Made popular in China thousands of years ago for its luxurious quality, mulberry silk comes from the Morus Alba tree. Famous for its buttery feel and benefits for your hair, this material is used all over the world for everything from a silk pillowcase and bed sheets to high-fashion garments.1
Mulberry silk is also known for its one-of-a-kind softness—its silk thread is smooth, strong, and uniformly colored, making it a top pick for those looking for a luxurious sleeping experience. In this article, we’ll explore this dreamy material and why it’s one of the most sought-after textiles in the world.
What is Mulberry Silk Made Of?
What is mulberry silk? Originating in China over 5,000 years ago, “sericulture” is the ancient process of spinning silk into the beautiful textile that we all know and love.
But what is mulberry silk made of? Mulberry silk is made from the cocoon of the Bombyx mori moth. Before metamorphosis, the caterpillar feeds exclusively on the white mulberry leaf—this is one of the reasons why this silk is known for its second-to-none quality.
The silk fabric is then spun from long fibers, which are strong, pure white, and collected from the moth’s cocoon. These individual strands of fiber are then woven together to create the silk fabric that’s used for soft, silk bedding.
So, Why is it So Expensive?
Smoother and stronger than any other silk in the world, mulberry silk is a textile powerhouse. Famous for its durability and lightweight quality, mulberry silk is able to retain up to a third of its weight in moisture. Because of this, it doesn’t emit a smell when damp and doesn’t need to be left out to dry for a long amount of time, making it relatively easy to manage.
Plus, this silk is gorgeous. Whether you’re sleeping on a mulberry silk pillowcase or wearing it to a gala, you’ll feel out-of-this-world glamorous. If you’re in need of some extra TLC, you can even try out a mulberry silk sleep mask to repel bacteria and keep your face feeling fresh.
Mulberry Silk vs. Regular Silk
You might be wondering how mulberry differs from regular silk. Sometimes referred to as the “King of Silk,” there are plenty of reasons why mulberry silk stands out from the crowd.
Here are several factors that pinpoint the differences between mulberry silk and silk:
- Uniformity – Since Bombyx mori moths only feed on white mulberry leaves, the strands produced are longer and more refined. Other silk is made from shorter fibers that can create abnormalities in the material.
- Color – Mulberry silk is always pure white with no exceptions, making it a great complement to luxurious bedding that feels pristine.
- Texture – Other types of silk tend to be rougher to the touch, whereas mulberry silk is buttery soft.
- Price – Because of its premium status, mulberry silk tends to run more expensive than more generic types of silk.
- Scent – An amazing characteristic that sets mulberry silk apart from the crowd is the fact that it has no scent.
- Hypoallergenic and antibacterial – Ideal for people with allergies, mulberry silk is hypoallergenic and a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin or noses. This silk actually contains the natural protein sericin, which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.2
