Title: Unlocking the Secrets of Chinese Silk: The Difference Between Mulberry Silk and Real Silk – Are You Choosing the Right One?

Have you ever thought that real silk is just mulberry silk? In fact, the world of silk is far more fascinating than you might imagine! From mulberry silk to tussah silk, from its delicate sheen to its unique texture, silk is not only a symbol of luxury and elegance but also a representation of China's millennia-old culture. This article will take you deep into the differences between mulberry silk and real silk, reveal which type of silk is better suited for you, and explore the unique charm and historical significance of Chinese silk. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this content will give you a whole new perspective on silk!

 When it comes to silk, many people immediately think of mulberry silk. However, silk is not exclusively mulberry silk; rather, it refers to natural protein fibers produced by silkworms, as opposed to artificial or synthetic silk. Silk includes various types such as mulberry silk, tussah silk, cassava silk, and wild silk, with mulberry silk being the highest quality and most expensive. In everyday conversation, when we mention "silk," we are usually referring to mulberry silk.

The term "real silk" for mulberry silk originated in the mid-20th century when artificial silk became widely produced. To distinguish it from synthetic silk, mulberry silk was referred to as "real silk" — the genuine article. Before this, "silk" globally specifically meant mulberry silk, and silk fabric was exclusively made from mulberry silk.

Mulberry Silk and Other Natural Silks

Mulberry silk is produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori, which is cultivated in southern China and feeds on mulberry leaves. These silkworms are raised several times a year, with the silk from spring silkworms being the highest quality. Other types, like tussah silk and wild silk, come from different silkworm species.

Compared to other natural silks like tussah silk, mulberry silk fibers are finer and longer. The fineness of mulberry silk is about one-tenth the diameter of a human hair, while tussah silk fibers are roughly the same thickness as a human hair. Mulberry silk fibers can reach lengths of several tens to hundreds of meters, whereas tussah silk fibers are generally only a few tens of centimeters long. This makes mulberry silk softer, smoother, more skin-friendly, and more lustrous, offering superior comfort and making it the preferred choice in the market.

Silk Fabrics: A Diverse Range

Silk fabrics encompass a wide variety of textiles. Broadly speaking, silk is the raw material for these fabrics. Mulberry silk, in its raw form, is not yet woven into fabric; it is the base material. Both mulberry silk and other silks are protein-based and are now used in industrial and medical fields.

Mulberry silk, produced by domesticated silkworms fed primarily on mulberry leaves, has a creamy white color with a hint of yellow and a smooth, delicate texture. It is the primary raw material for silk production.

Types of Silk Fabrics

Silk fabrics can be categorized by their weaving techniques, including crepe de chine, heavy crepe, georgette, double georgette, satin, and more. Each type has unique characteristics and varies in price due to different processing methods.

In essence, silk is mulberry silk, just referred to differently. The composition of silk fabric is mulberry silk. In textile factories, it is commonly called "silk," and when purchasing clothing, people often say the garment is made of silk. However, in fiber testing, it is referred to as mulberry silk, such as when certifying that a fabric contains 100% mulberry silk.

Silk fabrics, as opposed to synthetic silk, include all natural silk fibers like mulberry silk, tussah silk, and cassava silk. Silk is the continuous fiber secreted by silkworms to form their cocoons. Before processing, it is called "raw silk," which is slightly stiff and semi-transparent. After refining and degumming, it becomes soft and lustrous, known as "cooked silk." Like cashmere, silk is one of the earliest animal fibers used by humans.

The Uniqueness of Silk

Silk is classified based on the silkworm's diet, including mulberry silk, tussah silk, cassava silk, and others. However, mulberry silk dominates the market due to its superior quality and the maturity of its cultivation and processing techniques.

Silk fabrics are smooth, soft, and lustrous, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer. They produce a unique "scroop" sound when rubbed, have excellent elasticity, and good heat resistance. However, they are not resistant to saltwater and should not be treated with chlorine bleach or detergents. Instead, neutral detergents are recommended for care.

Star8s: Promoting Chinese Culture and Silk Products

At Star8s, we celebrate the rich heritage of Chinese silk, offering a range of exquisite silk products that embody the elegance and tradition of Chinese culture. Explore our collection and experience the luxury of authentic Chinese silk.