Silk vs Hemp: Cost, Uses & Which Is More Sustainable?

Key Takeaways

• Silk is a true luxury fibre, loved in high-end fashion, bedding, and even medical sutures for its smooth feel, impressive strength, and ability to regulate temperature. Hemp shines in a different lane, perfect for casual wear, tough home goods, and industrial products.

• How they’re made impacts the planet differently. Mulberry silk (like the kind Mayfairsilk uses) thrives on rainwater, avoids pesticides, and follows a zero-waste, circular process. Hemp grows fast with little need for chemicals, though some processing methods can be more resource-heavy.

• Price is a big divider. Premium silk costs more thanks to its labour-intensive harvest and luxury status, while hemp stays budget-friendly and easy to find.

• Both are kind to the environment. Silk takes the lead in biodegradability, non-toxic production, and reusing waste, while hemp wins with rapid growth, soil restoration perks, and the ability to capture lots of carbon.

• Mayfairsilk raises the bar for eco-friendly silk, using only Grade 6A Mulberry silk and sustainable methods that keep waste low, avoid harmful chemicals, and deliver unmatched quality.

Uses of Silk & Hemp

Silk has been treasured for thousands of years for its gorgeous sheen, silky-smooth feel, and surprising strength. It’s a go-to for high-end fashion pieces like dresses, suits, lingerie, scarves, and ties, but its appeal doesn’t stop there. 

In the home, silk shows up in bedding, curtains, and even upholstery, adding elegance while keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Its gentle touch also makes it a favorite in the medical world for surgical sutures, and in certain industries, fine silk is used for parachutes and precision filters.

Hemp is known for its robustness, breathability, and versatility. It is widely used in casual and eco-conscious clothing, including shirts, trousers, and outerwear. Hemp fabrics are popular for household items like rugs, curtains, towels, and upholstery due to their durability. 

Beyond textiles, hemp contributes to building materials, biofuels, paper, and nutrition through seeds and oils. Its capacity to grow quickly and with minimal chemical inputs supports sustainable agricultural practices.

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 →

Production & Processing

Silk production is a meticulous process involving the cultivation of mulberry trees and the harvesting of silkworm cocoons. Mulberry trees are grown organically without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, relying mostly on natural rainfall. 

They also play a role in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, helping offset greenhouse gases. Silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves and spin cocoons that are carefully unwound to produce long, continuous fibres.

Mayfairsilk exemplifies responsible silk production by ensuring the entire fabric is utilised. Offcuts are repurposed into other products, and valuable proteins such as sericin are extracted from wastewater and reused in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Even leftover mulberry stems and foliage are not wasted; they are either fed to cattle or turned into natural fertiliser. This integrated approach creates a near zero-waste production cycle.

Hemp production for textile usage involves harvesting fibers from the outer layer of the Cannabis sativa plant’s stalks. These fibers are processed into yarn and woven into durable, breathable fabrics used for clothing, bedding, and home textiles. The fibre extraction process, however, can vary from mechanical to chemical retting methods, with some requiring chemical treatments that raise environmental concerns.

The elegant drape and refined texture of silk reflects the meticulous, sustainable production process behind every piece.

Cost Comparison

Silk sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, and for good reason. Its production is labour-intensive, and the result is a fabric that embodies luxury. In the UK, high-quality silk can range anywhere from £15 to £150 per metre, depending on the type and finish. Premium silk bedding elevates the investment further, with pillowcases costing between £54 and £105, while sheets and duvet sets can range from £275 to well over £1,125.

Hemp, on the other hand, is generally more budget-friendly and accessible. Its cost varies based on processing methods, scale of production, and the product itself, but in the UK, hemp fabric typically falls between £12 and £100 per metre, making it a more economical choice without sacrificing strength and practicality.

Note: The price ranges mentioned above are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations. Costs may vary based on factors such as pricing policies, the provider's experience, and evolving market conditions.

Sustainability & Eco-Friendliness

Beyond its production, silk has lasting sustainability advantages. The production process avoids harsh bleaches, toxic dyes, or chemical baths, protecting ecosystems and worker health. At the end of its lifecycle, silk is 100% biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally and returning nutrients to the soil without leaving harmful residues.

Hemp is widely recognised as one of the most sustainable crops. Its fast growth rate, minimal need for pesticides, and ability to restore soil fertility make it a strong ally for regenerative agriculture. The entire plant is usable; from fibres to seeds and stalks, so waste is minimal. While hemp has undeniable eco benefits, its final sustainability varies by processing method, as some industrial treatments are resource- or chemical-intensive.

Durability & Lifespan

High-momme silk stands up surprisingly well when cared for, keeping its softness and strength over years of use, and resisting dust mites and bacteria. Hemp is famously tough, built for heavy use and home goods that need to last. Its fibres are coarser than silk, so comfort in clothing can be a trade-off, but durability is seldom an issue.

Skin & Health Benefits

Silk’s smooth surface lowers friction against skin and hair, reducing irritation, helping lock in moisture, and limiting breakage and frizz. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which suits sensitive skin or allergy sufferers. 

Hemp also breathes well and has antibacterial qualities, and it softens with wear, though it often starts out a bit rougher than silk.

Hemp's natural, textured weave may feel rougher initially but becomes softer and more comfortable with each use.

Why Silk Shines Over Hemp

Both fibres bring sustainability to the table, but silk delivers a refined luxury that hemp can’t quite match: an ultra-smooth feel, a production model that can be circular and low-impact, and superior biodegradability. For shoppers who want elegance plus eco-minded sourcing and long-term value, responsibly produced Mulberry silk stands out.

Hemp, on the other hand, is a fantastic, sustainable workhorse best suited for rugged, casual uses, while silk remains the go-to for elegance, comfort, and long-term value.

Silk vs. Hemp Comparison Table

Experience the Luxury & Sustainability of Mayfairsilk

Our premium silk bedding transforms your everyday sleep routine into a luxurious, sustainable experience.

Mayfairsilk brings you an exquisite selection of products made with the finest Grade 6A Mulberry silk, known for its long, smooth fibres, unmatched softness, and lasting durability. 

Our range includes pillowcases, bed linens like sheets and duvet covers, elegant sleep masks, stylish scrunchies, and other pieces. Each one is created to bring comfort, elegance, and a touch of luxury to your everyday life while still being gentle on the environment.

We’re dedicated to pairing timeless style with sustainable, ethical production. Our silk is responsibly sourced, free of harmful chemicals, bleaches, and dyes, and processed in a way that reduces waste and protects the planet. Every item carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, so you know it’s safe for you and your loved ones. Beyond the beauty and softness, our silk naturally supports skin and hair health thanks to its hypoallergenic and thermoregulating qualities.

Our focus on quality and sustainability has earned us multiple awards and industry recognition, including being named Best Luxury Silk Bedding & Accessories Company and receiving the UK Enterprise Award for Bedding Brand of the Year. These honors reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation, and creating products our customers truly love.

With Mayfairsilk, eco-conscious living meets timeless elegance. Our collection is designed to help you experience the best sleep and everyday comfort possible. Explore our range and treat yourself or someone special to the luxury of Mayfairsilk; comfort you can feel and quality you can trust!

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes silk different from hemp in texture and comfort?

Silk is soft, smooth, and luxurious with a natural sheen, making it perfect for sensitive skin and premium applications. Hemp is more durable and rugged, with a coarser texture that can soften over time but doesn’t match silk’s elegance.

Is silk more sustainable than hemp?

It depends on production practices. Responsibly produced silk, like Mayfairsilk’s mulberry silk, uses minimal land and water, avoids harmful chemicals, and incorporates a zero-waste approach, making it exceptionally sustainable.

What are some common uses of silk and hemp?

Silk is used in luxury fashion, bedding, medical sutures, and even industrial filters. Hemp finds applications in casual clothing, upholstery, ropes, paper, building materials, and biofuels.

How should silk products be cared for?

Silk should be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle with silk-friendly detergent and air-dried away from direct sunlight. Following care instructions ensures it remains soft, strong, and beautiful for many years.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk for my silk bedding and accessories?

Mayfairsilk products are made from the finest Grade 6A Mulberry silk, sustainably produced without harmful chemicals, and certified safe under OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Our award-winning designs, including pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers, sleep masks, and scrunchies, combine timeless elegance with eco-conscious craftsmanship, earning us global recognition and multiple industry awards.