Brief Introduction of Silk
Silkworms and the silk production process
The fascination with silk comes from the humble silkworm pupa, which is 100% natural. These tiny creatures spin exquisite cocoons with consummate skill, laying the foundation for producing luxurious fabrics. From cocoon to loom, the silk production process forms the basis for the unique characteristics of this fiber.
The impact of silk feel: Factors Affecting feel
The environment and eating habits of the silkworm play an essential role in the texture of silk. Factors such as climate, feeding habits, and harvesting methods influence the feel of the fiber, creating a sensation that varies across different types of silk.
At the same time, different weaving methods also determine the feel of silk. Other weaving methods can turn silk into different fabrics, including silk satin, silk twill, silk habotai, silk twill, silk chiffon, etc.
Explore 7 types of silk
1. Silk Satin/ Silk Charmeuse
- Thickness: 12/14/16/19/22 Momme (What is Momme?)
- Fabric Width: 94cm/114cm/140cm (37″/45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk satin, or silk charmeuse, is a smooth, shiny, densely woven fabric with a glossy satin texture on the front and a matte texture on the back. Silk satin has a pleasing drape, soft hand feels, smooth surface, wrinkle resistance, and durability. However, silk satin also has disadvantages; its shrinkage rate is relatively high, and the gloss will not be so shiny after washing. It is mainly used in pillowcases, scrunchies, headbands, and scarves.
2. Silk Twill
- Thickness: 12/14/16/18 Momme
- Fabric Width: 94cm/114cm/140cm (37″/45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk twill is 100% silk and manufactured in a uniform twill or wales weave. Silk twill may vary in hand feels, from soft and drapey to heavy. Printing on silk twill is a great option to show a bright and clean picture. That’s why Hermès chooses heavy silk twill as the fabric for silk scarves.
3. Silk Crepe De Chine
- Thickness: 12/14/16 Momme
- Fabric Width: 114cm/140cm (45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk crepe de chine is a crepe-like silk fabric. During weaving, the silk is woven with highly twisted yarns, so the surface of the fabric is slightly uneven after being printed. Silk crepe de chine has a lightweight, dense, breathable, and anti-wrinkle performance, which makes it relaxed and comfortable to wear. Silk CDC is used for evening or bridal dresses, scrunchies, shawls, and scarves.
4. Silk Chiffon
- Thickness: 8/10 Momme
- Fabric Width: Fabric Width: 114cm/140cm (45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk chiffon is a dignified, semi-transparent fabric with a gauze-like texture. Chiffon has the features of lightness, softness, and brightness. Silk chiffon is widely used for bridesmaids’ covers and scarves; it is also a popular fabric for painting or dyeing.
5. Silk Habotai
- Thickness: 8 Momme
- Fabric Width: Fabric Width: 114cm/140cm (45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk habotai is a thin fabric whose surface is crepe-free and light. Two sides of the silk habotai are the same: no strong reflection, just a faint hazy luster, a little like the luster of silk satin. The shrinkage rate is around 5% — the silk habotai suits make linings, worship flags, and scarves.
6. Silk Georgette
- Thickness: 8/10 Momme
- Fabric Width: Fabric Width: 114cm/140cm (45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk georgette is a crepe-style fabric with a semi-sheer appearance and a matte finish. The silk surface is densely covered with some tiny holes. The texture is light and thin, elegant and transparent, soft to the touch, and breathable. The shrinkage rate is generally 10 to 12%. It is widely used in evening dresses, scarves, and headwraps.
7. Silk Stretch Satin
- Thickness: 16/19 Momme
- Fabric Width: Fabric Width: 114cm/140cm (45″/55″)
- Hand-Feeling: Silk stretch satin is perfect for pajamas, robes, and dresses. It is a smooth, shiny, densely woven fabric with a glossy satin texture on the front and a matte texture on the back. Silk satin has a pleasing drape, soft hand feels, a smooth surface, wrinkle resistance, and, what’s essential, stretchability. However, silk stretch satin also has weaknesses; its shrinkage rate is relatively high, and the gloss will not be so shiny after machine washing.
Silk is a texturally versatile fiber that presents itself in different guises. From the luxurious sheen of silk satin to the lightness of silk chiffon, each type of silk reveals an extra dimension of feel.
