When it comes to purchasing silk products like bed sheets, being knowledgeable about the various types of silk can significantly impact your comfort, satisfaction, and overall experience. Understanding the distinctions between types of silk in terms of weight, elasticity, durability, texture, insulation, and aesthetic will allow you to make informed decisions. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when shopping for quality silk and delve into popular silk varieties to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Types of Silk
There are many different types of silk; almost 35 varieties! The silk fabrics discussed in this blog are Mulberry silk, Tussah silk, Habotai silk, and Duppoini silk. Smooth Sleeps utilizes only 100% mulberry silk as it is the highest quality silk on the market. The other types of silk lack comparable quality and durability.
Charmeuse Weave Silk
Charmeuse is not a type of silk; however, it is a familiar method of weaving silk fibers. Light and elastic, the charmeuse is perhaps the most versatile type of silk fabric. Used for everything from clothing to sleep masks to bedding, charmeuse offers a natural combination of features that make it difficult to beat for many purposes. However, keep in mind that not all charmeuse is created equal. Charmeuse weave silk that is created using a traditional narrow loom offers a deeper, more luxurious fabric than modern and less expensive “seamless” charmeuse weave silk.
Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk produced by silkworms nourished solely on the leaves from the mulberry tree. This meticulously controlled diet produces a silk with finer, smoother, and more uniform fibers compared to other types of silk and fabrics. Mulberry silk fibers are known for their long length, fine diameter, and smooth texture which contribute to the overall strength and resilience of the fabric. As a result, mulberry silk is highly prized for its luxurious feel, natural sheen, and long-lasting durability. Technically, this is still charmeuse silk, but the difference in silk quality comes from a unique kind of silkworm, cultivated for over 5000 years.
Tussah Silk
Tussah silk is harvested from wild silkworms, offering a distinct alternative to cultivated silk varieties. This doesn’t mean tussah is necessarily bad silk, but rather that it lacks the consistent quality you’ll find from more careful production on silk farms. On average, this is going to be a harsher, less durable type of silk.
Habotai Silk
Habotai silk is a mid-range option, prized for its affordability and softness. The method behind producing habotai is quite simple; a lower grade silk is sand-washed until it achieves a softness comparable to higher quality silks. The sand-washing process damages the silk fibers and can therefore decrease the durability of the silk.
Duppoini Silk
Duppoini silk strikes a balance between strength and elegance, suitable for various applications. Duppoini silk boasts a lustrous appearance but may feel rough to the touch. While versatile, duppoini silk may not provide the same level of insulation or comfort as other types of silk, making it more suitable for decorative purposes.
Investing in high-quality silk ensures a luxurious and comfortable experience, particularly when it comes to bedding. Whether you opt for the unparalleled softness of mulberry silk or the affordability of habotai silk, prioritizing quality is crucial. At Smooth Sleeps, we pride ourselves on offering premium mulberry silk products designed to enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being. Shop our silk bedding collection today!
