Silk vs Lyocell Compared: Cost, Benefits & Downsides

Key Takeaways

• Silk is a natural protein fibre spun from silkworm cocoons, loved for its ultra-smooth feel, elegant sheen, and great insulation properties.

• Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fibre made from wood pulp that is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

• Silk holds up beautifully over time and doesn’t pill easily, while lyocell can show a bit of wear depending on how it’s finished and how often it’s used.

• Silk tends to be more expensive, priced about 2 to 4 times higher than lyocell.

• Mayfairsilk offers premium 100% Grade 6A mulberry silk that blends luxury with lasting quality and sustainable practices. It’s a standout option that’s earned plenty of praise from both customers and industry experts.

Understanding the Distinct Worlds of Silk & Lyocell

The choice between silk and lyocell might seem trivial until you’ve spent a night wrapped in each. These luxury fabrics offer incredible softness against the skin, yet their differences reach far beyond texture. 

Considering environmental impact and long-term value reveals what truly sets these premium textiles apart, helping you make better decisions for bedding, clothing, and home textiles.

Detailed Comparison

Production

Silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms. The production process involves raising silkworms that spin cocoons made of silk fibres. These cocoons are then carefully harvested, and the silk filaments are extracted through a process called reeling. The fibres are cleaned, spun, and woven into fabric. This traditional method of production is labour-intensive and requires skilled handling to maintain the quality of the silk.

Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fibre made from wood pulp, usually sourced from trees like eucalyptus, beech, or spruce. The wood pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic solvent to create a viscous solution. This solution is then forced through spinnerets in a process called solvent spinning to regenerate cellulose fibres. These fibres are washed, dried, and spun into yarns to be woven or knitted into fabric. The lyocell production process involves a closed-loop system where most of the solvent and water are recovered and reused.

Texture & Feel

Silk feels smooth, glossy, and rich against the skin, with a natural shine that gives it that unmistakable luxurious vibe. It’s light, fluid, and instantly recognisable. 

Lyocell is gentle and breathable with a matte finish. It feels a bit like cotton blended with silk but doesn’t quite match silk’s signature glow.

Durability & Care

Silk is strong in fibre but delicate in fabric, prone to snags, and best kept away from harsh washing cycles. Most silk pieces require either handwashing or dry cleaning. 

Lyocell is more forgiving. It’s tough, holds up well even when wet, and is usually machine washable on a gentle cycle, which makes it easier to live with day-to-day

Lyocell’s tight weave and natural strength make it a low-maintenance fabric. It also holds up to regular washing without losing its softness.

Thermal Regulation

Silk shines in cooler conditions. It traps warmth effectively without bulk, thanks to its natural insulating qualities, making it perfect for layering or sleeping through chilly nights. 

Lyocell, while breathable and cool to the touch, doesn’t hold heat as well. It's ideal for warmer climates or for those who run hot at night, but it won’t insulate like silk when the temperature drops.

Pilling Resistance

Fabric that stays smooth over time is a win, especially for pieces you wear or use often. Silk, especially high-grade mulberry silk, holds up well. Its long, smooth fibres naturally resist pilling, so it keeps that clean, polished look much longer. If you’re after fabric that still looks fresh after repeated use, silk is the one that tends to age more gracefully.

Lyocell is soft and durable, but depending on how it’s woven or what it’s blended with, it can start to pill in areas that see a lot of movement. 

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Silk and lyocell are both impressive when it comes to eco-friendliness, but mulberry, especially the kind used by Mayfairsilk, raises the bar. 

It requires minimal land and water, avoids harsh chemicals, and thrives mostly on natural rainwater. Nothing goes to waste: silkworms become a food source, leftover leaves feed cattle, lower-grade silk is used in duvets, and sericin proteins are repurposed for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Even fabric scraps are turned into new products.

Lyocell is no slouch either, with its closed-loop production that recycles water and solvents to keep pollution low. Still, silk edges ahead with its ultra-efficient resource use, zero-waste approach, and ability to put every part of its production cycle to good use.

Price & Market Position

The current UK market price for 100% silk fabric ranges from approximately £10 to £150+ per meter, with most quality dressmaking silks falling within the £15–£50 per meter range. Premium designer and specialty silks command prices at the upper end of this spectrum, reflecting their superior quality, exclusive designs, and often Italian or European manufacturing.

In contrast, lyocell fabric prices typically fall between £4 to £12 per meter, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Thus, silk remains a luxury textile with prices roughly 2 to 4 times higher than lyocell, reflecting its natural origin, labour-intensive production, and premium market positioning.

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.

Pros & Cons of Silk & Lyocell

Pros of Silk

• Luxurious, glossy texture with a unique, elegant sheen

• Lightweight and naturally insulating for cooler temperatures

• Timeless appeal and historic prestige

• Strong natural fibre when cared for properly

• Eco-friendly methods and ethical sourcing especially from brands like Mayfairsilk

Silk Cons

• Higher price point reflecting luxury status and production methods

• Requires delicate care (hand wash or dry clean)

Lyocell Pros

• Soft, smooth, and breathable with excellent moisture-wicking properties

• Durable and easy to care for (machine washable)

• Sustainable production with a closed-loop process

• Vegan and biodegradable

• More affordable than silk

• Versatile in applications and blends well with other fabrics

Lyocell Cons

• Less glossy, lacks silk’s distinctive sheen

• Medium heat retention (less insulating in cold weather)

• Can have medium pilling depending on fabric finish

• Still a semi-synthetic fibre, not fully natural

• Though sustainable, production still involves chemical processing, albeit in a closed-loop system

Best Uses for Each Fabric

Ideal Applications for Silk

Silk is perfect for pillowcases and sleepwear. Its smooth, gentle texture makes it ideal for skin and hair, bringing a little luxury to your nighttime routine.

Silk brings an unmistakable sense of elegance to anything it touches. Evening gowns, formal wear, and fine lingerie all benefit from its smooth texture and natural sheen. It glides comfortably against the skin, making it a go-to for sleepwear and pillowcases that help reduce friction on hair and skin during the night.

Applications for Lyocell 

Lyocell is great for everyday pieces that need to feel soft and stay fresh. Bedding made with lyocell stays breathable and cool, perfect for restful sleep. It also works well in activewear, travel outfits, and undergarments, offering lightweight comfort, moisture control, and lasting durability through regular wear and washing.

Silk vs Lyocell Comparison Table

Mayfairsilk: Your Go-To for Premium Mulberry Silk Products

Luxury should feel effortless, and that’s what Mayfairsilk brings to your daily life. Each piece is made with 100% pure Grade 6A mulberry silk, known for its unmatched softness, strength, and naturally breathable texture. Designed to be gentle on your skin and hair, our silk helps regulate temperature and brings comfort that lasts.

Mayfairsilk makes sleep feel elevated with pure mulberry silk in every layer: pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers. Each piece delivers that cool, smooth, breathable touch that turns bedtime into a luxury experience.

The collection features everything needed to create a calm, elevated space: pillowcases with a smooth finish, bed sheets and duvet covers that feel cool and breathable, and eye masks that block out the light so you can truly unwind. You’ll also find silk scrunchies, cushion covers, and wellness essentials that blend practicality with a polished touch.

Every piece meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification for purity, making them safe even for sensitive skin, including those with eczema or allergies. We source and produce our silk responsibly, keeping environmental impact low while maintaining exceptional quality. This dedication has earned us multiple “Best Silk Bedding” awards and the trust of customers worldwide.

Our silk offers more than comfort, supporting healthier hair, softer skin, and freshness that lasts night after night. With Mayfairsilk, you choose safer, sustainable, and beautifully lasting elegance!

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between silk and lyocell?

Silk comes from silkworms and is known for its glossy shine and natural warmth. Lyocell is plant-based and semi-synthetic, offering breathability, moisture control, and a more eco-conscious production process.

Can lyocell truly replicate the sheen and drape of silk?

It gets close, especially with modern finishing techniques, but lyocell is not quite the same as silk. Silk has a natural shimmer and flow that’s tough to mimic.

Why is silk considered a luxury fabric?

Silk’s natural sheen, softness, and insulating properties, combined with its labour-intensive harvesting process, contribute to its luxury status and higher price point.

How should I care for silk versus lyocell?

Silk requires delicate care, often hand washing or dry cleaning, while lyocell is more durable and usually machine washable on gentle cycles.

What makes Mayfairsilk’s products stand out?

Mayfairsilk goes all in on quality, using 100% Grade 6A mulberry silk. Our pieces are soft, durable, and responsibly made, earning awards and praise from silk lovers around the world.