Guide: What is Mulberry Silk?

If you’re shopping for a new pillowcase, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the different choices. There are so many types of pillowcases available, from cotton to flannel to silk, and a variety of thread counts and marketing jargon to navigate.

Since we spend so much of our lives sleeping, investing in comfortable and well-made bedding is important. Silk pillowcases are known for their luxurious feel (as well as their health and beauty benefits), but even within this category, there are important distinctions to know as a shopper.

In this article, we’ll explore Mulberry silk in particular, including what makes it the best option if you’re looking for an amazing silk pillowcase.

I. What is Mulberry Silk?

II. How is Mulberry Silk Different From Other Types of Silk?

III. Caring for Mulberry Silk

IV. Buying the Best Mulberry Silk

V. Experience GhostBed Silk

I. What is Mulberry Silk?

When we talk about silk, there are a few different types and sources available. While most come from silkworms, we can also collect silk from:

• Spiders
• Ant and honeybee larvae
• Clams
• Goats (via silk proteins in their milk)

However, these types of silks can be tough to harvest; spider silk, for instance, is one of the strongest fibers in nature, but so little is produced that it’s hard to extract enough.

The traditional silk we know and love comes from the cocoons of silkworms, which are the larva of silk moths. Within this category, these silkworms can be either wild (Bombyx mandarina) or domesticated (Bombyx mori). Wild silkworms produce a few different varieties of silk: Tasar silk, Muga silk, and Eri silk.

Mulberry silk, specifically, refers to the silk from domesticated silkworms. These silkworms are raised in captivity and fed a diet of exclusively Mulberry leaves, which results in a silk that’s refined and consistent in quality, as well as a naturally pure-white color. This allows for easier dyeing, compared to the darker brown color that you get from the silk of wild silkworms’ more varied diet.

II. How is Mulberry Silk Different From Other Types of Silk?

In addition to the pure-white color mentioned above, Mulberry is known as the best for many more reasons.

When compared to its wild-silk counterparts, Mulberry silk is:

• Easier to process
• Much finer and smoother, with longer individual strands
• More uniform in texture and appearance
• Odorless and hypoallergenic

While other silks certainly have their place, you’ll want to look for Mulberry silk when you’re shopping for pillowcases and sheets, since they have direct contact against your skin and face every night.

III. Caring for Mulberry Silk

Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers, but it loses strength when it gets wet. Because of this, it’s very important to know how to care for your silk pillowcase properly.

Here are the steps for washing a Mulberry silk pillowcase:

• Wash your pillowcase in cold water, on the gentle (or delicate) setting. Hot water may distort the fibers.
• Use a pH-neutral detergent. Solutions that are too acidic or alkaline can leave your silk pillowcase feeling rough or stiff. Check the detergent container and it will usually say if it’s gentle enough for silk and other delicate fabrics.
• Line dry for best results, or use a gentle, no-heat and air-only dryer setting for no more than 15 minutes.

While other silks certainly have their place, you’ll want to look for Mulberry silk when you’re shopping for pillowcases and sheets, since they have direct contact against your skin and face every night.

IV. Buying the Best Mulberry Silk

As you’re searching for Mulberry silk pillowcases, watch out for products that blend silk with other types of inferior fabrics. Look for 100% Mulberry silk to ensure the highest quality you can get.

Other labels to look for include a high momme and a high grade. Momme, sometimes abbreviated as “mm,” refers to the weight of the silk and reflects the quality and durability of the fabric. 12 to 19 momme is considered a good quality silk, and anything above that is very high quality.

Silk is also graded on a scale of A, B and C, with A being the highest quality.

V. Experience GhostBed Silk

Sleep in luxury with GhostBed Silk, our 100% Mulberry silk pillowcase. In addition to the beauty and cooling benefits you get from sleeping on silk, we’ve doubled-down on strength and durability: featuring double-stitched edges and a strong internal zipper, your pillowcase will provide years of luxury as you sleep.

Plus, explore our best-selling pillows to pair with your pillowcase:

GhostPillow Memory Foam

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GhostPillow Faux Down

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