Pure Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Differences, Uses & Cost Compared

Key Takeaways

• Mulberry silk comes exclusively from Bombyx mori silkworms fed only on mulberry leaves, making it smoother, firmer, and more uniform than other pure silk varieties such as tussah, eri, or muga.

• Its exceptionally long, consistent fibres give mulberry silk superior softness, a refined sheen, durability, and resistance to pilling, making it ideal for items with direct skin contact.

• Mulberry silk maintains its structure, smoothness, and appearance longer than other silks, making it a wise investment for bedding, sleepwear, and luxury garments.

• While more expensive, mulberry silk justifies its premium through superior comfort, longevity, and a luxury feel, whereas other pure silks are suitable for decorative or occasional-use items.

• Mayfairsilk provides British-owned and designed 100% Grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding, pillowcases, and accessories in 22–25 momme weights, offering elegance, practical comfort, and long-lasting quality for healthier skin and hair.

What Is the Difference Between Pure Silk & Mulberry Silk?

The key difference between pure silk and mulberry silk comes down to specificity. Pure silk is an umbrella term for any fabric made from 100% natural silk, regardless of which silkworm produced it or what the silkworm was fed. This broad category includes varieties such as tussah (or tussar), eri, muga, and, of course, mulberry silk.

Mulberry silk, however, refers to silk produced exclusively by domesticated Bombyx mori silkworms, which are raised in controlled environments and fed solely on mulberry leaves. This dedicated diet produces silk fibres that are exceptionally smooth, long, fine, and uniform, qualities that are difficult for other silk types to match.

This distinction matters because mulberry silk is widely regarded as the gold standard in the silk world. Its consistent fibre structure translates into a fabric that feels smoother on the skin, drapes beautifully, and offers excellent durability. For anyone seeking the highest level of comfort and refinement, mulberry silk remains the top choice.

Other pure silks certainly have their strengths; tussah silk has a naturally textured, rustic appeal, while eri silk is famous for its warmth and resilience. But mulberry silk has unparalleled softness, strength, and natural sheen. For luxury applications such as bedding, fine clothing, and beauty accessories, mulberry silk consistently delivers an enhanced experience that other silks simply cannot replicate.

Quality Comparisons: Texture, Appearance & Feel

Mulberry silk is famous for its exceptionally smooth, buttery texture because its fibres are longer and more uniform than those found in most other “pure silk” varieties. Pure silk, which may include tussah, eri, or other wild silks, often has a slightly rougher or more varied feel due to natural inconsistencies in the fibres.

In appearance, mulberry silk gives a refined, even shimmer, while pure silk can range from matte to slightly textured depending on the silkworm species and its natural environment.

Fibre Length & Uniformity

The most significant technical difference lies in fibre length. Mulberry silk filaments can reach up to 900 metres thanks to controlled cultivation and a mulberry-leaf diet. Pure silk from wild or alternative silkworms tends to have much shorter filaments with more variation in thickness.

These differences result in mulberry silk being smoother, firmer, and more resistant to pilling, while pure silk may show more natural texture and irregularity.

Thread Count & Momme Weight

When comparing mulberry silk to pure silk products, momme weight is one of the best indicators of quality. Mulberry silk often comes in higher momme ranges, typically 19–25 momme, giving it greater durability and a denser, more luxurious drape. Pure silk fabrics usually appear in lighter momme weights, which are softer but less durable over time.

Colour & Lustre Variations

Mulberry silk is naturally white or off-white, making it ideal for achieving vivid, accurate dye colours. Pure silk from other silkworms may have natural golden, tan, or creamy tones, which can affect how colours appear after dyeing.

Mulberry silk’s uniform fibres create a consistent, pearlescent sheen, while pure silk may display more varied or matte finishes depending on the type.

From pillowcases to scarves, mulberry silk improves everyday items with lasting durability and softness.

Durability & Longevity

Due to its long, even fibres, mulberry silk generally outperforms other pure silks in strength and longevity. It maintains its smoothness and structure through washing and everyday use better than pure silk varieties with shorter, less uniform fibres.

While all silk requires careful handling, mulberry silk typically offers superior resilience, one of the reasons it remains the preferred choice for luxury bedding, delicate garments, and long-lasting investment pieces.

Price Points: Why Mulberry Silk Costs More

Mulberry silk comes from Bombyx mori silkworms raised in carefully regulated environments with strict temperature and humidity control. These silkworms eat only mulberry leaves, which must be grown, maintained, and harvested specifically for their diet.

Pure silk varieties like tussah or eri, by contrast, come from silkworms that develop in the wild with minimal human intervention, reducing production costs and also creating shorter, less uniform fibres.

Mulberry silk production is also highly labour-intensive. Each cocoon must be unwound with precision to preserve its long, continuous filament, requiring trained workers and many hours of meticulous handling. This combination of specialised care and higher labour demands naturally raises the final price.

Mulberry silk is a premium fabric, typically costing between £22 and £72 per metre, which is higher than standard pure silk. Its higher price reflects the exceptional smoothness, natural lustre, and long-lasting durability that distinguish it from other silk types.

Pure silk typically starts at around £15–20 per metre, reflecting its natural quality even in simpler weaves. Higher-end or more refined pure silks can cost £25–35 per metre, with the most luxurious varieties sometimes exceeding £35 per metre.

Where The Best Value Lies

Shoppers looking for substantial value often choose mid-range mulberry silk (19–22 momme), which offers most of the luxury experience. Direct-to-consumer brands and seasonal sales can also make mulberry silk more accessible.

For decorative pieces or items that won’t see heavy use, some pure silk varieties, such as tussah or eri, can be budget-friendly alternatives. However, they won’t offer the same smoothness, longevity, or uniformity as mulberry silk.

Best Uses for Different Silk Types

Different silk types excel in specific applications depending on their texture, durability, and appearance. Understanding these differences helps consumers choose the most suitable silk for their needs.

Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk’s long, uniform fibres create an exceptionally smooth and soft fabric, making it ideal for items that come into direct skin contact, such as pillowcases, sheets, sleepwear, and luxury loungewear. Its natural protein structure helps reduce friction on hair and skin, while its temperature-regulating properties keep users cool in summer and warm in winter. 

High-end fashion also benefits from mulberry silk’s superior drape, refined sheen, and excellent dye absorption, making it perfect for dresses, scarves, and delicate blouses. Additionally, its strong, consistent fibres ensure long-lasting durability, making mulberry silk the preferred choice for investment pieces like wedding gowns and premium home textiles.

Natural colour variations in pure silk add rustic charm and a unique, authentic look.

Pure Silks

Pure silk varieties have unique qualities that suit different applications. Tussah silk, with its naturally textured fibres, is highly durable and ideal for home décor items such as drapes, upholstery, and decorative pillows. 

Eri silk offers excellent warmth and ethical production, making it well-suited for cold-weather garments or comfort-focused clothing, though it is less lustrous than mulberry silk. Muga silk, prized for its rare golden colour and exceptional strength, is typically reserved for ceremonial or cultural garments, making it a speciality material due to its limited availability.

Caring for Your Silk: Maintenance Tips

Proper care is essential to extend the lifespan of all silk varieties. While silk requires more attention than synthetic fabrics, gentle cleaning and mindful storage can preserve its beauty and softness for years.

Washing & Cleaning

Mulberry silk is generally more resilient due to its long, uniform fibres. Hand washing in lukewarm water with a pH-neutral detergent is ideal, while delicate machine cycles in a mesh bag are also suitable for many items. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or enzyme-based detergents, which can damage the protein structure.

Pure silks, such as tussah or eri, often need more cautious care. Their shorter, uneven fibres and natural colour variations make dry cleaning the safest option, although gentle cold-water hand washing is possible for small, washable items.

Drying Techniques

All silks should be air-dried away from direct sunlight or heat. Never wring or twist wet silk; instead, press out excess water gently with towels. For ironing, use a cool iron on the silk setting with a pressing cloth to avoid heat damage and shine marks.

Storage Recommendations

Silk is vulnerable to humidity, insects, and pressure. Store clean, dry items in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic. Padded hangers prevent distortion, while folded items benefit from acid-free tissue between layers. Rotate regularly used items, like pillowcases, to prevent localised wear. Avoid stacking heavy items on silk, as this can flatten the fibres and reduce drape.

Extending Longevity

Mulberry silk’s longer fibres make it more durable and forgiving than pure silks when minor snags occur. Minimising contact with harsh skincare ingredients and abrasive surfaces helps preserve all silk types. 

With proper care, mulberry silk maintains its softness, sheen, and strength longer than most other pure silks, making it a wise investment for luxury bedding, garments, and accessories.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Choosing the right silk depends on factors like intended use, budget, appearance, and ethical considerations.

Mulberry Silk

For items with direct skin contact, such as bedding, sleepwear, or skincare accessories, mulberry silk justifies its higher price with superior softness, moisture regulation, and durability. Its long, uniform fibres ensure a luxurious feel and long-lasting performance, making it ideal for pieces that are used frequently or intended as investment items.

Other Pure Silks

Wild silks, like tussah, offer distinctive texture and natural character, making them suitable for decorative or occasional-use items where tactile perfection is less critical. Peace silk and eri silk provide ethical alternatives for consumers who prioritise animal welfare while still seeking the benefits of authentic silk.

By understanding the differences between silk types, consumers can select the variety that best fits their priorities, whether that’s mulberry silk for unmatched luxury and longevity or other pure silks for character, durability, or ethical production.

Pure Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Comparison Table

Mayfairsilk: Luxury You Can Feel

At Mayfairsilk, we create premium, British-owned and designed silk bedding, pillow cases, and accessories made exclusively from 100% mulberry silk. Celebrated for its exceptional softness, natural sheen, and durability, our products elevate everyday comfort into a truly indulgent experience. 

From 22–25 momme silk sheets and pillow cases to luxurious eye masks, scrunchies, and curated gift sets, we blend refined design with practical benefits that support healthier skin and hair.

Mulberry silk’s long, uniform fibres create a luxuriously smooth texture perfect for bedding and sleepwear.

Every item we craft reflects careful artistry, from selecting premium mulberry filaments to precision weaving and finishing that ensure long-lasting beauty and lustre. We follow eco-conscious production practices, bringing together luxury and responsibility. 

Our commitment to quality means our silk retains its softness, shine, and strength over time, making it a meaningful investment for personal comfort or thoughtful gifting.

Whether you're choosing luxury bedding or elegant accessories, we at Mayfairsilk offer a timeless blend of comfort, sophistication, and modern design, making every night feel effortlessly luxurious.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is mulberry silk always pure silk?

Yes. Mulberry silk is always 100% natural silk from Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves. Not all pure silk is mulberry silk; it also includes tussah, eri, and muga varieties, each with unique textures, colours, and durability.

Why does mulberry silk feel different from other silks?

Mulberry silk’s long, fine, and uniform fibres create an exceptionally smooth, soft, and slightly cool feel against the skin. Controlled silkworm diets and gentle processing preserve its natural sheen and protein structure, giving it superior drape and tactile quality compared to other silks.

Can I wash mulberry or pure silk at home?

Yes. Mulberry silk is more resilient due to its uniform fibres. Hand wash in lukewarm water with a silk-specific, pH-neutral detergent. Gentle machine cycles in a mesh bag are possible for some products. Always air-dry away from sunlight and heat; avoid bleach and tumble-drying.

How can I tell if I’m buying real mulberry silk?

Look for clear labelling of “100% mulberry silk” with grade and momme weight. Authentic mulberry silk feels smooth and calm, and it rustles slightly when handled. Extremely low prices may indicate blends or synthetic fibres.

Is mulberry silk worth the higher price?

For items used directly on skin, such as bedding or sleepwear, mulberry silk provides unmatched comfort, moisture regulation, and long-lasting durability, making the premium cost worthwhile. 

Mayfairsilk’s 100% mulberry silk products exemplify these benefits, offering exceptional softness, luxurious drape, and skin-friendly properties that improve everyday routines. 

For decorative or occasional-use items, other pure silks can still provide unique textures and charm at lower prices. Still, for everyday indulgence and lasting quality, Mayfairsilk remains the gold standard.

 

*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.