How to Choose the Right Silk Product: The Complete Buyer’s Guide

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Silk is one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics - lightweight, breathable, and incredibly smooth against the skin. Once reserved for royalty and the wealthy elite, silk is now available in homes everywhere, from clothing to bedding to accessories.

But with so many silk varieties and qualities, how do you choose the right silk product for your needs? This guide explains everything - types of silk, fabric categories, weight (momme), and how to identify authentic high-quality silk - so you can shop with confidence.

1. Know Your Silk: Mulberry vs. Tussah 

When people say 'real silk', they usually mean one of these two:

Mulberry Silk (桑蚕丝) – Produced by domesticated silkworms in southern China. Smooth, fine texture with a soft pearl-like sheen. Best for luxury apparel and lightweight wear.

Tussah Silk (柞蚕丝) – From wild silkworms in northern China. Coarser, matte finish, and more textured. Excellent for quilts, blankets, and home textiles due to its warmth and durability.

Special Note: When tussah silk is processed using the traditional Xiangyun silk (香云纱) mud-dyeing technique—often called mud tussah silk—it transforms into a refined fabric perfect for autumn and winter fashion apparel. With its natural, Zen-inspired aesthetic and subtle earthy tones, it offers a unique elegance that stands out in seasonal collections.

Shop tip: Mulberry silk is ideal for fine dresses and summer clothing, while tussah silk—especially mud tussah silk—offers a sophisticated, nature-inspired charm for cooler months.

 

 2. Understanding Silk Fabric Types

 

Silk comes in over a dozen weaves—each with its own texture, drape, and use. Common ones include:

 Chiffon – Sheer, light, flowing

 Crepe Satin – Lustrous front, matte back

 Georgette – Soft, sand-like texture, drapes well

 Twill Silk – Diagonal weave, elegant finish

 Brocade Satin – Glossy, patterned, thick

 

 3. What is Momme (mm)?

 Momme is the traditional measurement of silk fabric weight:

 1 momme = 4.3056 g/m²

 Lighter silk (8–12 mm) → scarves & blouses

 Medium weight (16–19 mm) → dresses & shirts

 Heavy weight (22–30 mm) → gowns & bedding

 Extra-heavy silk: Standard silk can reach 40 momme for ultra-durable garments or premium bedding.

 Xiangyun silk (香云纱), especially in mud tussah silk form, can achieve an extraordinary 95 momme—creating a dense, substantial drape perfect for statement autumn/winter fashion pieces.

 Important: Higher momme means denser, heavier silk, but the best choice depends on comfort, climate, and intended use.

 

4. Choosing the Right Silk for Your Needs

 

For Cheongsams (Qipao)

 Silk Crepe Satin – Smooth, elegant drape

 Brocade Satin – Traditional, richly patterned

Mud Silk （Gambiered Canton Silk）– Plant-dyed, breathable, perfect for summer or as mud tussah silk for autumn/winter elegance

 These fabrics are not limited to Qipao—they are also popular choices for haute couture gowns, luxury evening dresses, and even wedding dresses, thanks to their sophisticated drape and timeless appeal. 

For Scarves & Neckwear

 Chiffon – Airy and sheer

 Georgette – Flowy with better drape than chiffon

 Habotai (Electric Spun) – Smooth, glossy, great for prints

 

For Dresses & Skirts

 Crepe Satin – For a glamorous, high-shine look

 Double Crepe – Matte, elegant structure

 Chiffon/Georgette – Light and romantic

  

For Evening Gowns & Wedding Dresses

 Heavy Crepe Satin (19–40mm) – Luxury drape

 Stretch Satin – Better fit, wrinkle-resistant

 Duchess Satin – Structured, voluminous for bridal gowns

 Silk Organza – Sheer, adds dimension to wedding dresses

 

5. How to Identify Genuine High-Quality Silk

  Look – Real silk has a soft, pearl-like sheen; artificial silk is overly shiny.

 Touch – Smooth, supple, slightly warm to the touch.

 Sound – Rubbing silk produces a faint “rustle” (known as silk ring).

 Burn Test – Smells like burnt hair, ashes crumble easily.

 Chemical Test – In 84 disinfectant, genuine silk dissolves in minutes (use with caution).

 

6. Buying Silk Online: Quick Checklist

 

✅ Decide your purpose (clothing, bedding, accessories)

✅ Choose the right silk type (mulberry vs. tussah, or mud tussah silk for autumn/winter)

✅ Match the fabric weight (momme) to your use

✅ Check the weave for your desired style & drape

✅ Buy from reputable sellers with clear material descriptions

 

Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Silk for You

Choosing the right silk product isn't just about luxury—it's about matching the fabric to your lifestyle and needs. Whether you want a breezy summer scarf, an elegant evening gown, or a timeless silk bedding set, understanding silk types, weights, and weaves will help you make the best choice.

Explore our Silk Collection to find premium mulberry, tussah, and mud tussah silk products—crafted for beauty, comfort, and seasonal style.