Before shopping for any silk bedding items, it is important to understand the different types of silk and the benefits of each. Let's look at what the differences are between these types of silk, beginning with how silk is measured.



'Momme weight' silk is a means of measuring the quality and weight of silk fabric used in bedding items. Cotton and cotton blend bedding fabric is measured by thread count, but silk is measured in momme, a Japanese unit of measure.

The higher the silk momme, the heavier the silk fabric will be. If, for example, you are considering silk sheets for your bed that are labels as 8 momme, you know the fabric will be very light and delicate. This silk weight could not be expected to hold up through rough use.

Silk weighed as 20 or 22 momme would be heavy and much more durable, so much so that this silk weight is often used for tailoring men's suits. When choosing silk bedding, look for bedding labeled 12 to 18 momme which provides a compromise between durability and elegance and softness.

Fuji Silk is a spun silk fabric that is soft and drapes very well. This type of silk is not shiny and is great for bedding because it maintains the softness of silk but lacks the slippery feel that often results in silk bedding 'crawling' from the bed onto the floor during a restless night. Fuji silk sheets and duvets are often available in 19 momme weight.

Charmeuse silk is the most recognizable type of silk This fabric is very shiny and smooth and drapes well but can feel to slick for some people's liking. This silk is also referred to as 'satin silk'.

Habotai silk is lightweight and smooth but only has a very slight shine. It has a bit less drape than heavier silks and is usually found in 12 to 15 momme weights. These silk bedding items are perfect for summer use or use in homes that are kept quite warm during winter.

Jacquard silk is medium weight silk that is woven into an intricate jacquard pattern. Combining shiny and matte finishes due to the jacquard weave, this silk bedding can add detail and interest to silk bedding.

Noil silk is often referred to as 'raw silk'. This untreated and undyed silk has a nubby texture and is neither shiny nor smooth, which makes it very different from what you think of when you think of silk. The feel is almost like that of cotton linen and it can be used to add a modern, contemporary feel when used in comforter outer shells or duvets.

Silk floss is 100% natural silk fiber which is often used to fill silk comforters. Long mulberry silk floss strands can be thousands of yards in length! This ensures the comforter filling layers never bunch or shift. Much preferred to tussah silk used in comforters of lesser quality, silk floss comforter fill ensures a quality product.

And if all of the warmth, lightness and pure beauty of silk weren't enough, silk is perfect for people who are concerned about allergens. Like its cotton cousin, silk's natural fibers don't harbor dust mites or give off gas like man made fabrics do. Can't beat that for better sleeping health and peace of mind.