Raw Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Price, Uses & Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Raw silk retains its natural sericin coating, resulting in a textured, matte finish with enhanced durability. In contrast, Mulberry silk undergoes refined processing to achieve an ultra-smooth, lustrous appearance.

• Mulberry silk commands premium prices (£22–£72/metre) due to its superior softness and uniform fibres, while raw silk offers affordability (£1 to £16/metre) with distinctive character and strength.

• Mulberry silk excels in luxury bedding and sleepwear with hypoallergenic properties, exceptional breathability, and skin and hair benefits that raw silk cannot match.

• Both silk types offer environmental advantages as natural, biodegradable fibres, though Mulberry silk's controlled production ensures consistent quality and longevity.

• Mayfairsilk's Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22–25 momme delivers unmatched luxury, superior durability, and sustainable elegance that transforms everyday comfort into a lasting investment.

Understanding Raw Silk

Raw silk represents silk in its most natural state, harvested with minimal processing to preserve the sericin, a protein-based gum that naturally coats silk fibres. This protective layer gives raw silk its distinctive characteristics: a slightly rougher texture, matte appearance, and robust feel that sets it apart from more refined silk varieties.

The silkworms producing raw silk typically feed on various leaves rather than exclusively mulberry, resulting in fibres with more variation in quality and length. The presence of sericin increases the fabric's strength and durability, making it resistant to wear and tear. The textured surface creates visual interest, with subtle irregularities that add depth and character to the material.

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 →

Understanding Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk is the finest silk available, naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating for ultimate comfort.

Mulberry silk is the pinnacle of silk production, sourced exclusively from Bombyx mori silkworms fed a carefully controlled diet of mulberry leaves. This produces the longest, finest, and most uniform silk fibres available, characterised by exceptional smoothness, brilliant lustre, and remarkable strength.

The refinement process removes sericin from Mulberry silk fibres, revealing their natural sheen and creating the ultra-soft texture that defines luxury silk. The consistent nutrition produces fibres with uniform thickness and length, creating smooth, even textiles without the irregularities found in other silk types.

The tightly woven protein structure creates natural hypoallergenic properties, resisting dust mites, bacteria, and common allergens. The smooth surface reduces friction against skin and hair. The protein structure enables exceptional temperature regulation, adapting naturally to your body heat and ambient conditions. This creates an ideal microclimate that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Raw Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Comparing Performance Across Key Factors

Texture & Feel

Raw silk presents a textured surface with a matte finish and firmer hand feel, creating natural character that works well in structured garments and upholstery. Mulberry silk delivers an ultra-smooth texture that glides effortlessly against skin, with a lustrous sheen perfect for intimate apparel and bedding where comfort is paramount.

Durability & Longevity

The sericin coating of raw silk provides natural protection, enhancing wear resistance, though variable fibre quality can affect long-term performance. Mulberry silk's superior fibre length and uniformity create exceptional strength, maintaining properties and appearance for years with proper care.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Mulberry silk leads decisively with its tightly woven protein structure that naturally resists dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. The smooth surface doesn't irritate even delicate skin, and its natural breathability prevents moisture accumulation. Raw silk's sericin coating can trigger sensitivities in some individuals, and less consistent fibre structure may trap allergens more readily.

Skin & Hair Benefits

Mulberry silk's frictionless surface helps prevent hair breakage, reduces frizz, and minimises sleep creases on facial skin. Raw silk's textured surface creates more friction, which may exacerbate hair tangling and contribute to sleep lines.

Environmental Considerations

Both silk types offer environmental advantages as natural, biodegradable fibres. Raw silk's minimal processing reduces water and chemical usage, and Mulberry silk's controlled cultivation creates minimal waste with silkworms fed natural mulberry leaves. 

The durability of high-quality Mulberry silk reduces replacement frequency, offsetting production investment through years of use. Both varieties far surpass synthetic fabrics in environmental friendliness.

Price Breakdown: How Raw Silk & Mulberry Silk Compare?

The price difference between raw silk and Mulberry silk is substantial and reflects the gap in quality. Raw silk is remarkably affordable, ranging from just £1 to £16 per metre. Available in a variety of vibrant colours, it’s ideal for budget-friendly projects such as curtains, cushions, or practice pieces where you want the look of silk without the investment.

Mulberry silk commands a premium, priced between £22 and £72 per metre, making it roughly two to six times more expensive than raw silk. This reflects its superior smoothness, natural sheen, and exceptional durability.

Practical Uses & Benefits

Raw silk brings robust texture and natural beauty to interiors and fashion.

Raw silk's robust character suits applications where durability and visual interest take precedence. Interior designers favour it for upholstery, curtains, and cushions, and in fashion, it lends itself to structured garments and accessories where texture adds depth.

For luxury bedding that transforms sleep quality through temperature regulation, hypoallergenic protection, and beauty benefits, Mulberry silk excels. It's ideal for sleepwear, lingerie, and high-end fashion where smoothness and lustre are essential. Beyond personal use, it enhances interiors through luxurious cushion covers and elegant window treatments.

Raw Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Comparison Table

*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.

Why Mayfairsilk is the Ultimate Mulberry Silk Choice

Experience more luxurious sleep with Grade 6A Mulberry silk eye masks from Mayfairsilk.

For those seeking the finest Mulberry silk experience, Mayfairsilk delivers exceptional quality that transforms everyday luxury into a lasting investment. As a British-owned and designed brand, we work exclusively with Grade 6A Mulberry silk, which is the highest quality available globally.

What distinguishes us is superior construction, with silk sheets at 22 momme and pillowcases at 25 momme, substantially heavier than the standard 19 momme silk commonly used. Every product carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, guaranteeing chemical-free production safe for sensitive skin.

Recognition in Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, and Vanity Fair validates our position as a trusted leader in luxury silk bedding. Our product range includes silk sheet sets and duvet covers with sophisticated matte drape, silk eye masks for deeper sleep, hair ties and scrunchies that protect hairstyles, and cushion covers that add elegance to interiors.

We demonstrate why premium Mulberry silk justifies its investment, offering the perfect balance of natural luxury, functional benefits, and environmental responsibility. With proper care, our products maintain exceptional properties for years, making it worthwhile for those who value quality, comfort, and lasting elegance.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which silk type offers better value for money?

Though raw silk provides a lower upfront cost, Mulberry silk often delivers superior long-term value through exceptional durability, comfort, and health benefits. Quality Mulberry silk bedding from Mayfairsilk, constructed at 22–25 momme, can maintain its properties for years with daily use when properly cared for. 

How do raw silk & Mulberry silk compare for sensitive skin?

Mulberry silk stands as the clear choice for sensitive skin, with its naturally hypoallergenic properties and ultra-smooth surface that minimises friction and irritation. Raw silk's textured surface and sericin coating may trigger sensitivities in some individuals and does not provide the same level of protection for those with skin concerns.

Which silk is more environmentally friendly?

Both silk types offer excellent environmental credentials as natural, biodegradable fibres that far surpass synthetic alternatives in sustainability. Raw silk's minimal processing creates a smaller immediate production footprint, while Mulberry silk's controlled cultivation and exceptional durability provide long-term environmental benefits through reduced replacement frequency. 

When sourced responsibly, Mulberry silk production maintains remarkably low environmental impact, with silkworms fed natural mulberry leaves and minimal chemical processing required. 

Can raw silk provide the same sleep benefits as Mulberry silk?

Mulberry silk offers superior sleep benefits that raw silk cannot match. The exceptional breathability, natural temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties of Mulberry silk create an ideal sleep environment throughout the year. The smooth surface reduces friction against skin and hair, preventing sleep creases and hair breakage that can occur with textured fabrics. 

While raw silk provides basic comfort, it lacks the refined temperature adaptation, hypoallergenic protection, and beauty benefits that make Mulberry silk the preferred choice for luxury bedding.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk over other Mulberry silk brands?

As a British-owned and designed brand, Mayfairsilk uses only Grade 6A Mulberry silk. The pillowcases are 25 momme and the sheets 22 momme, both substantially heavier than the standard 19 momme used in most silk bedding. 

This superior construction delivers enhanced durability and a luxurious feel that lasts for years. Every product carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, ensuring chemical-free production that is safe for sensitive skin.