What Is Momme in Silk Fabric? How to Check If You’re Getting the Real Deal

When shopping for silk, you’ve probably come across the term momme (pronounced moe-mie), often written as “mm.” But what does it actually mean?

Momme is the standard unit used to measure the weight and quality of silk fabrics—similar to how thread count is used for cotton. The higher the momme, the denser, more durable, and more luxurious the silk. That’s why higher momme silks often come with a higher price tag—they simply contain more silk per square meter.

Why Does Momme Matter?

A higher momme count means:

A thicker, more durable fabric

A richer, more opaque appearance

Better resistance to wear over time

For example, 16–19 momme silk is commonly used for pillowcases and bedding. Luxury bedding and high-end fashion often range from 22 to even 30 momme for the ultimate in softness and longevity.

How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Correct Momme

Unfortunately, not all sellers are transparent, and some may overstate the momme of their silk. The good news? There’s a simple way to verify it yourself.

The Formula:
1 momme = 4.3056 grams per square meter

Let’s say you're buying 19 momme silk with a fabric width of 114 cm. Here’s how to calculate the approximate weight of 1 meter of that fabric:

19 x 4.3056 x 1.14 = 93.26 grams per meter

So, if your 1-meter piece of silk weighs between 90–95 grams, you’re getting what you paid for. Most manufacturers allow a small variation, so anything in the 80–93g range for 19 momme is typically acceptable.

Final Tip

When buying silk, especially online, always ask for the fabric's width and weight. If possible, weigh a sample to compare it with the momme claim. A little math can go a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring you're buying true quality silk.