Welcome to the world of pure mulberry silk-a natural fiber so luxurious, it has been prized for centuries for its unmatched softness, strength, and beauty. At Mulberry Park Silks, we're proud to create bedding and accessories from 100% pure Grade 6A mulberry silk, woven to perfection for the ultimate in self-care and sleep wellness. Here are 12 amazing facts that reveal just why mulberry silk is so special-and why it deserves a place in your bedroom.
Key Takeaways
- Mulberry silk is a natural, protein-based fiber — produced by Bombyx mori silkworms and prized for its softness, strength, and beauty.
- Silk was discovered in ancient China — with legends tracing its origins back to Princess Xi Lingshi in 2640 BC.
- Sericulture is the foundation of the silk industry — involving the cultivation of silkworms and harvesting of cocoons for silk production.
- Grade 6A silk is the highest quality available — featuring long, uniform, and impurity-free fibers used in all Mulberry Park Silks products.
- Momme measures silk density — with 19, 22, and 30 Momme options offering different levels of durability and luxury.
- Charmeuse weave gives silk its signature luster — with a glossy front and matte reverse for ultimate comfort and shine.
- Silk is hypoallergenic, breathable, and skin-friendly — making it ideal for sensitive skin, hot sleepers, and those seeking natural beauty benefits.
1. Silk Was Discovered by Mistake
According to legend and the writings of Confucius, silk was discovered in 2640 BC by Chinese princess Xi Lingshi. While enjoying a cup of tea beneath a mulberry tree watching a silkworm, a cocoon is said to have fallen into her cup. As it soaked in the hot liquid, the princess noticed the delicate threads begin to unwind-revealing an incredibly long, lustrous filament. Intrigued, she instructed her attendants to begin weaving the fine strands into fabric, silk garments. The art of silk weaving was born from this moment of curiosity and elegance.
2. It's Made by Nature-Literally
Sericulture-the art of cultivating silkworms for raw silk production. It is the foundation of the silk industry and is essential to all authentic silk manufacturing, particularly the creation of mulberry silk, renowned as the finest and most luxurious variety. Mulberry silk is a natural protein fiber produced by Bombyx mori silkworms, raised exclusively on a diet of mulberry leaves-hence their name. The silk cocoon of the Bombyx mori is nature's masterpiece-and the starting point of every piece of pure silk fabric. Unlike synthetic alternatives, real silk is both biodegradable and eco-friendly, making it a sustainable choice rooted in centuries of tradition.
3. Each Silk Filament Is Incredibly Long and Strong
A single strand of mulberry silk fiber can be 600 to 900 meters long (nearly 3,000 feet!) and is renowned for its exceptional tensile strength. This strength, paired with its featherlight softness, is what gives pure silk its legendary durability and drape. Natural silk is graded based on three main factors: fiber length, uniformity, and cleanliness. The highest quality silk is known as Grade 6A, which indicates long, unbroken fibers that are smooth, lustrous, and free from impurities. Silk strands are assigned a letter and number, based on their quality, with the main grading scale running from Grade C to Grade 6A. 6A is the highest. At Mulberry Park Silks, we use only 100% pure Grade 6A mulberry silk thread, ensuring every product meets the highest standards of luxury, durability, and beauty.
4. From China to Europe
From 130 BCE to the mid-15th century CE, silk trade was introduced to the West by way of the silk route known as the Silk Road. Named for the prized mulberry silk that was first produced exclusively in China, the Silk Road helped introduce this luxurious fabric to the West, where it became a symbol of status and elegance. The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes that connected China to Europe, playing a vital role in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures for over a thousand years. Beyond silk, the route facilitated the spread of art, religion, and innovation-laying the foundation for global trade and cultural exchange that still resonates today.
5. Not All "Silky" Fabrics Are Created Equal
Don't be fooled by the word "satin"-satin is a weave, not a fiber. Most satin sheets are made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. True silk bedding is made from 100% real silk fiber, offering benefits that synthetics simply can't replicate.
6. Silk Is Hypoallergenic and Skin-Friendly
Pure silk is composed of natural fibers that are hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, mold, and fungus. These qualities make sleeping on silk sheets and pillowcases ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Additionally, silk bedding provides a smooth, frictionless surface that minimizes irritation-helping to prevent sleep creases, preserve skin hydration, and support a healthier complexion. It's a wellness and beauty essential, beloved by natural living enthusiasts and skincare lovers alike.
7. Momme Matters
Pronounced "moe-mee," momme (mm) is the traditional unit of weight used to measure the density and quality of silk fabric-similar to thread count in cotton. It refers to the weight, in pounds, of a standard piece of silk measuring 45 inches wide by 100 yards long. A higher momme indicates a denser, more durable weave with a richer drape and feel. At Mulberry Park Silks, we offer 19, 22, and 30 Momme silk options to suit your sleep style, tactile preferences, and budget.
New to Silk?
Not Sure Which Momme is best?
New to Silk?
Not Sure Which Momme is best?
8. Charmeuse Weave Enhances the Shine and Feel
At Mulberry Park Silks, all of our bedding and accessories are crafted with a luxurious charmeuse weave, a type of silk satin weave celebrated for its signature shine and buttery softness. The term "silk satin" refers to the weaving technique-where silk threads float over several others before weaving under one-creating fewer thread interruptions on the surface. This is what gives silk its smooth, glossy finish. In charmeuse, the lustrous side faces outward, while the matte side rests gently against your skin. The result is a fabric that glides effortlessly, helping to reduce hair breakage, minimize sleep lines, and elevate your overall sleep experience.
9. Silk Promotes Hair Health
Sleeping on a pure mulberry silk pillowcase helps reduce frizz, split ends, and bedhead. Unlike cotton, which can tug and absorb moisture, silk helps hair retain its natural oils-perfect for curly, coily, or textured hair types.
10. It's a Skincare Essential
Silk's smooth surface creates less friction than cotton, which means fewer sleep wrinkles and better skin hydration. Dermatologistsoften recommend silk for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin.
11. Silk Helps Regulate Temperature
Silk is a naturally breathable and thermoregulating fabric. It helps wick away moisture while keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This makes silk bedding an excellent choice for hot sleepers and those experiencing night sweats or menopause symptoms.
12. Quality You Can Feel (and Trust)
At Mulberry Park Silks, every item we offer is crafted from Grade 6A long-strand silk, the highest quality available. Our products are certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, meaning they've been tested for over 1,000 harmful substances and are safe for you and your family. We are transparent about all aspects of our silk production process, and our Branford, CT-based silk experts are available to answer any questions you might have Monday through Friday, 9:30-5:30 EST via phone or Live Chat.
