Silk Twill vs Mulberry Silk Compared: Pricing, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Silk twill and mulberry silk often get compared as if they were rivals, but they answer different questions: twill is a diagonal weave pattern, mulberry silk is a type of fibre.

• Treating them as either-or leads to mismatched buys. A polyester twill scarf and a wild silk pillowcase will both disappoint you, even though one says "twill" and the other says "silk".

• The right answer is mulberry silk woven as twill for scarves and ties, and pure mulberry silk in a plain or charmeuse weave for bedding and skin contact. Mayfairsilk specialises in the bedding side, working only with Grade 6A long-fibre mulberry silk at 22–25 momme.

• Loose mulberry silk yardage runs £4.30–£56.20 per metre, while silk twill yardage runs £10.40–£130.70 per metre depending on fibre origin and finish.

• Mayfairsilk crafts its pillowcases, sheets, duvet sets, cushion covers, and silk accessories from OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified Grade 6A mulberry silk, designed in London and shipped from a UK warehouse.

What is Silk Twill?

Silk twill and mulberry silk often get compared, but they answer different questions. Mulberry silk is a type of fibre, spun by Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves and prized for its smoothness and natural sheen. Silk twill is a diagonal weave pattern that adds structure, texture, and wrinkle resistance to whichever fibre it is applied to (including mulberry silk itself).

Which one you actually want depends on what you are making. Bedding and lingerie call for pure mulberry silk so the surface stays soft against skin, while scarves, ties, and tailored accessories call for twill so the piece holds its shape. The guide below breaks down both side by side so you can pick the right fabric for the right job.

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 is Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk is the gold standard for luxury fabric. It is spun by Bombyx mori silkworms raised on a mulberry leaf-only diet, which produces long, smooth, and exceptionally strong fibres.

That’s why it feels so soft and has that natural, elegant sheen. It’s also breathable, gentle on sensitive skin, and holds up beautifully with proper care; perfect for everything from pillowcases to lingerie if you’re after comfort and quality.

Production Process

Mulberry Silk Production

Mulberry silk starts with carefully raised Bombyx mori silkworms, kept in controlled environments, and fed only mulberry leaves. Once they’re ready, these little workers spin their cocoons using a single, continuous strand of silk. 

The cocoons are then gently boiled to loosen the natural gum holding the fibres together, making it easier to extract the long, unbroken threads. After that, the silk is reeled, spun, and woven into the soft, glossy fabric that mulberry silk is known for.

Twill Weaving Process

Twill is more about how the fabric is woven than what it's made from. This diagonal weave can be applied to all sorts of fibres, including silk, cotton, and synthetics. When used with silk (especially mulberry silk), it adds structure, strength, and a bit of texture to the fabric. 

That makes it great for more tailored pieces like scarves or blouses that need a bit of body without losing that signature silk smoothness.

Prices: What to Expect

The current price of mulberry silk fabric per meter in Europe typically ranges from £4.30 to £56.20, depending on quality and origin. Standard Indian mulberry silk is available for around £4.30–£13.00 per meter, while premium Italian mulberry silk can reach £40.60–£55.30 per meter.

Entry-level silk twill from European suppliers can be found for £10.40–£32.00 per meter, but luxury printed silk twill from high-end retailers often costs £77.80–£130.70 per meter.

Silk twill combines the elegance of silk with a subtle diagonal weave that adds structure and resilience. 

Pros & Cons

Pros of Mulberry Silk

• Incredibly soft and gentle on skin and hair

• Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold

• Excellent moisture retention (keeps skin and hair hydrated)

• Regulates temperature; cool in summer, warm in winter

• Brands like Mayfairsilk prioritise sustainable and ethical practices, working with suppliers who use eco-conscious methods and verifiable sourcing.

• When cared for correctly, high momme silk is durable enough for everyday use

Cons of Mulberry Silk

• Expensive due to labour-intensive production

• Delicate; prone to snags, tears, and stains

• Requires special care (often dry cleaning)

Pros of Silk Twill

• Strong, durable, and resistant to wrinkles

• Holds shape well; ideal for structured garments

• Subtle texture adds visual interest

• Absorbs dye well for rich, vibrant colours

• Less prone to snagging than satin or charmeuse

Cons of Silk Twill

• Still costly due to weaving complexity and fibre quality

• Edges may fray if not finished carefully

• Can be challenging to sew due to its slippery nature

• Requires gentle care to maintain appearance

Applications & Use Cases

Silk twill, with its structure and strength, is ideal for neckties, scarves, dresses, suits, and accessories that need a bit more polish and durability.

Mulberry silk shines in bedding, pillowcases, lingerie, and anything meant to feel soft and gentle against the skin. 

Silk twill is a go-to for scarves because it drapes beautifully, holds its shape, and adds a touch of structure.

Silk Twill vs. Mulberry Silk Comparison Table

How to Pick the Right Silk for the Right Job

Twill is a weave, mulberry silk is a fibre. For pillowcases, sheets, and anything that touches your skin directly, pure mulberry silk wins on softness. For scarves, ties, and structured accessories, twill adds the body and texture those pieces need, and a mulberry silk twill gives you both at once.

Mayfairsilk turns everyday sleep into a luxury experience with high-momme Mulberry silk that’s rich, breathable, and effortlessly elegant. 

For the bedding side specifically, Mayfairsilk works only with Grade 6A long-fibre mulberry silk at 22–25 momme, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified and designed in London. The collection covers pillowcases, sheets, duvet sets, cushion covers, and eye masks, all shipped from a UK warehouse with taxes and duties calculated upfront. Quality you can feel, and a buying experience without surprises.

Visit Mayfairsilk to shop the full collection of Grade 6A mulberry silk bedding and accessories.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can silk twill be made from mulberry silk?

Definitely. Twill is just the weave pattern, and when it’s made with mulberry silk, the best silk around, you get a fabric that’s both strong and silky smooth. If you see "mulberry silk twill" on the label, that’s the combo you want. Otherwise, it might be made from cheaper silk or blends.

Which silk is better for sensitive skin?

For super sensitive skin, smoother weaves like charmeuse made from mulberry silk are your best bet. They glide over skin with barely any friction. Twill still has the same hypoallergenic perks but a slightly textured finish that may not feel as gentle on irritated skin.

How do I properly wash silk twill versus mulberry silk?

Treat both gently. Hand wash with cool water and silk-safe detergent. Twill can handle a little steam, while softer silks like charmeuse need low heat and extra care. Always dry flat and out of the sun.

Why is mulberry silk more expensive than other types of silk?

Mulberry silk comes from pampered silkworms fed only mulberry leaves. It’s cleaner, smoother, and more durable than wild silk, and takes more time and effort to produce. That’s why it costs more, but the quality speaks for itself.

What products does Mayfairsilk offer, and why should I choose them?

Mayfairsilk specialises in luxury Grade 6A long-fibre mulberry silk products, including pillowcases, bed sheets, duvet sets, cushion covers, eye masks, scrunchies, and clothing. Voted best by multiple consumer and industry awards, Mayfairsilk combines premium quality, sustainable practices, and elegant design to deliver unmatched comfort and style.

*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.