Among the various silk types available, Mulberry silk comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm which solely eats mulberry leaves. This allows the worm to produce exceptionally fine silk threads.
The result is a fabric that feels luxuriously soft and smooth to the touch.
In this article, we’ll uncover what sets mulberry silk apart. I’ll compare it to other fabrics and address common questions regarding its benefits, care, and ethical production.
My aim is to provide a helpful guide so you can decide if this premium silk is right for you.
What Makes Mulberry Silk So Special?
Mulberry silk has distinctive features that lend to its “premium” status. Here’s an overview of what makes it extra special:
- Incredible Softness – The long silk fibers have a pristine surface and smooth texture, making mulberry silk extremely soft and fluid against the skin.
- Beautiful Luster – Mulberry silk fibers reflect light well. This gives the fabric an elegant shimmering appearance.
- Vibrant Colors – It takes dye exceptionally well, allowing rich, saturated hues. The colors don’t fade easily either.
- Strength & Durability – Despite its delicate appearance, mulberry silk is remarkably strong. It’s even stronger than steel by weight!
- Temperature Regulating – The fabric provides warmth in the winter yet feels cool against the skin in summer. This makes it comfortable to wear year-round.
- Hypoallergenic – Pure mulberry silk is free of irritants. This makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The Origin and Production of Mulberry Silk
To produce the exceptionally fine threads used for this fabric, silkworms are fed a strict diet of mulberry leaves. Here’s a quick overview of the production process:
- Silkworm eggs hatch and the larvae are fed fresh mulberry leaves.
- Once they form cocoons, these are boiled or steamed to extract the long silk fibers.
- These delicate strands are combined to form threads.
- The threads are then woven into sumptuous mulberry silk fabric.
So yes, mulberry silk does come from silkworms! The Bombyx mori silkworm is completely dependent on the mulberry plant, which is how the fabric gets its name.
Mulberry silk is widely regarded as genuine silk due to its superior quality and luxurious feel. Some renowned regions for high-quality mulberry silk production include:
- China – Produces over 70% of the world’s supply.
- India
- Uzbekistan
- Thailand
- Brazil
The quality of the silk depends greatly on the cultivation of the mulberry leaves and the breeding of healthy silkworms.
That’s why these countries have honed the ideal conditions for exceptional silk.
Real vs Fake Mulberry Silk: How to Identify Authenticity
With its rising popularity, mulberry silk fabric can be expensive. Unfortunately, this tempts some vendors to sell fake silk. Here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the real deal:
- Check the Label – Reputable brands will state the silk’s grade and origin on the label. Words like “100% mulberry silk” and “19 momme grade” are good signs.
- Test the Burn – Carefully burn a few strands of silk. Real silk will burn quickly with a smell like burnt hair and leave hard ash beads. Fake silk smells like burning plastic and leaves sticky gray ash.
- Rub the Fabric – The soft sericin coating on real silk gives it a smooth, crisp texture. Fake silk feels more uneven and papery.
- Examine the Sheen – Quality mulberry silk has a beautiful shimmer. Fake silk looks duller and less vibrant.
- Imperial Grade – Highest grade, very rare. From young silkworms fed the finest leaves.
- Royal Grade – Exceptional quality silk from mature silkworms.
- A Grade – Excellent quality, very durable and uniformly colored.
- B Grade – Good quality silk but less consistent in color and thickness.
So when buying, look for A grade silk or higher to ensure prime quality.
Comparing Mulberry Silk to Other Fabrics
How does mulberry silk compare against other luxury fabrics? Here’s an overview:
Mulberry Silk vs Wild Silk
- Origin – Wild silk comes from silkworms eating leaves other than mulberry.
- Texture – Wild silk is thicker, stiffer and more uneven than the exceptionally fine mulberry silk.
- Shine – Mulberry silk has a brighter, shinier appearance.
- Price – Mulberry silk is more expensive than wild silk.
- Uses – Mulberry silk is better for clothing next-to-skin. Wild silk suits heavier garments and furnishings.
Mulberry Silk vs Jasmine Silk
- Source – Jasmine silk is also from the Bombyx mori silkworm.
- Diet – In addition to mulberry leaves, the silkworm eats jasmine flowers, giving the silk a subtle floral fragrance.
- Softness – Comparable to mulberry silk but the scent appeals to some buyers.
- Price – Jasmine silk commands an even higher price tag due to the flower feeding process.
Mulberry Silk vs Charmeuse Silk
- Weave – Charmeuse has a satin weave and mulberry silk has a plain weave.
- Luster – The satin weave of charmeuse makes it shinier.
- Texture – Charmeuse has a glossy side and matte back. Mulberry has consistent smoothness on both sides.
- Stretch – Mulberry silk has minimal stretch compared to the stretchy bias-cut of charmeuse.
- Uses – Charmeuse suits flowing dresses and lingerie. Mulberry has broader apparel applications.
Mulberry Silk vs Cotton
- Breathability – Mulberry silk is more breathable, wicking moisture away from skin.
- Thermoregulation – Silk adjusts to match body temperature better than cotton.
- Softness – Mulberry silk is significantly smoother and softer next-to-skin.
- Durability – Silk fibers are 3 times stronger than cotton despite their delicacy.
- Care – Cotton can withstand higher washing temperatures but silk needs gentle cleaning.
Mulberry Silk vs Satin
- Weave – Satin is woven using floating warp threads to create high luster. Mulberry silk has a basic plain weave.
- Shine – Satin has a brighter sheen while mulberry silk’s shine is more subtle.
- Texture – The smoothness of good quality mulberry silk rivals that of satin.
- Drape – Mulberry silk flows gracefully due to its lightweight structure.
- Price – High-quality mulberry silk is generally more expensive than satin.
So while other fabrics have merits, none quite match mulberry silk’s all-around superiority when it comes to softness, strength, comfort and fluid drape.
The Benefits of Mulberry Silk
In addition to unparalleled softness and comfort, mulberry silk offers skin and hair benefits:
Hypoallergenic Properties
The natural protein structure of silk fibers excludes dust mites and other potential irritants. This makes pure mulberry silk hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
Studies show silk garments can even help stabilize skin conditions like eczema.
Antibacterial Qualities
Mulberry silk contains sericin – a natural protective coating that repels bacteria and fungi.
This helps prevent mold, mildew and stench – allowing silk to stay fresher longer than other fabrics.
Healthy Skin and Hair
The smooth fibers of mulberry silk don’t strip moisture from skin and hair like cotton and other textiles.
Instead, silk enhances moisture retention for improved hydration, elasticity and shine.
Temperature Regulating
As discussed earlier, silk adjusts to match body temperature. This means it feels cool against skin in summer yet provides warmth in winter. So it allows comfort in any weather.
Minimal Odor and Sweat
The antibacterial properties and moisture wicking abilities of silk mean it doesn’t retain sweat or body odors. So silk garments and bedsheets stay cleaner and fresher longer.
While individual body chemistry varies, these benefits make mulberry silk an exceptional choice for those with sensitive skin or hair.
Caring for Mulberry Silk in Everyday Life
Now that we’ve covered why mulberry silk is so exceptional, how do the finer details of owning silk products stack up?
Here are some care and lifestyle factors to consider, as mulberry silk is a sensitive fabric that requires special care:
Lifespan
With proper care, high-quality mulberry silk products can last decades. It’s not unusual for silk garments to be passed down as family heirlooms!
Wrinkling
The smooth fibers of mulberry silk make it resistant to wrinkling. Items may need a quick steam but they won’t require intensive pressing like cotton.
For travel, roll rather than fold silk clothing to prevent creases.
Shrinkage
Pre-wash silk in cold water prior to sewing or construction to account for any minimal shrinkage. With care, pre-washed mulberry silk should not shrink further.
Color Fading
Vibrant dyes lend silk its rich depth of color. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. Wash in cold water with a silk detergent or mild soap to help colors stay true.
I’m really impressed with Heritage Park Laundry Detergent (link to Amazon) for silk care. It maintains the integrity of the silk while keeping it fresh and clean.
Pilling
The fine strands of long silk fibers are prone to friction, which can cause pilling.
Go easy on silk garments by avoiding harsh cleaners and abrasive surfaces. Use a sweater comb to gently remove any pilling.
Getting Silk Wet
While silk can get wet, refrain from soaking it. Limit wearing silk during heavy rain. Allow silk to air dry rather than machine drying to avoid damage from heat and friction.
Cleaning
Dry clean silk only when necessary – the chemicals can degrade silk over time.
For most items, hand wash gently using lukewarm water, a mild detergent or silk wash and roll (don’t wring!) in a towel to absorb water.
So while silk requires a bit of care, taking simple precautions allows you to enjoy its benefits and extend the lifespan of items.
The Cost and Value of Mulberry Silk
- Mulberry silk fabric – $25+ per yard
- Silk shirts – $100+
- Silk sheets – $300+ for a queen set
- Silk duvet covers – $200+
But when considering aspects like strength, comfort, longevity and sustainability, mulberry silk offers excellent value from a cost-per-use perspective.
Here’s a comparison of approximate costs over a 5-year period:
| Item | Initial Cost | Estimated Uses Over 5 Years | Cost Per Use |
| Cotton T-shirt | $10 | 150 wears | $0.07 per wear |
| Mulberry Silk Blouse | $180 | 150 wears | $1.20 per wear |
| Cotton Sheets | $100 | 500 nights slept in | $0.20 per night |
| Mulberry Silk Sheets | $600 | 500 nights slept in | $1.20 per night |
So while silk costs more upfront, it often saves money in the long run by rarely needing replacement compared to lower quality fabrics.
It also rewards you with a luxurious sensory experience!
Ultimately silk offers a worthwhile splurge for special occasion clothing, nightwear, bed linens and other items in intimate contact with your skin.
Ethical and Sustainability Considerations
Given its association with insects and intensive farming, questions sometimes arise over the ethics and sustainability of silk textile production.
Animal Welfare
Silkworms used for silk production are completely domesticated insects that no longer exist naturally in the wild.
They have been selectively bred over thousands of years to optimize silk harvesting.
This means as long as farmers adhere to healthy rearing practices, there are no significant animal cruelty concerns regarding silk production.
The Bombyx mori silkworms are well-adapted to captivity and cannot survive on their own.
Environmental Impact
Mulberry trees offer an eco-friendly dual purpose for silk production – they absorb carbon dioxide while producing oxygen along with food for silkworms.
The trees grow quickly without needing large water or chemical inputs. However, boiling cocoons to extract silk does require fuel and energy.
Some organizations are pioneering more sustainable methods, like the Ahimsa Peace Silk method which allows silkworms to emerge naturally rather than being destroyed.
When it comes to manufacturing processes, opting for organically dyed silk helps reduce environmental impact.
Choosing reputable brands goes a long way too, as they monitor their supply chain for ethical practices.
As with most agriculture, silk production carries some environmental burden.
But when compared to conventionally grown cotton and synthetics like polyester, mulberry silk ranks as a more eco-friendly textile choice.
Especially when you consider…
Biodegradability
As a natural protein fiber, mulberry silk breaks down fully when composted. This gives it a sustainability advantage over synthetics.
Carbon Footprint
Silk production emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to most other fabric types. Coupled with silk items’ exceptional longevity, this lessens their carbon footprint.
So while no textile is perfect, mulberry silk balances useful properties with ethical and eco considerations better than many alternatives.
Wrapping Up: A Luxurious Fabric Worth Exploring
After learning all about the origins, benefits and sustainability of mulberry silk, one thing is clear – not all silk is created equal!
From its unparalleled softness to its vibrant colors and strength, mulberry silk earns its designation as the finest and most luxurious type of silk fabric.
While the production process is certainly meticulous, requiring a special species of silkworm sustained on a diet of mulberry leaves, the resulting long silk strands yield a fabric that can’t be matched for sheer sensory enjoyment.
I hope this guide has shed light on why mulberry silk commands premium status.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I’m happy to chat more about this exquisite fabric.