Mulberry Silk vs 100% Silk Compared: Prices, Benefits & Downsides

Key Takeaways

• A "100% silk" label only confirms the fabric is unblended. It does not tell you whether the fibre is Mulberry, tussar, eri, or another variety, and those varieties differ widely in softness, durability, and price.

• Buying on the "100% silk" label alone often means paying premium prices for wild or blended silks that pill faster, feel rougher, and lose their sheen within a season of regular use.

• Mulberry silk from Bombyx mori silkworms produces longer, more uniform fibres than wild silks, which is why Mayfairsilk uses Grade 6A Mulberry across pillowcases, sheets, and sleep masks rather than generic 100% silk blends.

• Mulberry fabric typically costs $30 to $120 per metre against $20 to $80 for wild silks, but the longer fibres resist pilling and hold colour for years of nightly wash cycles instead of months.

• Mayfairsilk weaves its Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22 momme for sheets and 25 momme for pillowcases, a thicker construction than the 19 momme found in most silk bedding sold under the generic 100% silk label.

Mulberry Silk vs 100% Silk: Quick Comparison

Mulberry silk is one specific type of 100% silk, spun by Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves, while "100% silk" is a broader label that also covers wild silks like tussar and eri. Mulberry fabric typically runs $30 to $120 per metre, often double the cost of wild silks at the same weight, because the fibres are longer, more uniform, and produce a softer, more durable cloth. Which one fits depends on whether you want top-tier softness and longevity for skin-contact items like pillowcases and sheets, or a tougher, less expensive silk for furnishing or fashion pieces.

Silk has moved from special-occasion fabric into everyday luxury bedding, and shoppers now face a confusing wall of "100% silk" labels at every price point. Understanding what that label actually guarantees, and what it leaves out, is the difference between paying for real comfort and paying for a tag.

Mayfairsilk: Luxurious Slumber in Matte Silk As Featured in Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar & Vanity Fair Experience True Silk Luxury: Silk Pillowcases · 25 Momme: Transform your beauty sleep with our signature pillowcases that help reduce friction on hair and skin while regulating temperature throughout the night. Silk Sheets · 22 Momme: Envelop yourself in the ultimate bedding experience with our thermoregulating complete sets, crafted from lustrous Grade 6A Mulberry silk with an exquisite matte finish. Exclusive Limited Edition Prints: Elevate your bedroom aesthetic with our designer patterns, created in small batches for those who appreciate distinctive luxury. The Mayfairsilk Difference: ✓ Grade 6A Mulberry silk (the highest quality available) ✓ Thicker, more durable weave (22–25 Momme vs. standard 19) ✓ Natural thermoregulation for year-round comfort ✓ British owned and designed ✓ UK-based warehouse for fast, reliable delivery ✓ 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases Luxury Without Compromise: Free Next-Day Delivery on orders over £50 to the UK and €180/$180 to the EU/US. All taxes and duties calculated upfront—no surprise charges. Discover Mayfairsilk Today →

How is Mulberry Silk Made?

1. It begins with mulberry trees, since Bombyx mori silkworms feed exclusively on their leaves.

2. Female silk moths lay hundreds of eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they feed on mulberry leaves for around six weeks, growing and shedding their skin as they mature.

3. When ready, each silkworm spins a cocoon by laying down a single continuous silk thread, around a kilometre long, in a tight figure-8 pattern over several days.

4. Harvesting is a careful process. Some pupae are kept for breeding, while most cocoons are gently boiled to soften the natural sericin glue so the silk thread can be unwound intact.

Mulberry silk production begins with carefully harvested silkworm cocoons, each spun from a single continuous thread up to a kilometre long.

5. The unwound threads are then combined into yarn. It takes roughly 2,500 to 3,000 cocoons to produce a single pound of finished silk.

6. The raw silk is washed to remove any remaining sericin, twisted into different yarn types, and dyed.

7. Finally, the yarn is woven on looms into the smooth, luxurious Mulberry silk fabric prized for bedding and apparel.

Key Differences Between Mulberry Silk and 100% Silk

Pros and Cons of Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk has a notably luxurious and soft feel.

Pros:

• Luxurious Softness: Mulberry silk is buttery smooth and gentle on skin and hair.

• Breathability and Temperature Regulation: Natural fibres keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, supporting comfortable sleep year-round.

• Hypoallergenic: A natural choice for sensitive skin, since the fibres resist dust mites and common allergens.

• Durability: Strong, long-lasting fibres that hold up for years when cared for properly, despite their delicate feel.

• Natural Sheen: Has a subtle, elegant shine that makes your bedding look luxe.

Cons:

• Cost: Higher than other silks because of the careful, labour-intensive production process.

• Care Requirements: Needs gentle washing and handling. Harsh detergents or rough treatment can damage the fibres.

• Availability: Pure Mulberry silk is rarely sold at budget prices, so options are more limited at the lower end of the market.

Pros and Cons of General 100% Silk (Including Wild Silks)

Pros:

• Variety: Different silks offer unique textures and colours, like tussar silk’s beautiful golden hue.

• Durability: Some wild silks are tougher and better for heavy use or different looks.

• Cost: Generally less expensive than Mulberry, making silk accessible at lower price points.

Cons:

• Texture Variability: Can be rougher or less uniform, which affects softness and luxury feel.

• Colour Limitations: Natural colours might limit dye options or need special care.

• Allergen Potential: Some wild silks aren’t as hypoallergenic as Mulberry.

Pricing Comparison: Mulberry Silk vs 100% Silk

Mulberry Silk Prices

Mulberry silk sits at the top of the silk game; its fabric usually costs between $30 to $120 per metre, and in high-end markets, it can go up to $250 per yard. Mulberry silk yarn runs around $23–$64 per kilogram. As for finished products, expect to pay about $68 for a pillowcase, with luxury bedding priced even higher.

100% Silk (General) Prices

Silk that's labelled “100%” covers a wide range. Fabrics can cost anywhere from $60 to $400+ per yard, depending on the type and quality. Wild silk is more budget-friendly, usually priced between $20 and $80 per metre. Silk blends are even cheaper, starting around $20 per yard, but you’re getting less silk, too.

Regional Differences

Silk is far more affordable in places where it's made like China and India thanks to lower production costs. In the West, it’s a luxury item with a price tag to match, driven up by imports and branding.

How Do You Care for Silk Fabrics?

For Mulberry silk, hand wash with a mild detergent or use dry cleaning. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from harsh chemicals, and stored in a cool, dry place. Other silks generally need similar gentle washing and careful storage, though specific care varies by type.

Mayfairsilk’s signature matte-finish silk bedding is elegant, skin-friendly, and finished in London to deliver effortless luxury and comfort every night.

The Silk That Earns Its Place on Your Bed

Mulberry silk and "100% silk" are not the same purchase. Mulberry from Bombyx mori delivers longer fibres, smoother hand, and longer life than wild or blended silks sold under the generic 100% silk label, which is why it costs more per metre and holds its value across years of nightly use.

At Mayfairsilk, every pillowcase, sheet, and sleep mask is woven from Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22 to 25 momme, a thicker weave than the 19 momme standard used in most silk bedding. That thickness is what lets the fabric stay soft, hypoallergenic, and intact through the wash cycles that wear out cheaper silks within a season.

Browse Mayfairsilk's full collection to shop Grade 6A Mulberry silk pillowcases, sheets, and sleep masks backed by a 30-night sleep guarantee.

Shop Mayfairsilk Today →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mulberry silk worth the higher price compared to other silk types?

Yes. For pillowcases, sheets, and anything else that touches your skin nightly, Mulberry silk delivers the buttery smoothness, durability, and consistency that wild silks like tussar cannot match. The higher cost reflects longer fibres and longer product life.

Can I wash Mulberry silk at home, or is dry cleaning necessary?

Yes, you can hand-wash Mulberry silk at home using cool water and a gentle detergent formulated for silk. Avoid wringing or twisting, and air dry away from heat or direct sun. Dry cleaning is the safer option for structured or embellished pieces, but bedding and scarves wash well by hand.

How can I tell if my "100% silk" product is actually Mulberry silk?

Real Mulberry silk is exceptionally smooth and consistent, with no bumps or uneven slubs. It has a soft sheen rather than a high-gloss finish, and feels cool to the touch before warming to your body temperature. A small burn test produces fine, powdery ash. Check labels for "100% Mulberry silk" and a momme weight between 19 and 25. A price that seems too low for pure Mulberry usually signals wild silk or a synthetic blend.

Are there any truly cruelty-free silk options available?

Yes. Eri silk, often called "peace silk," allows the silkworm to complete its life cycle before the cocoon is harvested. The fabric is less glossy but soft, warm, and cotton-like in feel. Plant-based alternatives include orange fibre silk made from citrus waste, lotus silk drawn from lotus stems, and synthetic options like cupro that mimic silk's drape without animal inputs.

What kind of silk does Mayfairsilk use in its products?

Mayfairsilk uses only Grade 6A Mulberry silk from Bombyx mori silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, woven at 22 to 25 momme for long, uniform fibres that feel soft against the skin and hold up across years of use.

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.