Mulberry Silk vs Velvet Comparison: Prices, Uses & Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Mulberry silk and velvet are not interchangeable luxuries: silk is the right pick for bedding, sleepwear, and anything that touches the skin, while velvet belongs on sofas, curtains, and cold-weather coats.

• Reaching for velvet as a soft bedding upgrade backfires fast because its dense pile traps heat, flattens with daily pressure, and clings to dust and allergens against the skin.

• For sleep and skin contact, Mayfairsilk crafts every pillowcase and sheet from Grade 6A, 25-momme mulberry silk that is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and temperature-regulating, while velvet brands stay focused on upholstery and outerwear.

• Synthetic velvet sells for around £2 to £28 per metre and mulberry silk for £24 to £95, but a Mayfairsilk pillowcase or sheet set lasts 2 to 4 years of daily use and washing, which narrows the real cost gap.

• Mayfairsilk makes 25-momme silk pillowcases in Grade 6A mulberry silk with a soft-matte finish that is kind to hair, skin, and sleep.

Mulberry Silk vs Velvet: An Overview

For everyday skin contact, sleep, and clothing that sits close to the body, mulberry silk is the better fabric, while velvet belongs in upholstery, drapery, and cold-weather outerwear that needs warmth and visual depth. Premium mulberry silk runs 22 to 25 momme and is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and temperature-regulating, whereas velvet's dense pile traps heat and crushes under daily use. Which one belongs in your home depends on where you plan to use it.

Both fabrics carry strong luxury credentials, but they sit at opposite ends of the textile world: silk is a fine natural protein fibre prized for drape and softness, while velvet is a plush weave defined by its dense pile and dramatic depth. The sections below compare them on quality, appearance, breathability, and price so you can pick the right one for your space and your skin.

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 →

Mulberry Silk vs Velvet Comparison

Mulberry silk is the gold standard of silk, made by pampered silkworms that eat only mulberry leaves. The result is ultra-smooth, strong, shiny threads that feel light against the skin and look effortlessly elegant.

Velvet is the opposite kind of luxe: plush, touchable, and dramatic. It's a weave, not a fibre, made from silk, cotton, or synthetics, with a dense pile that catches light for a deep, rich look.

Velvet brings instant depth and elegance with its rich texture and light-catching sheen.

Quality and Performance

Mulberry silk is graded on an A-to-C scale, with 6A at the very top, reserved for the longest, most uniform fibres. The other marker is momme, which measures weight and density. Entry-level mulberry silk starts around 19 momme, while premium grades sit between 22 and 25. Higher momme means a thicker, more durable fabric that holds up to years of regular use with proper care.

Velvet performance depends entirely on the fibre. Silk velvet is luxurious but delicate. Cotton and mohair velvets resist crushing better. Polyester and viscose are affordable but flatten with daily use. Across all types, the pile is the weak spot: it can crush, shed, and attract lint over time.

The bottom line is that mulberry silk gives you predictable, high-end performance. With velvet, you're shopping for fibre, not the fabric.

Appearance and Texture

Mulberry silk has an effortless flow that looks expensive. It drapes fluidly and catches light with a soft sheen. 

Velvet's short, dense pile gives the fabric a three-dimensional quality no flat weave can replicate. Run your hand across it and the surface shifts colour, which is exactly why velvet photographs so dramatically.

Breathability and Thermal Regulation

Mulberry silk is a natural protein fibre, so it breathes, wicks moisture, and adapts to body temperature. That's why it's recommended for hot sleepers and anyone with night sweats.

Velvet does the opposite by design. Its dense pile traps air, making it a great insulator for winter throws and upholstery, but stuffy against the skin in heat. It also doesn't wick moisture, and synthetic velvet can hold onto allergens.

For year-round comfort, mulberry silk wins. 

Mulberry silk naturally adjusts to your body temperature, keeping you cool on hot nights and cosy when it’s chilly.

How Much Do Mulberry Silk and Velvet Cost?

Mulberry silk sits on the higher end of the scale, usually costing between £24 to £95 per metre, depending on the weave and quality. Velvet can be much more budget-friendly, especially the synthetic or cotton kinds, which range from about £2 to £28 per metre. Silk velvet, on the other hand, can be just as pricey (or even more) than Mulberry silk.

Pros & Cons Of Mulberry Silk

Pros:

• Incredibly soft and smooth, super gentle on skin and hair

• Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites

• Breathes well and wicks away moisture

• Strong, durable, and built to last 2 to 4 years with daily use and proper care

• Keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter

• Eco-friendly and biodegradable

Cons:

• Comes with a higher price tag

• Needs gentle care (think hand wash or dry clean)

• Can be damaged by strong detergents or too much sun

Pros & Cons of Velvet

Pros:

• Plush feel with a deep, luxurious look

• Great at keeping warmth in; ideal for cooler months

• Works beautifully in clothing, decor, and upholstery

• Budget-friendly options available in cotton or synthetics

Cons:

• Not the most breathable; can get hot

• Prone to crushing or losing its soft feel over time

• Attracts lint and dust, so trickier to keep clean

• Hypoallergenic only if made from the right materials

Key Differences: Mulberry Silk vs Velvet

Which Is Better, Mulberry Silk or Velvet?

For most everyday uses, mulberry silk comes out ahead by a wide margin. It's naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and temperature-regulating, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin, hot sleepers, and anyone prone to allergies. It's also gentle on hair, kind to skin, and biodegradable.

Velvet shines in upholstery, drapery, and cold-weather outerwear, where its dense pile adds warmth and depth. But it's less breathable, prone to crushing, harder to clean, and often traps allergens. For skin, sleep, and longevity, mulberry silk is the smarter choice.

The Smarter Pick for Skin, Sleep, and Years of Wear

Mayfairsilk offers comfort that feels as luxurious as it looks.

Mulberry silk wins where it matters most: on your skin, in your sleep, and over years of regular use. Velvet earns its place in furniture and formalwear, but for everyday luxury that feels good against the body and holds up to washing, mulberry silk is the clear choice.

At Mayfairsilk, every pillowcase and sheet is crafted from Grade 6A, 25-momme mulberry silk, the highest grade in the industry, with a soft-matte finish that is kind to hair and skin. Our award-winning, sustainable collection is built to last 2 to 4 years of daily use and regular washing.

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

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mulberry silk worth the higher price compared to regular silk?

Absolutely. Mulberry silk is smoother, stronger, and more colour-rich thanks to its long, uniform fibres and clean production process. That means better durability, a more luxurious feel, and longer-lasting beauty, well worth the upgrade if quality matters to you.

Can velvet be sustainably produced?

Yes, and it's becoming more common. Velvet made from organic cotton or recycled polyester can be a greener choice, especially when backed by certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard). Just be sure to check the label; how it’s made makes all the difference.

Does silk velvet combine the benefits of both fabrics?

Silk velvet gives you the best of both worlds: silk’s natural shine and drape plus velvet’s plush texture. That said, the pile can limit breathability, so it’s more about luxury than performance.

Which fabric is better for people with sensitive skin or allergies?

Mulberry silk wins here. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin or allergy sufferers. Velvet can vary. Cotton versions are usually okay, but synthetic ones might trap dust or cause irritation.

What makes Mayfairsilk a trusted brand for silk products?

Mayfairsilk stands out by using only 25 momme, Grade 6A Mulberry silk. It’s top-tier quality that’s soft, strong, and kind to skin and hair. Our products are award-winning, OEKO-TEX certified, and sustainably made, so you get true luxury with peace of mind.

 

*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.