Silk

Silk is a natural protein fibre, spun rather than grown as a staple, so a single filament runs the length of a whole thread with no join. That continuity leaves a surface smoother than any woven cotton reaches. Mulberry silk is reeled from silkworms raised on mulberry leaves alone, and it is the grade used for bedding. In the home silk belongs where friction is the problem: pillowcases, above all.

Properties

Continuous filament fibre: a single strand can run over 1,000 metres, unlike the short staple fibres in cotton or wool
Smooth filament surface, cooler and less abrasive against skin than woven cotton
A natural protein fibre (fibroin), which regulates temperature and moisture differently to plant fibres
Mulberry silk, reeled from Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves, is the grade used for bedding
Weaker when wet than dry, the opposite of linen, so silk needs gentler washing

Care

Hand wash in cool water with a pH-neutral detergent, or machine wash on a silk cycle inside a mesh bag. Never bleach, never wring, and dry away from direct sun.

Caring for Silk

Silk FAQs

Why does my silk pillowcase feel cooler than a cotton one?

Silk’s continuous filament fibre has a smoother surface than woven cotton, which reduces friction and heat build-up against skin overnight.

Can I machine wash a mulberry silk pillowcase?

Carefully. Use a silk cycle inside a mesh bag with a pH-neutral detergent, or hand wash in cool water. Never bleach or wring it, since silk is weaker wet than dry.