Is Mulberry Silk Worth It? A Buyer's Guide | Folk Form
Trinh HaiQuick answer: Yes, mulberry silk is worth it if you want a smooth, even cloth that you will wear for years and care for gently. It is spun from silkworms fed only mulberry leaves. To test the claim cheaply, start with a $57 twilly and use the 30-day return window.
Is mulberry silk worth it?
It is worth it when you want cloth that is smooth, even and strong for its weight, and you plan to wear it more than a few times. It is not worth it as a bargain: real mulberry silk costs more than satin or blends because the raw material and the handwork both cost more.
A fair test is cost per wear. A silk twilly knotted on a bag handle every week for three years is a few cents a day. The same money spent on a polyester scarf you never reach for is the expensive one.
What exactly is mulberry silk?
It is silk spun by silkworms raised on mulberry leaves. Because their diet and conditions are controlled, the thread is long, continuous and uniform, which is what gives the cloth its smooth hand and soft sheen. Wild silks such as Tussah come from worms that feed on other leaves, and the thread is shorter and rougher.
For the longer science, mulberry silk benefits goes through it, and Silk vs Satin shows how to tell it from a synthetic that is only shiny.
How do you read the numbers?
Two are worth knowing. Momme is the traditional weight unit for silk fabric, and 16 momme (about 69 g/m2) is what our scarves use: heavy enough to hold a knot, light enough to drape. See What Is Momme Silk? Grade 5A describes the raw thread, not the finished piece, and both figures are what our supplier specifies rather than lab results.
Why does a good silk scarf cost what it does?
Because you pay for three things at once: the silk, the printing and the finishing. Ours is hand-printed in Hanoi, one screen per color, and the edge is rolled and stitched by hand. Import duty is already paid, so the price you see is the price you pay. The detail is in Why Are Silk Scarves So Expensive?, and Luxury Silk Scarves Under $200 shows what each price buys.
If you would rather test the claim than take our word for it, start with the smallest commitment: a silk twilly at $57. Knot it on a bag handle for a month and watch how the sheen settles. Returns stay open for 30 days. If you try one, BLOG5 at checkout takes 5% off.
When is mulberry silk the wrong choice?
If you want something you can throw in a washing machine, or something to leave in a bag in the sun, it is. Silk asks for gentle care. It is also not a gift for every budget: our scarves run from $57 for a twilly to $197 for a 44 in (110 cm) square.
Which piece should you start with?
If you are unsure, choose the 26 in (65 cm) square at $97, in a color she or he already wears. For a gift for a mother, see gifts for mom; for a pattern that tells a story, the Dragon Dreams and Phoenix Dance twillies are good places to start, and every size is in the silk scarf collection. Read What Makes a Luxury Silk Scarf before you decide, and find more in all our guides.
Orders leave Hanoi in 1 to 3 business days and reach a US address 9 to 15 business days later. Returns stay open for 30 days.
Is mulberry silk worth the price? Buyer questions
Is mulberry silk better than regular silk?
Generally yes. Mulberry silk comes from worms fed only mulberry leaves, giving a smoother, more uniform thread than wild silks such as Tussah, which are rougher and less even.
What does momme mean in silk?
Momme is the traditional unit of silk fabric weight. A higher momme means heavier cloth with more body. Our scarves use 16 momme mulberry silk, about 69 grams per square meter.
Is mulberry silk strong enough for everyday wear?
Yes, silk is stronger than many people expect, because the long continuous filament resists pulling. It still needs gentle care: no machine washing, no bleach and no long hours in direct sun.
How can I try mulberry silk without a big investment?
Start with a silk twilly at $57, knot it on a bag handle and see how it wears. Shipping is free from $90, import duty is already paid, and returns stay open for 30 days.
