What is the difference between the cheap and expensive silk?
Why is there such a big price difference for silk?
Silk is an exclusive and natural material – and the price can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here you will get an overview of what typically affects the price of silk products.
1. The quality of the raw material
Just as there are different grades of cashmere, there are also many types of silk. The price per meter can range from 50 DKK to over 500 DKK – depending on the origin, fiber quality and processing. The finer the silk, the higher the price.
2. The luster and weave of silk
Silk's characteristic shine is due to both the natural structure of the silk fibers and the way they are woven. The denser and more precisely the weave, the more lustrous and exclusive the surface becomes – which is also reflected in the price.
3. Processing and finishing
Silk often undergoes a special treatment called sand-washing , which makes the fabric softer and more resistant to wrinkles. This process is especially used for silk that is to be used for textiles with direct skin contact and requires a higher quality of processing.
4. Dyeing quality
Dyes also affect the price. Quality silk is dyed with durable pigments that retain their color wash after wash. Cheaper silk often fades faster and has a shorter lifespan. Some manufacturers use plant-based dyes – these can be gentler, but they also tend to cost more to produce.
5. Silk weight – measured in momme
Momme (mm) is a Japanese unit of measurement that indicates the weight of the silk. The higher the momme, the denser and heavier the weave – and the more silk is used per square meter.
- 16 momme is the minimum for pillowcases
- 19 momme gives a significantly more luxurious feel
- 22 momme is used for particularly robust products like scrunchies
A higher mom metal generally equals better durability and a softer surface.
6. Addition of synthetic fibers
Some cheaper products add polyester or other synthetics to reduce production costs. However, this makes the silk less breathable and harder on the skin. If you want the full effect of silk, we recommend choosing products made of 100% mulberry silk.
What do we recommend?
At Cillouettes, we exclusively sell high-quality silk products.
- Our pillowcases are 19 momme.
- Our scrunchies are produced in 22 momme
Click here to see our selection of silk products →
Brief summary:
Product | Minimum recommended torque |
---|---|
Pillowcase | 16 moms |
Duvet cover | 19 moms |
Sheet | 19 moms |