What is the difference between inexpensive and expensive silk?
Cillouettes · 3 min read
Why is there such a large price difference between silk products?
Silk is an exclusive and natural material - and the price can vary considerably depending on several factors. Here is an overview of what typically affects the price of silk products.
In this guide
1. The quality of the raw material
Just as there are different qualities of cashmere, there are also many types of silk. The price per metre can range from DKK 50 to more than DKK 500 - depending on origin, fibre quality and processing. The finer the silk, the higher the price will be.
2. Silk's lustre and weave
Silk's characteristic lustre is due to both the natural structure of the silk fibres and the way they are woven. The denser and more precisely woven the fabric, 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 creasing. This process is especially used for silk intended for textiles that come into direct contact with the skin and requires a higher quality of processing.
4. Dyeing quality
Dyes also affect the price. High-quality silk is dyed with durable pigments that retain their colour wash after wash. Cheaper silk often fades more quickly and has a shorter lifespan. Some manufacturers use plant-based dyes. These can be gentler, but they usually also 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 has been used per square metre.
- 16 momme is the minimum for pillowcases
- 19 momme provides a noticeably more luxurious feel
- 22 momme is used for particularly durable products such as scrunchies
A higher momme count generally means better durability and a softer surface.
6. Addition of synthetic fibres
Some cheaper products contain polyester or other synthetic materials to reduce production costs. However, this makes the silk less breathable and harsher against the skin. If you want the full benefits of silk, we recommend choosing products made from 100% mulberry silk.
What do we recommend?
At Cillouettes, we exclusively sell high-quality silk products.
- Our pillowcases are made from 19 momme silk
- Our scrunchies are made from 22 momme silk
Click here to see our selection of silk products →
Brief summary:
| Product | Minimum recommended momme |
|---|---|
| Pillowcase | 16 momme |
| Duvet cover | 19 momme |
| Bed sheet | 19 momme |
