Mulberry Silk vs Satin: Differences, Prices, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Mulberry silk is naturally soft, breathable, and great for your skin and hair. Satin is more about the look, made from silk or synthetics, and not always as luxurious.

• Mulberry silk keeps you cool, fights allergies, and helps your skin and hair stay hydrated. Satin (especially synthetic) can feel hot and miss out on those perks.

• Satin is budget-friendly and low-maintenance, but it can be slippery and less long-lasting. Mulberry silk needs gentle care, but it pays off in comfort and quality.

• Sleeping on mulberry silk can help you wake up with smoother skin and tangle-free hair. It reduces friction, holds in moisture, and even helps with anti-aging.

• Mayfairsilk takes it a step further, using only the finest Grade 6A long-fiber mulberry silk with a momme weight of 22–25. It’s crafted for durability, comfort, and elegance, blending old-school quality with modern know-how.

What is Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk comes from Bombyx mori silkworms that munch exclusively on mulberry leaves. This ancient process, over 5,000 years strong, produces silk that’s incredibly soft, strong, and smooth. It’s the gold standard of silk, loved for its durability, elegance, and skin-friendly, hypoallergenic nature.

What is Satin?

Satin isn’t a type of fabric; it’s a weave. It gives fabric that signature glossy shine on one side and a matte look on the other. Satin can be made from silk, but more often it’s made with synthetics like polyester or nylon. It looks fancy, feels sleek, and drapes beautifully, which is why it’s also a go-to for bedding and fashion.

Key Differences: Mulberry Silk vs Satin

Pros & Cons of Mulberry Silk

Pros:

• Super soft and smooth, perfect for your skin and hair

• Hypoallergenic and fights dust mites and mold

• Locks in moisture to keep skin and hair hydrated and frizz-free

• Naturally regulates temperature; cool in summer, warm in winter

• Eco-friendly and biodegradable

Mulberry silk’s naturally smooth texture helps retain skin moisture, prevent frizz, and reduce irritation, making it great for sensitive skin and curly hair alike.

Cons:

• Can be pricey because it’s labor-intensive to produce

• Delicate; can snag, tear, or stain easily

• Needs special care, often dry cleaning

• Less durable than synthetics, not great for heavy wear

• Some ethical concerns about silkworm harvesting

Pros & Cons of Satin

Pros:

• Shiny, smooth, and luxe-looking

• More affordable when made from synthetics

• Flows beautifully, perfect for elegant clothes and bedding

• Wrinkle-resistant compared to some fabrics

Cons:

• Can snag easily, especially with jewelry or rough surfaces

• The slippery texture can be tricky with clothes or bedding

• Synthetic satin isn’t very breathable and can cause overheating

• Not hypoallergenic if synthetic

• The shiny surface can show wrinkles more clearly

Price Comparison: Mulberry Silk vs Satin

Mulberry Silk Prices

Mulberry silk is a true luxury; it’s pricey because it’s natural, high-quality, and takes a lot of care to produce. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $120 per meter, and even more in Western markets where it’s considered a premium product. A full bedding set can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands.

Satin Prices

Satin is usually the more budget-friendly option, especially when made from synthetic fibers like polyester. It can cost as little as $0.30 to $2 per meter in bulk. If you’re going for silk satin, the price jumps to around $13 to $20 per meter, but most satin on the market stays in the affordable range.

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.

Common Uses

Mulberry silk shines in luxury bedding, pillowcases, sleepwear, scarves, and high-end fashion, basically anywhere your skin and hair come into contact. Satin is popular for bedding, nightwear, dresses, linings, and decorative pieces, often chosen for its eye-catching shine and flowing drape, especially in formalwear and costumes.

Mulberry silk is a staple in high-end fashion.

Which Should You Choose?

If you’ve got sensitive skin or want to boost hair health, Mulberry silk is your best bet with its natural, hypoallergenic, and moisture-locking benefits. If you’re watching your budget and want something easy to care for, satin gives a similar feel at a friendlier price, especially in synthetic versions. For those thinking green, mulberry silk wins for sustainability when it’s responsibly sourced, while synthetic satin tends to have a bigger environmental footprint.

Sleep in Style and Comfort with Mayfairsilk

Slip into something smoother with Mayfairsilk, where luxury meets comfort in every detail. We use only Grade 6A long-fiber Mulberry silk with a rich 25 momme weight to create bedding and accessories that feel as good as they look. Our lineup includes silky-soft pillowcases, elegant duvet covers, fitted and flat sheets, and eye masks that pamper your skin and hair while you sleep.

Each piece is hand-finished with a soft-matte weave that gives off a quiet elegance, not shiny, just effortlessly refined. Plus, everything we make is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Our silk isn’t just beautiful; it’s functional. It naturally regulates temperature, wicks away moisture, and is hypoallergenic. Less tossing and turning, fewer sleep creases, smoother hair in the morning; it all adds up to a better night’s rest.

Mayfairsilk bedding combines luxury and function; temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and gentle on skin and hair for a truly restful, stylish night’s sleep.

The awards and glowing reviews speak for themselves. Mayfairsilk has earned its place as a go-to for luxury silk bedding in the UK and beyond. Customers love the comfort, the craftsmanship, and the way our silk transforms their sleep spaces.

So if you’re after something special, no matter if it’s a full bedding set or a thoughtful gift, our London-designed silk collection delivers comfort, care, and a touch of everyday luxury.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mulberry silk worth the higher price compared to satin?

If you use items like pillowcases or sleep masks that touch your skin and hair every day, Mulberry silk’s natural benefits usually justify the extra cost. Its unique protein structure helps with moisture, temperature control, and reduces friction, things synthetic satin can’t match. Plus, quality silk tends to last longer, making it a great long-term investment.

Can satin provide the same benefits for hair as Mulberry silk?

Both satin and silk beat cotton when it comes to reducing friction, but Mulberry silk is better for hair health. Its protein fibers mimic human hair, cutting down on breakage, frizz, and color fading, especially if you have curly or color-treated hair. Satin helps a bit, but it doesn’t come close to the natural perks of real silk.

How can I tell if I'm buying real Mulberry silk?

Look for terms like “100% Mulberry silk” and momme weight (usually 19–25 for good quality). Price is a clue too; real silk isn’t cheap. You can also do a burn test: silk burns slowly and smells like burning hair, while synthetics melt. Real silk feels smooth, not slippery, and has a subtle shimmer when held to light. Trusted sellers provide clear labels, care instructions, and info on silk grade and momme weight.

Does satin shrink in the wash like Mulberry silk can?

Synthetic satin resists shrinking better than silk, but quality Mulberry silk only shrinks a tiny bit if you follow care instructions, usually less than 5%. Both fabrics can be washed at home, but silk needs gentler handling with mild detergent, cool water, and air drying to keep it looking great.

Why is Mayfairsilk considered a top silk bedding brand?

Mayfairsilk uses premium Grade 6A Mulberry silk with a high momme weight, blending expert craftsmanship with modern tech. We have a wide range of products and have earned multiple awards for quality and sustainability.