Silk

Only part of the silk obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm, fed on mulberry leaves, can be used for fine pure-silk yarns.

Quality differences and the momme unit

Especially with woven pure-silk fabrics there are considerable differences in quality. Some fabrics, for instance, are made artificially heavier by treatment (silk weighting), giving them a "density" they do not really have. Fabric weight is stated in MM or m/m (momme): 1 MM equals 4.3 g/m² of silk fabric.

Properties of pure silk

Pure silk is kind to the skin and supple, balances the body climate, has a natural sheen and high strength, takes dye well and hardly creases in knitted fabrics – properties that make it the noblest fibre for underwear and nightwear.

You will find all terms around fibres and materials in our Underwear Glossary.