The Ultimate Guide to Silk: Qualities, Grades and Momme of Silk

Silk is a luxurious fabric that has been coveted for centuries. Its softness, shine, and drape make it an elegant choice for any garment. However, not all silk is created equal. There are different grades and qualities of silk, each with its own unique properties and benefits. As a sustainable designer fashion brand who prizes quality and durability, Kargede uses only the finest silk available: 100% pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk. In this ultimate guide to silk, we will explore the different qualities and grades of silk, and why high quality silk is worth the investment.

The Four Types of Silk :

Mulberry silk, Eri silk, Tasar silk, and Muga silk are some of the most popular types of silk used in the textile industry. Each of these silk fabrics has its unique properties and characteristics.

Mulberry Silk: Mulberry silk is the most common and popular type of silk used in the textile industry. This silk is known for its softness, sheen, and durability. It is also hypoallergenic and highly breathable, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Mulberry silk is used to make a variety of products such as clothing, bedding, and accessories.

Eri Silk: Eri silk is also known as Ahimsa silk or Peace silk, as the silkworms are not killed during the production process. The cocoons are allowed to hatch naturally, and the remaining silk is then collected. Eri silk is naturally coarse and has a wool-like texture. It is popular in north-eastern India and is used to make shawls, scarves, and traditional clothing.

Tasar Silk: Tasar Silk is coarser than mulberry silk, but also stronger and more durable. Tasar silk has a dull sheen and a natural golden colour, making it ideal for clothing and home décor items. It is commonly used to make sarees, dupattas, and pillow covers.

Muga Silk: Muga silk is produced only in the state of Assam in India and is known for its natural golden colour and high lustre. Muga silk is highly durable and is often used to make traditional clothing such as mekhela chadors and sarees.

Check out these One-of-a-Kind Pure Silk Scarves

The Different Qualities and Grades of Silk:

Silk is produced by silkworms and is harvested from their cocoons. The quality of the silk is determined by several factors, including the type of silkworm, the feeding conditions, and the method of harvesting. The grading system for silk is based on the thickness and length of the silk fibres, which determine the texture, shine, and durability of the fabric.

Grade 3A and 4A Silk: These are the lowest grades of silk, and are characterized by short fibres and a rough texture. Garments made with these grades of silk are less durable and tend to wrinkle easily.

Grade 5A Silk: This is a medium grade of silk, with longer fibres than 3A and 4A silk. It has a smoother texture and is more durable than the lower grades of silk.

Grade 6A Silk: This is the highest grade of silk available, with the longest and finest fibres. Garments made with Grade 6A silk are incredibly soft, smooth, and lustrous. This grade of silk is also the most durable, and can withstand years of wear and washing without losing its shape or texture.

“Momme”, what is it and why it matters:

Momme is a unit of measurement used to describe the weight and density of silk. Momme is often quoted as “mm”. The higher the momme, the denser and more durable the silk will be.

Lower momme silk is lighter and more delicate, making it ideal for scarves and elegant clothing. As a rule of thumb, 14 – 18mm is perfect for any item of clothing that requires a lightweight or airy finish. As an example, silk scarves tend to be made from 16-18mm silk. This provides the optimal durability and weight. A higher momme would be too heavy, whereas a lower momme would be too fragile. Any silk below 14mm would be best used for embellishments or trims, but not for the base of a garment.

On the other hand, higher momme silk is ideal for durable clothing items like jackets, pants, and dresses, or any garment which requires a structured finish. 22mm is arguably the the optimal momme choice for quality designer pieces. However, a 19mm silk would certainly be appropriate for adding an air of lightness to a structured silk shirt.

Why High Quality Silk is Worth the Investment:

Investing in high quality silk, like Kargede’s Grade 6A Mulberry silk, has several benefits. Firstly, it feels incredible against the skin. The smooth, soft texture of Grade 6A silk makes it a pleasure to wear, especially in hot or humid weather. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

Secondly, high quality silk has natural temperature regulating properties. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a versatile fabric for any season. This is because silk has natural moisture-wicking properties, which draws moisture away from the skin and helps regulate body temperature.

Finally, high quality silk is incredibly durable. Garments made with Grade 6A silk are long-lasting, and can be worn for years without losing their shape or texture. This means that investing in high quality silk is not only an investment in your wardrobe, but also in the environment.

How Kargede Approaches Silk:

At Kargede we use 18mm silk for all of our silk twill scarves and 22mm silk for our garments. We pair this with 100% pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk as a testament to our commitment to quality fashion. We believe that investing in high quality, long-lasting fabrics is not only good for our customers, but also for the planet. Our silk products are designed to be timeless, elegant, and sustainable, so you can look good and feel good about your purchase.

In Summary

High quality silk is a luxurious and sustainable choice for any wardrobe. Its natural temperature regulating properties, hypoallergenic properties, and durability make it a smart investment for anyone looking for a versatile and long-lasting fabric. Grade 6A mulberry silk is the optimal choice for designer clothing. But remember, when purchasing any silk garment you must always consider the momme. The right momme will guarantee the level of comfort and practicality of the garment and should never be overlooked.

We hope this ultimate guide to silk has been informative and helpful in understanding the qualities, grades and momme of silk. For a complete understanding of silk, why not learn about the different types of silk fabric next?