Finding quality can be a daunting takes. There is a vast amount of silk bed linen on the market today ranging hugely in both quality and price. Knowing what to look for can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips that if followed will ensure you buy a quality silk bedding product that will last for many years.
Insist on 100% mulberry silk. There are many varieties of silk on the market. When purchasing silk bedding insist on 100% mulberry silk. Only 100% mulberry silk consists of a continuous strand of silk. Wild silk, commonly known as Habotai silk is often passed off as mulberry silk but is never of the same quality as mulberry silk. Habotai or China Silk as it is sometimes called is often made up of broken strands of silk and non-silk fibres and is more suited for silk scarves and items requiring shorter fibres. Habotai silk does not have the same durability as 100% mulberry silk. Only 100% mulberry silk can offer the consistency and durability required in quality silk bed linen.
A thread count of 400 or more. When considering making a purchase of silk linen, always check the thread count. The higher the thread count, the tighter the silk is woven. An ideal thread count for silk linen is above 400. Anything lover than 400 will not be as durable and not last as fine silk linen should.
Momme weight explained. You may have heard of momme when purchasing silk items. Momme is the gauge used to determine the physical weight of silk. The basic measurement for momme is weighing a piece of silk that is 100 yards long and 45 inches wide. If the total weight comes to sixteen pounds then the silk will be graded as 16 momme. If the silk is heavier then a higher momme grade will be given and visa versa. Silk with a lower momme number will have physically less silk in the item than one with a higher number. Your silk bedding should have a high momme number, at the very least above 12. Traditionally silk with a momme of fewer than 12 has been reserved for light silk clothing, while a momme of 12-19 is used for silk bedding. A momme of 22 would be durable enough for a tailored suit. Silk bedding with a momme of 19 will be more durable and easier to care for than a say a momme of 14.
Beware of a false economy. Silk sheets and bedding sets are often offered at hugely discounted prices. Although at the time of purchase the price may seem a bargain, be sure the bedding meets the above criteria. If not, the bedding will not last like 100% mulberry silk bedding. When properly cared for 100% mulberry silk bedding with a momme weight of 19 and a thread count of 400 will far outlast cotton bedding and prove to be a sound investment.
