Eri Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Price & Texture Differences

Key Takeaways

• Eri silk is ethically produced “peace silk” with a unique, rustic texture, offering warmth, breathability, and socially-conscious craftsmanship.

• Mulberry silk is the gold standard of luxury, with unmatched smoothness, natural sheen, temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and benefits for skin and hair.

• Eri silk feels warm, structured, and forgiving. Mulberry silk glides smoothly, reducing friction, hair breakage, and sleep wrinkles while offering fluid drape and elegant movement.

• Eri silk is moderately priced (£15–35 per metre) and easier to maintain, while mulberry silk is a premium investment (£20–75 per metre) reflecting durability, refinement, and long-term luxury.

• Mayfairsilk's Grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding combines superior softness, natural thermoregulation, and hypoallergenic safety. With high momme durability and exquisite designs, it offers a restorative and luxurious sleep experience

What Makes Eri Silk Special?

Eri silk stands out in the luxury textile world for its ethical production and unique properties. Known as "peace silk" or "ahimsa silk," it reflects a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, appealing to conscious consumers.

The Peace Silk Process

Unlike conventional silk, eri silk harvesting allows the silkworm to complete its lifecycle. The Samia ricini moth emerges naturally from its cocoon before it’s harvested, creating a non-violent “peace silk.” Eri silkworms feed on castor leaves, producing shorter fibres that are spun like cotton, giving the fabric its distinctive texture.

Distinctive Texture & Appearance

Eri silk has a matte, slightly coarse texture, often described as rustic or cotton-like. It drapes beautifully, is breathable, and ranges from creamy white to grayish hues. Its slightly slubbed surface adds depth, making garments look naturally elegant.

Eri silk yarn being hand-spun highlights its rustic and ethical origins.

Ethical & Environmental Benefits

Eri silk cultivation uses minimal chemicals and supports rural communities in northeastern India and Japan. Handcrafted throughout the process, from cocoon to weaving, it preserves traditional skills, provides artisan income, and has a sustainable, socially-conscious choice for consumers.

Mulberry Silk: The Gold Standard

Mulberry silk is widely regarded as the pinnacle of luxury, accounting for around 90% of commercially produced silk globally. Its unmatched refinement, durability, and visual appeal have set the standard for all other silks for centuries.

Traditional Harvesting

Mulberry silk comes from Bombyx mori silkworms that feed exclusively on white mulberry leaves. These silkworms spin a single continuous filament that can reach up to 1,000 metres in length. 

To preserve this continuous thread, cocoons are carefully heated to prevent the moth from emerging, then unwound through a meticulous reeling process. Multiple filaments are twisted together to create silk threads that balance strength, softness, and fineness.

Premium Quality Features

Mulberry silk is instantly recognisable for its smooth, slippery feel and natural sheen. Its triangular prism structure reflects light from multiple angles, creating a soft shimmer. 

Rich in 18 amino acids, the silk is naturally temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for bedding and garments worn close to the skin. Its luxurious drape and fluidity make it a favourite for high-fashion designs, from delicate chiffons to structured duchess satins.

Market Dominance

Despite a higher price point, mulberry silk maintains global dominance due to its historical prestige, consistent quality, and versatility. Its reliable behavior during weaving and sewing, combined with the ability to showcase vibrant colours and subtle hues, makes it the first choice for designers and luxury consumers alike.

Mulberry silk’s natural sheen reflects light beautifully in luxury fashion.

Texture Differences You Can Feel

Eri and mulberry silk differ not just in appearance, but in texture, warmth, drape, and overall performance, making each suited to different applications and preferences.

Eri’s Cotton-Like Warmth vs. Mulberry’s Smooth Luxury

Eri silk has a matte, slightly nubby texture reminiscent of fine cotton. Its structure forms tiny air pockets that trap heat, making it up to 2.5 times warmer than mulberry silk. Over time, eri silk softens further, giving garments a relaxed, lived-in character. Mulberry silk, in contrast, has a smooth, glossy surface that feels cool and silky, conveying instant elegance and refinement.

Weight & Drape

Eri silk is generally heavier, providing garments with structure, clean lines, and softly rounded folds that hold shape beautifully. Mulberry silk drapes like liquid, flowing effortlessly over curves and contours, perfect for designs that highlight movement, fluidity, and a sense of luxury.

Feel Against the Skin

Eri silk feels gentle, warm, and breathable, making it ideal for sensitive skin or casual, all-day wear. Mulberry silk glides across the skin, reducing friction, hair breakage, and sleep wrinkles, which is why it remains a top choice for luxury bedding, pillowcases, and high-end fashion garments.

Choosing Between Them

Eri silk is excellent for warmth, comfort, and casual elegance, while mulberry silk excels in fluidity, smoothness, and classic luxury appeal. Your choice depends on if you prioritise ethical warmth or refined, high-lustre elegance.

Price Comparison: What You'll Pay

The meticulous production and premium quality of mulberry silk make it a high-end investment. On average, mulberry silk ranges from £20 to £75 per metre ($30 to $100 per yard), with luxury designer brands often charging even more. Its uniformity, durability, and unmistakable lustre justify the price for those seeking classic luxury.

Eri silk, while still a premium fabric, is generally more affordable, typically retailing between £15 and £35 per metre ($20 to $50 per yard). Its ethical, non-violent production and unique texture contribute to its value, and growing demand for sustainable, cruelty-free textiles has steadily pushed prices higher.

Note: The price ranges mentioned above are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations. Costs may vary based on factors such as pricing policies, the provider's experience, and evolving market conditions.

Durability & Care Requirements

The structural differences between eri and mulberry silk affect both how they wear over time and how they need to be cared for.

Durability

Mulberry silk’s continuous filament structure gives it a smooth, strong surface that handles careful use exceptionally well, though it can be more prone to snags due to its fine threads. Eri silk, with its spun fibres, is more resilient to everyday friction and casual wear, offering a slightly more forgiving texture.

Washing & Maintenance

Mulberry silk requires careful handling to maintain its lustrous surface. Gentle hand washing with silk-specific detergents or professional dry cleaning is recommended, and drying and ironing must be done carefully. Eri silk is a bit more versatile, tolerating gentle washing and easier maintenance, making it practical for everyday garments without compromising its quality.

Eri Silk vs. Mulberry Silk: Key Comparison

Make Your Silk Choice with Confidence

Eri and mulberry silks are exceptional natural textiles, each giving unique benefits. While eri silk appeals with its ethical production, warmth, and resilience, mulberry silk remains the gold standard for classic luxury, sustainability, smoothness, and unmatched drape.

We recommend weighing aesthetics and long-term performance when selecting your silk. The ideal choice blends beauty, functionality, and your personal values, whether that means the ethical charm of eri or the refined elegance of mulberry.

With proper care and appreciation for its qualities, your chosen silk will provide years of enjoyment. Mulberry silk, with its enduring prestige and luxurious feel, remains a standout for those seeking timeless sophistication in garments, bedding, and high-fashion pieces.

Indulge in Timeless Luxury with Mayfairsilk’s Mulberry Silk

Experience the pinnacle of comfort and elegance with Mayfairsilk’s Grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding. 

Designed in the UK with meticulous care, our 22–25 momme silk sheets and pillowcases offer a luxurious feel, natural thermoregulation, and long-lasting durability. Perfect for enhancing hair and skin health, our silk reduces friction, retains moisture, and ensures a restorative sleep experience.

Experience spa-like relaxation at home with Mayfairsilk bedding.

Why Choose Mayfairsilk Mulberry Silk?

• Premium Grade 6A Mulberry silk: The highest quality silk with a velvety-smooth hand-feel and exquisite matte finish.

• Natural thermoregulation: Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter for year-round comfort.

• Hypoallergenic & safe: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, free from harmful chemicals and dyes.

• Luxurious design options: Limited-edition prints and classic solids to improve any bedroom aesthetic.

• Practical and durable: Higher momme count (22–25) ensures thicker, more robust bedding that lasts.

• Award-winning quality: Recognised in the UK for the finest silk bedding, with a 30-night sleep guarantee.

Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary of style, wellness, and indulgence. Shop Mayfairsilk pillowcases, sheets, and full bedding sets for the ultimate silk experience.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which silk type is better for sensitive skin?

Eri silk’s cotton-like texture is breathable and gentle, ideal for very sensitive skin. Mulberry silk’s smooth, slippery surface reduces friction, preventing irritation and hair breakage. Choice depends on your skin sensitivity and personal comfort preference.

How can I tell authentic Eri silk from fake versions?

Authentic eri silk has a slightly uneven texture with natural slubs, smells like burning hair when ignited, produces crushable ash, originates from northeastern India or Japan, and is rarely priced below £15 per metre.

Does Mulberry silk really help prevent hair breakage and wrinkles?

Yes, Mulberry silk’s smooth surface reduces friction on hair and skin, helping prevent breakage and sleep wrinkles. Mayfairsilk’s premium Grade 6A pillowcases retain moisture, wick perspiration, and have been shown to deliver these benefits with luxurious comfort.

Can Eri silk be as lustrous as Mulberry silk with proper treatment?

Eri silk can gain subtle sheen with special finishing, but it cannot match mulberry silk’s brilliant lustre due to shorter fibres. Treatments improve shine, but mulberry silk remains superior for reflective luxury aesthetics.

Can Eri silk be machine-washed?

Yes, gentle machine washing or hand washing is generally safe for eri silk. Mulberry silk requires more careful handling, cold water, silk-specific detergents, or professional dry cleaning to maintain its lustre and smoothness.