silk provides a luxurious and comfortable sleeping experience.

Mulberry Silk: The Gold Standard

Mulberry silk is considered the highest quality silk available. It comes from silkworms that are fed exclusively mulberry leaves.

Characteristics: Long, uniform fibers; pure white color; incredibly soft and smooth texture; durable and strong.
Benefits: Offers the best temperature regulation, hypoallergenic properties, and luxurious feel.
Considerations: Generally the most expensive type of silk.

Charmeuse Silk: The Weave Matters

Charmeuse refers to a specific weave, not a type of silk fiber. It’s most commonly made with mulberry silk.

Characteristics: Distinctive sheen and luster on one side, with a dull back; drapes beautifully; lightweight and flowing.
Benefits: Enhances the natural beauty and softness of mulberry silk.
Considerations: Can be more delicate than other weaves and may require more careful handling.

Tussah Silk: Wild and Textured

Tussah silk comes from wild silkworms that feed on oak and other various leaves.

Characteristics: Coarser texture than mulberry silk; naturally beige or brown color; shorter fibers.
Benefits: More affordable than mulberry silk; has a unique texture that some people prefer.
Considerations: Not as soft or smooth as mulberry silk; may not be as durable.

Eri Silk: Peace Silk

Eri silk is produced from domesticated silkworms, but the process allows the moth to emerge from the cocoon, making it a “peace silk” or “ahimsa silk.”

Characteristics: Denser and heavier than other types of silk; has a matte finish.
Benefits: More durable and resilient than mulberry silk; environmentally friendly production process.
Considerations: Not as lustrous or soft as mulberry silk.

Muga Silk: Golden Threads

Muga silk, primarily found in Assam, India, is known for its natural golden sheen.

Characteristics: Naturally golden yellow color; strong and durable.
Benefits: Unique color and luster make it highly prized.
Considerations: Relatively rare and expensive.

Momme Weight: Measuring Silk Quality

Momme (mm) is a unit of weight used to measure the density of silk fabric. Higher momme weight indicates a denser, more durable fabric. For silk bed sheets, look for a momme weight of 19-25 for optimal quality and durability.

Choosing the Right Silk Bed Sheets

When choosing silk bed sheets, consider the following:

Type of Silk: Mulberry silk is the highest quality, but other types offer different benefits and price points.
Momme Weight: Look for a momme weight of 19-25.
Weave: Charmeuse is a popular weave for its sheen and drape.
Price: Silk bed sheets are an investment, so set a budget and compare prices.

By understanding the different types of silk, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect silk bed sheets for a luxurious and comfortable sleep.