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

Key Takeaways

• Mulberry silk and Tussah silk come from different silkworms, produce different fibres, and serve different uses, so the right pick depends on whether you want smooth skin contact or a coarser, lower-cost textile.

• Many shoppers assume all silk feels the same and end up disappointed when wild Tussah ends up against their skin at night, when its short, 70-micron fibres are too coarse for pillowcases or sheets.

• For bedding, sleepwear, and anything touching skin, Mayfairsilk is the direct answer with Grade 6A long-strand mulberry silk at 25 momme for pillowcases and 22 momme for sheets, while Tussah is better kept for duvet fillings, upholstery, and heavier outerwear.

• Premium Italian mulberry silk runs roughly £40 to £56 per metre against £17 to £35 per metre for Tussah, and the price gap reflects continuous 8-micron filaments, controlled feeding, and reeling rather than spinning.

• Mayfairsilk's Grade 6A mulberry pillowcases carry OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, pesticide-free sourcing, and a 30-night sleep guarantee.

Mulberry Silk vs Tussah Silk: Which Is the Better Choice?

For bedding, pillowcases, and anything that touches your skin at night, Grade 6A mulberry silk from Mayfairsilk is the right answer, with long, fine 8-micron filaments, a smooth pearly finish, and natural hypoallergenic properties. Tussah silk, harvested from wild silkworms, is coarser at around 70 microns with a matte, golden look that suits duvets, upholstery, and heavier garments at a lower price point. Which one fits depends on whether you want skin-contact softness or a textured, lower-cost silk for items you do not sleep on.

Demand for mulberry silk in luxury bedding has grown alongside renewed interest in natural, thermoregulating fabrics, and the gap in feel between the two silks is wider than most shoppers expect. If you are weighing both options, this guide breaks down fibre science, production, durability, price, and the everyday uses each silk is actually built for.

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 →

What Are the Key Differences Between Mulberry and Tussah Silk?

Origins and Silkworm Species

Mulberry silk is made by the domesticated Bombyx mori silkworm, raised in calm, controlled environments and fed only mulberry leaves. The result is consistently smooth, luxurious silk with long, unbroken filaments that define the fabric's quality. Tussah silk comes from wild silkworms that feed on oak, juniper, and other available leaves in forest environments. Because the moths break out of their cocoons naturally, the silk ends up with shorter, rougher fibres, giving the fabric a more rustic feel and a distinctly different texture from mulberry.

Fibre Characteristics and Physical Properties

Tussah silk has a coarser texture and thicker strands, giving it a more organic, matte finish compared to the refined smoothness of mulberry silk. 

Mulberry silk features long, fine threads that are silky-smooth and flexible, around 8 microns thick, making it strong yet soft to the touch. Tussah silk is thicker at around 70 microns, with shorter fibres that often include natural inclusions from the wild environment. Mulberry silk feels almost slippery, gliding across skin with minimal friction. Tussah has a slightly rougher feel and is less sleek. Mulberry shines with a bright, glossy, pearly finish and starts off naturally white, making it ideal for vibrant dyeing. Tussah displays its natural golden or tan tones with a soft, matte finish that feels grounded and organic rather than polished.

Durability and Care

Mulberry silk is strong and resistant to pilling thanks to its long, even fibres. With appropriate care, including hand washing in cool water or dry cleaning, it maintains its smooth texture and sheen over years of use. 

Tussah silk is slightly tougher when it comes to resisting yellowing and chemical damage, but its shorter threads make it more prone to pilling over time. It is not as smooth to the touch but holds up reasonably well to regular wear in the applications it suits best.

Production and Processing

Mulberry silk cocoons are raised under controlled conditions to preserve filament length, resulting in ultra-smooth, luxurious silk prized for its quality and softness.

Mulberry silk is the product of a carefully controlled process. Silkworms are raised on mulberry farms, and their cocoons are harvested before the moths emerge, keeping the silk filaments long and smooth. The reeling process unwinds each cocoon into a single continuous thread, which is then combined with others to form the final fabric. 

Tussah silk comes from a looser natural setup. Silkworms live in the wild and cocoons are collected after the moths break free, leaving the filaments cut and shortened. These shorter fibres are spun like wool rather than reeled, which is why the resulting fabric has a more textured surface and less uniformity than mulberry.

Price Comparison

The current price of mulberry silk fabric per metre in Europe typically ranges from £4.35 to £56.50, depending on quality and origin. Standard Indian mulberry silk sits around £4.35 to £13 per metre, while premium Italian mulberry silk can reach £40.85 to £55.60 per metre. Tussah silk generally comes at a lower cost, with prices from European retailers falling between £17.40 and £34.75 per metre. Tussah is typically about half the price of high-end mulberry silk, reflecting its coarser texture and less labour-intensive production process.

Note: Price ranges are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations.

Applications and Uses

Mulberry silk suits applications where smoothness, sheen, and skin contact matter most, including luxury bedding, pillowcases, sleepwear, scarves, and high-end fashion. Tussah silk suits heavier garments, textured upholstery, and silk-filled duvets or pillows where the coarser feel is less noticeable and breathability is the priority.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Mulberry Silk vs Tussah Silk?

Comparison Table

Why Mayfairsilk is Your Ultimate Choice for Luxurious Mulberry Silk Products

Mayfairsilk’s premium packaging reflects the quality inside: Grade 6A Mulberry silk crafted for comfort, style, and everyday elegance.

For pillowcases, sheets, and anything touching your skin at night, mulberry silk wins on smoothness, hypoallergenic feel, and temperature regulation. Tussah is the right pick when you want a textured, matte, lower-cost silk for duvets, upholstery, or heavier garments where coarser fibres are an asset rather than a drawback.

Mayfairsilk's Grade 6A mulberry silk collection covers pillowcases at 25 momme, sheets and duvet covers at 22 momme, and accessories such as eye masks, scrunchies, slim hair ties, and cushion covers, all OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, sourced from pesticide-free mulberry farming, and produced in a zero-waste cycle. That combination is what closes the gap between knowing mulberry silk is better for skin contact and actually getting the version that delivers it night after night.

Visit Mayfairsilk to shop Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcases, sheets, and accessories.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mulberry silk worth the higher price compared to Tussah?

If you’re after that ultra-smooth feel, radiant sheen, and top-tier fibre quality, especially for things like pillowcases or elegant clothing, then yes, Mulberry silk earns its price tag. It’s perfect when comfort and appearance truly matter. But for more casual use, Tussah silk can be a smarter choice. It’s naturally strong, a bit more rugged, and easier on the wallet, making it great for items that see regular use or benefit from a more textured look and feel.

Can people with sensitive skin use both types of silk?

Absolutely. Mulberry silk is a dream for sensitive skin; its ultra-fine, smooth texture reduces friction, making it gentle on conditions like eczema or rosacea. Tussah silk is a little more textured but still very skin-friendly. In fact, its light texture can be surprisingly soothing for some people. If you’re unsure, trying a smaller item like a tussah scarf can help you test how your skin reacts before committing to a full set.

How can I tell if my silk product is genuine Mulberry or Tussah?

You can usually spot the difference by look and feel. Mulberry silk is smooth, glossy, and nearly flawless, with a crisp white or cream base. Tussah silk, on the other hand, has a more natural, slightly nubby texture and earthy golden tones. Look closely at raw edges or seams; Mulberry fibres are fine and uniform, while tussah threads are a bit thicker and more varied. Even when dyed, Mulberry silk holds vibrant colors better, while tussah tends to take on richer, more muted tones.

Do Mulberry and Tussah silk pillowcases offer the same beauty benefits?

Both are much better for your skin and hair than cotton, but Mulberry silk typically wins for beauty perks. Its silky smoothness helps reduce frizz, prevent sleep lines, and maintain moisture, making it a go-to for hair care and skincare lovers. Tussah still offers benefits, especially with its breathability and softness after a few washes, but Mulberry delivers more noticeable beauty results right out of the box.

What types of silk products does Mayfairsilk offer?

Mayfairsilk specialises in 100% Grade 6A long-strand Mulberry silk across a wide range of luxuries: pillowcases, sheets, eye masks, scrunchies, hair ties, and cushion covers. Everything’s designed to feel indulgent, look elegant, and bring a touch of everyday luxury to your routine.

*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.