Silk is the most skin-friendly choice for summer, but do you really know what it is?
When purchasing silk products, many people wonder: "What is the difference between silk and mulberry silk?" In fact, silk is the fabric woven from mulberry silk, and there is no essential difference between the two.
Silk = Fabric woven from mulberry silk
The term "real silk" originated in the mid-20th century. To distinguish it from synthetic man-made fibers, people began to refer to natural mulberry silk as "real silk." Mulberry silk is the noble fiber among natural fibers. It is the raw material for real silk fabrics and is what we commonly call "pure silk" or "100% silk." Real silk = mulberry silk fabric The raw material is mulberry silk, which becomes "real silk fabric" after processes such as degumming and dyeing.
What is silk? What are its types?
Silk is a natural filament spun by silkworms; a single cocoon can yield 800 to 1200 meters of silk thread. Silk is a protein fiber, which is why it is called the "queen of fibers." Silk fibroin contains 18 amino acids beneficial to the human body, which can help the skin maintain the metabolism of its surface lipid film, thereby keeping the skin moisturized and smooth. Before processing, it is also called "raw silk," which has a slightly hard texture and is semi-transparent; after refining and degumming, raw silk becomes soft and glossy, known as "ripe silk." Depending on the food source, silk can be classified into mulberry silk (the highest quality and mainstream in the market), oak silk, cassava silk, camphor silk, willow silk, and others.
What are the advantages of silk?
Soft and skin-friendly, extremely comfortable
Silk fibers are fine and soft, causing no irritation when in contact with the skin, with a smooth touch, suitable for sensitive skin.
Naturally breathable, temperature regulating
Silk has excellent breathability and moisture absorption, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, making it a "natural air-conditioning fabric."
Moisture-wicking and sweat-absorbing, not sticky
Silk can absorb about 30% of its own weight in moisture, so even when sweating, it does not stick to the body, keeping you dry.
UV protection, skincare and maintenance
Silk can absorb some ultraviolet rays, helping to protect against sunburn, and is rich in 18 amino acids, earning it the title of "beauty fabric."
Light and smooth, easy to style
lightweight and thin texture, flowing when worn, suitable for making scarves, dresses, shirts, pajamas, and other garments with strong fluidity.
Anti-static, no pilling
Natural materials are less likely to generate static electricity and do not pill, providing a more premium wearing experience.
Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
Silk comes from natural resources, contains no petroleum components, has strong biodegradability, and is more environmentally friendly.
What are the types of silk fabrics?
Silk fabrics are divided into 14 major categories (spun, crepe, satin, twill, yarn, organza, velvet, brocade, gauze, woolen, ramie, taffeta, silk, and charmeuse). There are 43 subcategories, with common ones including:
Plain Crepe Satin
Belonging to the regular fabrics within silk fabrics, the bright satin surface is very noble, with a dense weave, and has a smooth luster and bright colors like pearls. The satin surface feels smooth and delicate, is elastic, and visually has a very natural sheen.
Recommended product: Silk Square Scarf、Floral Leopard Print Large Square Silk Scarf、Long Silk Scarf
Sampot Satin
Also a regular fabric within silk fabrics, it is jacquard plain crepe satin, belonging to pure silk jacquard fabrics. The satin texture is clear, with an antique charm, very noble.
Recommended product:Floral Printed Silk Scarves
Stretch Plain Crepe Satin
The composition is 90% - 95% mulberry silk and 5% - 10% spandex. It is an interwoven fabric that is not easy to fade, has a certain elasticity, is wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for.
Crepe de Chine
The surface has a crepe texture with slight concave-convex and wavy scale-like crepe patterns, a soft luster, a soft hand feel, comfortable to wear, shaped by high-temperature setting, with good wrinkle resistance and good drape.
Recommended product:Golden Bird Pattern Square Silk Scarf、
Chiffon / Georgette
Lightweight and transparent, with a cool and elastic hand feel, good breathability and drape, making it flowing and comfortable to wear.
Recommended product:Vintage Floral Lightweight Scarf Square Silk、Plant-Dyed Silk Scarf、Lightweight Satin Wrap Shawl
Xiangyunsha
The production is complicated. It is a traditional yarn silk with a long history, made from mulberry silk as raw material, repeatedly dyed and sun-dried with yam juice, then coated with iron-rich river mud. It features coolness and comfort, easy washing and quick drying, non-stickiness to the skin, antibacterial and insect-repellent properties, and anti-allergic effects. Entirely handmade, it is praised as the finest among silks.
Recommended product:Botanical Dyed Floral Square Silk Scarf、Silk Bucket Hat-Elegant Xiangyunsha Fabric
Silk Habotai
The luster is slightly duller than satin, but it has stronger opacity, often used for linings or pajamas.
Organza
It features a lightweight and highly transparent quality, with a surface that displays a hazy sheen. It has good breathability, a soft and smooth touch, excellent drape, and flows naturally with smooth lines when hanging.
How to choose the thickness of silk fabric? — Mum number reference
The mum number is the main unit of measurement for fabric texture, commonly expressed in mum (m/m) for silk. 1 mum = 4.3056 grams per square meter. Common silk fabric weights are 6 mum, 8 mum, 12 mum, 16 mum, 19 mum, and 30 mum, meaning the larger the number, the heavier the fabric.
6-8 Ultra-light and thin
12-16 Moderate
19-25 Slightly thick
25+ Heavyweight
Summer Silk Dressing Guide: Cool and Elegant
In the blazing summer sun, silk brings a touch of natural coolness:
Light and breathable: More breathable than cotton, like draping your skin with air-spun fabric that breathes.
Moisture-wicking: Keeps you dry even when sweating in the heat.
Skin-friendly and reduces friction: Non-sticky and non-stuffy, the gentlest care for your skin.
Summer Recommended Pairings:
Silk Scarf — Adds elegance to your work outfit
Silk Bucket Hat — Sun protection and breathable
Check out our Summer Silk Selection prepared for you
Common Questions Q&A
Q1: How to determine if it is real silk or rayon?
A: The burning test is the most direct. Real silk burns like hair and has a burnt smell; rayon smells like plastic when burned.
Q2: Is real silk easy to care for?
A: Hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended, avoid direct sunlight and heavy pressure. Nowadays, there are many wrinkle-resistant silks suitable for daily wear.
Q3: Does silk feel stuffy?
A: No. Silk is more breathable than many cotton and synthetic fabrics, making it suitable for close-to-skin wear, especially in humid and hot regions or during summer.
Summary
Silk is not only a symbol of fashion and elegance but also a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. It comes from nature, cares for the skin, and is a fabric suitable for all seasons, especially ideal for summer.
Whether it’s a lightweight silk scarf or a richly textured heavyweight silk dress, choosing silk means choosing comfort and taste.
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