Mulberry silk is a special type of silk made by silkworms that are fed exclusively on leaves from the mulberry tree. This article describes why mulberry silk is the finest quality silk in the marketplace.
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Here at Mulberry Park Silks, we’re proud to say that everything we sell -- from silk pillowcases and sheets to hair accessories and sleep masks -- is made from 100% pure mulberry silk of the highest grade. This is part of our commitment to delivering the finest silk products at a good value. And, of course, nothing compares to the look, luxury, and health and wellness benefits of sleeping on a pure mulberry silk pillowcase or sheet set.
But not everyone knows exactly what “mulberry silk” means and -- more importantly -- why it is so far superior to other silks like wild silk or Habotai silk. Let’s take a closer look at mulberry silk and examine what makes it so very special.
Silk: Woven into History
Silk production, known as sericulture, is an art and science that originated in China more than four thousand years ago. Beautiful and luxurious, silk fabric was even used as currency in China and opened up trade with the West through the fabled routes of the Silk Road through Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Europe. For more than two centuries, the secrets of silk were exclusive to the Chinese and passed through generations.
Over time, silk production spread to the West. By the 15th century, France and Italy were known leading manufacturers of silk in Europe, a position they held for several centuries. The silk industry has weathered many threats through the centuries, including outbreaks of disease that attack silkworms; mass manufacturing, and the development of synthetic fibers. Today, China is once again the largest manufacturer of cultivated silk. Learn more about the history of silk here.
How Mulberry Silk Is Produced
Mulberry silk is produced by the bombyx mori, a domesticated silk worm whose diet consists exclusively of leaves from the mulberry tree. The mulberry silkworm spins a cocoon, which is unraveled into a single long mulberry silk fiber; several fibers are then spun into mulberry silk thread which is then woven into silk fabric used to make silk bedding, accessories, and clothing.
The mulberry leaf is nutrient-rich, sustainable food source for the bombyx mori moth. Silkworms who feed exclusively on mulberry leaves produce cocoons of fine, strong, and uniform color fibers. Mulberry silk is widely recognized as being the highest quality silk on the planet; it is known as the longest, strongest, and purest in color. In fact, a mulberry silk strand has been unraveled to nearly a mile in length. These strong, unbroken fibers make for smoother, softer material when woven.
Mulberry silk is a natural fiber. It contains sericin, a protein produced by the silkworm. During the silk processing, the water-soluble protein sericin is removed. The protein retained in the silk is called fibroin, which is rich in 18 amino acids. that makes it hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and non-irritating to skin. Mulberry silk fabric also has a unique structure that allows it to wick moisture and regulate body temperature. As we mentioned earlier, mulberry silk is particularly soft, smooth, and luxurious, especially when made in a charmeuse weave, which is soft and lustrous.
What Is Mulberry Silk Used For?
Mulberry silk is typically used for weaving fabrics for clothing, silk bedding, and accessories. At Mulberry Park Silks, we offer a complete range of 100% natural mulberry silk bedding:
Silk pillowcases in 19 momme, 22 momme, and 30 momme weights. These come in Standard, Queen, King sizes and are available in travel pillowcases and European Shams. Choose from a range of colors. (Note: momme is a weight measurement used in silk. It is similar to thread count in cotton sheets. Learn more about momme in silk here.)
Silk sheets in 19, 22, and 30 momme weights. Sold as silk sheet sets or flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases separately. Full, Queen, King, Cal King Sizes (not all sizes available in all momme weights) and range of colors. Use our 22 Momme Design Your Bed tool to mix and match available colors to create your own custom look.
Silk duvets, silk comforter and duvet inserts. Silk duvets are one of the essential elements to an absolutely luxurious bed. Use with a sheet set or over directly on top of a fitted sheet for a more contemporary look.
Baby and toddler silk bedding. We believe in sharing the love, luxury, and many benefits of silk with little ones! Shop our baby and toddler silk collection for crib sheets, bassinet sheets, and toddler pillowcase covers.
We also carry a growing collection of silk accessories, including hair scarves, scrunchies, sleep masks, eye pillows, and more. Click here to learn more about our silk sleep masks and aromatherapy silk eye pillows.
The Benefits of Mulberry Silk Products
There are many benefits to sleeping on silk sheets and pillowcases from Mulberry Park Silks. Our silk bedding is great for hair, skin, and overall wellness:
- Our silk prevents hair breakage and tames tangles, frizz, and bedhead with a smooth, friction-free environment.
- Silk bedding helps prevent sleep wrinkles; no tugging or pulling on delicate facial skin.
- Silk is a protein-based fabric that helps hair and skin retain its natural moisture (In contrast, cotton bedding actually pulls moisture away. Learn about the differences between silk and cotton sheets here).
- Silk regulates body temperature and wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable in any season or condition.
- Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mites. It is also non-irritating to even the most delicate skin. Doctors frequently recommend sleeping on silk to patients with acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other conditions.
- Our silk products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified as safe from harmful chemicals, toxins and irritants.
- Mulberry Park Silks sheets and bedding are machine washable. Use a detergent made silk -- we recommend Heritage Park Luxury Silk and Wool Detergent -- and follow these instructions.
Ready to Learn More About Mulberry Silk?
With limited time, we’ve done our best to let you know why mulberry silk is such a special and luxurious fabric. But we realize we’ve only scratched the surface of this compelling subject. We welcome you to dig into the many resources on our website. Visit our blog to learn more about all things silk-related, including information on caring for your luxury silk and tips on purchasing the best silk pillowcase for your money. We also have a Silk Buyer’s Guide, an interactive tool that steps you through the silk purchasing process, and a robust FAQ section where you can do a deep dive on your silk questions. Of course, you can always contact us by phone or email for advice and assistance. Be sure to check out our complimentary Swatch Sample Program that allows you to see and feel our silk at home before you buy.