Is Mulberry Silk Better Than Jasmine Silk? A Full Comparison
I’ve always loved the look and feel of silk, but never knew there were different types to choose from.
Recently, I’ve been hearing about mulberry silk and jasmine silk, and was curious to understand the differences between the two.
Are one of these silks better than the other? What are the benefits of each when it comes to skin and haircare?
In this article, I’ll compare mulberry and jasmine silk head-to-head, looking at quality, production methods, costs, and overall benefits.
My goal is to help you decide which silk variety is the best choice for your needs. Let’s dive in!
What Exactly Are Mulberry and Jasmine Silk?
Before comparing these two luxurious silk types, let’s quickly cover what they are and where they come from.
All About Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm, which feeds exclusively on the leaves of mulberry trees (thus the name). Most mulberry silk today is produced in China and India.
To harvest the silk, the pupae are allowed to mature into moths, which then mate and lay eggs.
The eggs hatch into silkworm larvae, which are fed fresh mulberry leaves. When the larvae are ready to spin their cocoons, they are placed onto trays with twigs and space to build.
Once the cocoons are finished, they are dropped into hot water to loosen the tight silk filament.
This is then unwound onto spools and woven into the lush and glossy fabric we know as mulberry silk.
All About Jasmine Silk
Jasmine silk comes from the Antheraea paphia silkworm, which feeds mainly on the leaves of the jasmine plant, along with other citrus plants like lemon and orange.
Most jasmine silk is produced in India and Thailand.
The production process is similar to that of mulberry silk.
The eggs hatch, the larvae are encouraged to spin cocoons from their saliva, and the silk filaments are extracted using heat and unwound onto spools.
One key difference is that the cocoons are often harvested after the moths emerge, making the process more humane but the silk slightly less pristine.
Comparing Silk Quality and Properties
Now that we know the origins of mulberry and jasmine silk, let’s compare factors like texture, sheen, durability, and dyeing ability.
A Smooth and Luxurious Texture
- Mulberry silk is prized for its incredibly smooth, soft, and fine texture. With a very high thread count, mulberry silk almost glides over the skin.
- Jasmine silk also feels soft and fluid, but is considered slightly coarser than mulberry silk. It’s not quite as light and buttery, though still lovely against the skin.
I’d say mulberry silk wins for having the finest, smoothest handfeel. But both silks are still in the “luxurious texture” category!
A Subtle Sheen and Drape
In terms of sheen and drape, mulberry and jasmine silk share many similarities:
- They have a refined, subtle sheen rather than a flashy or overly glossy finish.
- They drape beautifully, conforming elegantly to the body.
- They have the ability to take vivid, saturated dyes while retaining their luminous quality.
If I had to choose, I’d say mulberry silk has a slight edge on sheen and drape. But it’s very close, and both silk varieties are gorgeous in finished garments.
Long-Lasting Durability
When cared for properly, both mulberry and jasmine silk will last for many years without thinning or pilling.
As the gold standard of silk, mulberry may have a bit more enduring power. But jasmine silk is also known for its longevity, especially when compared to cheaper silks.
I looked into what makes mulberry silk so widely loved, and it was quite enlightening.
How Silk Impacts Skin and Hair Health
Another important consideration is how these silk varieties interact with our bodies. Let’s explore the skincare and haircare benefits of mulberry and jasmine silk.
Soothing Skin with Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk offers several science-backed benefits for skin health:
- Hypoallergenic: The proteins in mulberry silk are large enough not to trigger allergies, making this a safe choice for sensitive skin types.
- Moisture retention: Mulberry silk pillowcases help skin retain moisture overnight. One study showed noticeably improved skin hydration after resting on mulberry silk.
- Minimizes sleep creases: The smooth surface results in less friction and fewer sleep lines and wrinkles, especially when used as a pillowcase.
- Hair benefits: Mulberry silk pillowcases may also benefit hair by reducing tangles and friction that can lead to breakage.
Calming Skin with Jasmine Silk
Jasmine silk is also praised for its skin-friendly properties:
- The proteins are non-irritating and quite gentle on sensitive complexions.
- Less friction means fewer signs of sleep-induced wrinkles in the mornings.
- One small study found jasmine silk clothing helped increase skin elasticity over 6 months.
- Anecdotally, those with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea report relief from wearing jasmine silk against their skin.
While small, these early studies show promise for jasmine silk as a soothing material for inflamed or sensitive skin.
Smoothing Hair with Luxurious Silks
Both mulberry and jasmine silk pillowcases have benefits for reducing hair friction and breakage. The smooth fabric means less tugging on hair strands, leading to:
- Less bedhead and tangles in the mornings
- Minimized hair breakage from friction
- Increased shine and vibrancy from protected hair cuticles
If you have color-treated or chemically-processed hair, silk pillowcases can also prolong the vibrancy of your locks by preventing excessive drying as you sleep.
While both silks help promote healthy hair, I’d give the advantage to mulberry silk for its especially smooth and friction-less properties.
But any high-grade silk will serve your hair better than cotton!
Pricing Differences Between Mulberry vs Jasmine Silk
Now let’s talk money! As you may have guessed, mulberry and jasmine silk come with very different price tags.
Mulberry Silk Commands Higher Prices
As the highest quality and rarest silk variety, mulberry silk commands premium pricing with little negotiation.
For example, a 22 Momme mulberry silk pillowcase generally ranges from $80−$150.
For comparison, a typical cotton blouse might cost $50−$100 or a poly-blend blouse around $30−$60. So mulberry silk clothing and accessories come at a significant premium.
Jasmine Silk is More Affordable
The cost of jasmine silk is more affordable in comparison. A 22 Momme jasmine silk pillowcase usually runs $40−$100.
Jasmine silk blouses and dresses might cost $100−$250 — still an investment, but saving at least 25-50% over mulberry silk.
The price difference comes down to factors like:
- Rarity: Mulberry silk makes up over 90% of silk production worldwide. Jasmine silk is less common.
- Production costs: Mulberry silkworms are specially cultivated, while jasmine silk production is less controlled.
- Reputation: Mulberry is considered the “gold standard” and commands luxury pricing.
So if budget is a main concern, jasmine silk provides a cheaper alternative while still offering a subtle sheen, smooth feel, and skin-friendly properties.
Evaluating Overall Silk Quality
Taking all factors into account — texture, sheen, durability, benefits, and pricing — which silk reigns supreme in terms of quality?
Mulberry Silk Wins for Versatility and Luxury
There’s a reason mulberry silk has ruled the silk industry for centuries.
Its unparalleled smoothness, sheen, strength, and hypoallergenic properties make it the highest quality silk money can buy.
While expensive, mulberry silk is a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it. From clothing to bedding to accessories, mulberry silk adds unmatched luxury and comfort.
And its high resale value means pieces made of 100% mulberry silk hold up well over decades.
Simply put, mulberry silk has earned its reputation as the world’s finest silk. Its exceptional quality across the board makes it the best choice for silk purists and connoisseurs.
Jasmine Silk Offers an Affordable Alternative
Despite coming second to mulberry silk, jasmine silk still outperforms most other silk varieties.
It shares many similarities with mulberry: a subtle sheen, fluid drape, hypoallergenic proteins, and durable construction.
Products made with jasmine silk provide a more affordable way to enjoy silk’s beauty and skin-friendly properties.
While not as fine or rare as mulberry silk, high-quality jasmine silk still makes a lovely addition to anyone’s wardrobe or bedroom.
I researched the comparison of mulberry silk and wild silk, and the distinctions are fascinating.
Key Takeaways: Which Silk is Better?
If money is no object: Mulberry silk is inarguably the highest quality silk money can buy.
Invest in mulberry silk clothing, sheets, and accessories for a lifetime of unparalleled softness and luxury.
If budget is a concern: Jasmine silk allows you to enjoy silk’s benefits at 25-50% lower prices.
While not as fine in weave as mulberry silk, jasmine silk still outperforms most textiles in terms of sheen, feel, and skin-friendliness.
For skin and hair health: Both mulberry and jasmine silk promote hydrated, healthy skin and glossy hair by reducing friction and irritation.
Mulberry silk has an edge for its especially smooth texture. But both are excellent choices, especially for sensitive skin types.
To treat yourself: Whether mulberry or jasmine, authentic silk never fails to make life feel a little more luxurious!
There’s something indulgent about slipping between silk sheets, letting silk clothing cascade over your body, or seeing silk accessories peek out from an outfit.
My Go-To Sources for Silk Products
If you’re curious to experience mulberry or jasmine silk yourself, here are a few of my favorite brands that offer high-quality silk items:
- Silk bedding: Slip, Lilysilk, Spasilk
- Silk pillowcases: Fishers Finery, Zimasilk
- Silk clothing: LilySilk, PureSilks, Silk Threads
- Silk robes & kimonos: Flora Nikrooz, Journelle
- Silk accessories: Kitsch, Lele Sadoughi
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for deciding whether mulberry or jasmine silk is better suited for your needs.
Whichever variety you choose, silk remains one of life’s simplest luxuries. Treat yourself to an item or two — your skin and spirit will thank you!