«100% silk» is a broad label meaning a product contains only silk fibers, while Mulberry silk is a specific, premium type of silk. Mulberry silk is widely considered the highest-quality, most luxurious silk available.
Yes, mulberry silk is real silk—and in fact, it is considered the absolute highest-quality silk in the world. Rather than being a different material, it is the most refined and uniform variety of natural silk available.
Mulberry silk is one specific type of 100% silk, spun by Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves, while "100% silk" is a broader label that also covers wild silks like tussar and eri.
Don't dry your silk garments or pillowcases in a tumble dryer. This is because exposure to high levels of heat may shrink the silk fibres. Leaving you with a pillowcase that no longer fits over your pillow. Another reason not to tumble dry silk is that it can come out very creased.
The world's best quality silk is Grade 6A, 100% pure long-fiber Mulberry silk. Derived from Bombyx mori silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, it is the gold standard for softness, durability, and lustrous sheen.
The four primary natural silks globally recognized are Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, and Muga. They differ by the species of silkworm that produces them, the leaves they eat, and their overall texture and appearance.
Simply touch your silk and get a good feel for the smoothness of it. Real silk is completely smooth to the touch, with a soft and almost waxy feeling. Further to that, if you scrunch it up a bit in your hand, you should hear a crunching noise – that sound should tell you that it's the real deal.
While silk pillowcases are celebrated for skin and hair health, they come with notable drawbacks. They carry a steep price tag, are highly delicate and prone to snagging, and demand high-maintenance washing routines (requiring air-drying and gentle detergents).
Here's what you can expect: Low-quality silk or satin blends: 6–18 months before pilling or thinning. High-quality 100% mulberry silk: 3–5+ years with consistent benefits. Premium silk with higher momme weight: 5–7+ years when properly maintained.
Bed bugs do not like silk sheets. The material's smooth, slick, and tightly woven texture makes it incredibly difficult for the bugs to climb, grip, or latch onto your bedding. Additionally, silk is highly breathable and resists moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for them to hide and breed.
Scarcity & Craftsmanship: Expensive for a Reason
The wealthy respect silk because they understand the sheer amount of time and resources required to make it. The Numbers are Crazy: To produce just one pound of raw silk, it takes roughly 2,500 to 3,000 cocoons.
Grade 6A is the absolute highest and best grade of mulberry silk you can buy.
The finest silk fabric in the world is produced in China from mulberry silk fiber, valued for its superior strength, durability, and lustrous hand feel.
Egyptian cotton excels in softness and breathability, ideal for those who prioritize cozy comfort and cooling properties. Mulberry silk showcases unmatched elegance and temperature regulation, perfect for individuals seeking a luxurious and indulgent sleep experience.
The softest silk is Grade 6A Mulberry silk woven in a charmeuse finish. Harvested from silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, it produces long, unbroken filaments that create an incredibly smooth, fluid fabric with a pearly luster.
You see, tumble drying silk can cause it to shrink, so checking for this is the first thing to check for. The second thing to do is to inspect for damage caused by friction and the heat. Does it still feel soft, are there any white streaks or spots?
Here's how: Pop your item in the washing machine – we recommend placing any silk items inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to avoid snags or damage caused by the drum. Select a cool, delicate cycle (do not set the wash temperature to any higher than 30°C).
Dawn dish soap is generally not recommended for washing silk. Because silk is a natural protein fiber, harsh dish soaps can strip its natural proteins, leaving the fabric stiff, dull, or even discolored over time.
Many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases because silk is smoother, gentler, and less absorbent than cotton — helping skin retain moisture while reducing friction during sleep.
The healthiest pillowcase material is 100% Mulberry Silk, which is highly recommended by dermatologists for its smooth texture that prevents hair breakage and sleep wrinkles. For those with allergies or night sweats, Bamboo Viscose and Organic Cotton are excellent, highly breathable alternatives that are naturally hypoallergenic.
You should wash your silk pillowcase every 7–10 days to remove accumulated oils, hair products, and dead skin cells. If you have acne-prone skin, oily hair, or use heavy hair/skin products, it is recommended to wash it more often, roughly every 3–5 days to prevent breakouts and maintain skin health.
The best detergents for silk are pH-neutral, free of harsh bleaching agents, and entirely enzyme-free, as enzymes will break down natural protein fibers.
To quickly spot fake silk, check the label for "100% pure mulberry silk" or a specific momme weight. Beware of vague terms like "silky" or "satin", and use three simple tests: touch (it warms up and doesn't feel slippery), sheen (it has a subtle, changing pearl-like luster), and burn (real silk burns slowly with a burnt-hair smell, while fake silk melts).
To safely get wrinkles out of 100% silk, steam is your best option. Hang the item and use a handheld steamer on low heat with downward strokes, or steam the inside out. Alternatively, you can iron on a low "silk" setting while using a pressing cloth (like a thin cotton towel) to protect the fabric.