Mulberry Silk is a luxurious silk derived from the Morus Alba trees of China. The unique thing about mulberry silk is its production and source. Due to its buttery, soft,z, and velvety texture, it is termed the King of Silk. This remarkable quality silk contributes to 1`12 90% of world silk production.

Its glossy, long fibers are used to produce high-fashion clothes and accessories. It is very expensive due to its remarkable quality and intricate processing.

It is extracted from silk cocoons” of a silkworm (Bombyx mori). This month, it particularly feeds on the leaves of mulberry trees native to China.

Origin of Mulberry Silk

This unique type of silk is a result of Chinese Sericulture practice approximately 2000 years ago. Initially, they evolved the rearing of silkworm eggs, and then this practice stretched out to Asian Countries of Japan, India, Thailand, Nepal, and South Korea.

Characteristics of Mulberry Silk Fabric

It is a natural silk containing a protein called Fibroin enriched with 18 Amino acids. It is luxurious natural silk well known for its softness and white lustrous sheen. Mulberry silk fabric is remarkable choice over other silks for its following properties:

• Extraordinary resilience
• Heavenly soft hand feel
• Elasticity
• Strength
• Hypoallergenic properties for skin
• Anti-bacterial properties

Mulberry Silk and Other Types of Silk

While Mulberry silk vs other silks, mulberry silk is always prioritized for its superior quality. These silkworms rely only on mulberry tree leaves for their feed, but other silk-producing worms may consume pine, oak, and fig leaves. In contrast to cotton, it has a uniform fibrous texture.

Other silks also reflect a dominant scent, which may or may not be pleasing to all users. But the good thing is mulberry silk is 100% odorless.

Quality Grades of Mulberry Silk

According to quality, Grade A is the highest quality silk product because it produces a white pearl luster. It is subdivided into grades such as :

• Grade 6A Silk

A very popular and best-ranking silk with zero impurities and all required neatness in velvety texture. This grade of mulberry silk is used to make luxurious and expensive Western and Eastern traditional dresses.

• Grade 5A Silk

It is a medium-grade silk displaying long fibrous strands. It shows an unparalleled luxurious texture and maintains its vibrant colors and glossiness over time. Although prized, it offers home decor, designer clothing, and bedding.

•  Grade 3A and 4A Silk

They display comparatively short fibers and a less smooth texture. Widely used to synthesize garments such as trousers, ties, shorts, and shirts.

• Grade 2A Silk
• It is of decent quality and is of affordable silk grade. It offers a soft texture, durability, and a nice sheen in the light.

Then comes the Grade B and Grade C silk products, which are low cost and display cheap quality due to irregularities and nonuniform structures of silk fibers.

Benefits of Mulberry Silk

No wonder Silk exhibits countless benefits in the Fashion industry. Its polished and radiant appearance is perfect for sophisticated mulberry clothing and silk bedding. You can also use mulberry silk in any season. Some of the mulberry silk benefits may also include:

1. Care for Hair

The silk fibers of bedding and pillowcases serve anti-hair breakage properties. It offers less friction to hair and enhances sleep. Moreover, Delicate Silk scrunchies and woven headbands reduce hair frizz and knots. They also maintain our hair hydration, preventing excess surface dryness.

2. Skin benefits

 As it is hypoallergenic, it prevents rashes and redness from friction while sleeping, enhancing sound sleep. It is moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial, avoiding breakouts.

3. Silk Eye Masks:

Mulberry silk eye masks help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles under the eyes. Moreover, worldwide research tells that sleeping with a silk eye mask promotes deep sleep and blocks light; ultimately, you will sleep earlier than usual. Always use the recommended fabric for an eye mask.

4. Silk Bed Sheets:

They provide frictionless surfaces, moisture-locking properties, and protection from allergens. They create an uninviting environment for dust and bed mites. You would fall asleep better due to the Temperature regulating activity of the mulberry silk bedding fabric.

Common Misconceptions about Mulberry Silk

There are some myths about mulberry silk that affect its market demands.

• Myth 1: It is an Unstable Fabric

People often consider it unstable as it gets wrinkled easily. But it’s not correct. Silk Fabrics are the most stable materials out there when handled with utmost care.

• Myth2: It should be worn occasionally

Many people think that silk is particular for special occasions. But real silk is a breathable and lightweight fabric that should be added to our casual wardrobe to add elegance to day-to-day outfits.

• Myth 3: It is weaker than other Fabrics

People believe silk is the most sensitive fabric, and you must care for mulberry silk a lot. You can not wash it in a machine, but that’s untrue. When soaked in water, the silk fibers may get swollen and slightly weak, and machine washing with gentle detergent would not be harmful. 

Mulberry Silk History

It is believed that a Chinese emperor’s wife first revealed Silk. She was having tea under a mulberry tree; a small cocoon dropped into her hot cup of tea. She was amazed to note that the cocoon disclosed a long fibrous thread. For over 2500 years, the Chinese kept silk production a mystery. Eventually, mulberry silk production evolved in other Asian countries as well.

How to Identify Genuine Mulberry Silk

These are some ways to know if u are holding genuine silk or not:

• This luxurious silk is evenly soft to the touch.
• It should give a lustrous sheen when held in light.
• Flame Test

Burn some fibers of Fabric edge with blue flame or lighter. The original types of silk fibres will burn slowly with a faint gleam and twist into a ball. The burning smell should resemble the burning of human hair as fibrous protein in both is the same and ash should feel like sandy powder between palms.

How Mulberry Silk is Made

Mulberry silk is produced due to the rigorous spinning action of the Bombyx Mori moth. It undergoes four stages of lifecycle:

Egg        Larvae     Pupae    Adult

Initially, the moth lays around 500 eggs, and after that period, it dies; the eggs are hatched and raised at 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. After birth, the larvae consume mulberry leaves for a week to put on weight about 10,000 times before.

At this point, cocoon spinning action starts, and secretion of a liquid called Fibroin takes place. It hardens on-air contact, and the cocoon gives a protective coating and transfers it into an adult moth. For the harvest of silk, the cocoon collection is termed Reeling.

Immersing cocoons in hot water accelerates this reeling process. Extracted silk filaments are gathered to form silk thread and weaved into silk fabrics to be used as bed sheets, pillowcases, garments, and other fashion hair accessories.