Silk feels like the most fragile fabric in your closet, and yet it's also one of the strongest natural fibers by weight that exists. That contradiction is the whole story.
How is silk actually made?
Silk is produced by silkworms spinning cocoons, then carefully unwound into one of the strongest natural fibers by weight, despite how delicate it feels. Its signature shine comes from the fiber's unique triangular structure, which reflects light at different angles like a prism.
Is silk actually good for your skin?
Yes — silk is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and surprisingly good at wicking moisture away from skin. It also regulates temperature well, feeling cool in summer and warm in winter, though it typically asks for gentler care than sturdier fibers.
What's the difference between mulberry silk and other silk?
Mulberry silk comes from silkworms raised exclusively on mulberry leaves in controlled, farmed conditions, producing a single continuous filament that can stretch over 1,000 meters from one cocoon. That uniformity gives mulberry silk its signature smoothness and even weave, compared to wild silks like tussah, eri, or muga, which are gathered after the moth has already emerged and broken the cocoon — resulting in shorter, coarser, more irregular fibers. It's considered the gold standard of silk for a reason.
We don't currently carry silk pieces, but we wanted this guide to exist because it comes up constantly when people ask us about natural fibers in general. See how it compares to the fibers we do carry — linen, organic cotton, hemp, cashmere, and alpaca — in the Natural Fibers 101 guide, and if you want the washing and storage specifics for a piece you already own, the interactive fiber care guide covers it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silk stronger than cotton?
By weight, yes — silk is one of the strongest natural fibers that exists, despite its delicate feel and the gentle care it requires.
Can you machine wash silk?
Most silk requires hand-washing or dry cleaning, since machine agitation and heat can damage the fiber's structure and shine.
Is all silk the same quality?
No — mulberry silk from farmed, controlled conditions is considered the highest and most consistent quality, while wild silks like tussah are coarser and more irregular.
