Silk vs Modal Compared: Prices, Benefits & Downsides

Key Takeaways

• Silk brings natural luxury, a beautiful sheen, and helps regulate body temperature, while modal stands out for its cloud-like softness and easy care.

• Modal might be a bit friendlier on your wallet, though high-end versions can still be pricey.

• If you're looking for hair and skin benefits, silk has the edge thanks to its smooth surface and natural protein makeup.

• Silk might cost a bit extra, but it’s exceptional at thermoregulation and it feels both natural and elegant.

• Mayfairsilk uses top-tier Grade 6A Mulberry silk to create bedding and accessories that are elegant, durable, and low-maintenance, earning praise from both customers and the industry alike.

Origins & Manufacturing Processes

Silk

Silk begins its journey in nature, spun by primarily Bombyx mori silkworms. These little creatures create cocoons from a single thread that can stretch out for hundreds of meters. To make silk fabric, the thread is carefully unwound and combined with others to form one continuous, luxurious strand. After that, it's dyed, steamed, or treated depending on the final look and feel desired. The whole process is delicate, which is part of what makes real silk feel so special.

Silk fabric is the result of a slow, meticulous process that starts with a single cocoon thread.

Modal

Modal starts with beech trees. The cellulose from the wood pulp is extracted, treated with chemicals, and turned into a liquid that’s pushed through spinnerets to create fibres. These are then washed, bleached, and dried before being spun into soft, silky yarn. Despite being semi-synthetic, modal comes from a natural source and has a smooth, breathable feel.

Modal fabric has a soft, breathable texture with a smooth finish that comes from natural wood pulp processed into fine yarn.

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 →

Properties & Performance

Environmental Impact

Silk (especially the kind crafted by Mayfairsilk) stands out as a highly sustainable fabric due to its natural, renewable production cycle. Mulberry trees are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, relying mainly on rainwater, and they actively sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The silkworms feed on mulberry leaves, and the byproducts from silk harvesting, including leftover foliage and lower quality silk, are recycled as cattle feed, natural fertiliser, or used in duvet fillings. Wastewater is treated carefully, and valuable sericin protein is recovered for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This closed, zero-waste cycle makes silk not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible and fully biodegradable.

In comparison, modal is made from sustainably harvested beech trees and produced through a closed-loop chemical process that recycles water and solvents, reducing environmental impact relative to conventional viscose or cotton. While modal is also considered eco-friendly due to renewable raw materials and factory efficiency, it involves chemical treatments that make it semi-synthetic and less natural than silk.

Applications

Silk is the showstopper. It’s what you reach for when you want to feel elegant; perfect for special-occasion dresses, luxe blouses, scarves, ties, and indulgent bedding. It looks gorgeous, feels amazing, and definitely makes a statement.

Modal is your everyday favorite. It’s that ultra-soft fabric in your favorite lounge set, comfy T-shirt, or pajamas. It’s breathable, durable, and feels great even after tons of washes. You’ll find it in everything from underwear to towels, anywhere comfort really matters.

Silk scarves turn everyday outfits into standout looks, adding a touch of elegance and personality with zero effort.

Price Comparison

Silk is luxurious in both feel and quality. Depending on the quality, it can cost anywhere from around £40 to £120 per yard. A high-quality silk pillowcase might range from about £30 to £80. The price reflects the fabric’s beauty, feel, and the meticulous production process behind it.

Modal typically comes at a lower cost. Prices typically fall between £8 and £25 per yard, with clothing and pillowcases usually costing between £15 and £40. 

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

Silk

Pros:

• Luxurious, soft, and naturally shiny with a premium feel

• Excellent drape and fluidity for elegant garments

• Hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin

• Biodegradable and compostable at end of life

• Good thermal regulation and moisture-wicking

• Durable and long-lasting when properly cared for

• Sustainably produced: mulberry trees grown without pesticides or fertilisers using mostly rainwater

• Zero-waste production cycle with byproducts repurposed (e.g., foliage as cattle feed, sericin recovery)

Cons:

• Higher price point due to quality silk and careful processing

• Requires delicate care such as gentle washing and air drying

Modal

Pros:

• Extremely soft, smooth, and comfortable; often compared to silk or cashmere

• Highly absorbent and breathable, ideal for warm climates and activewear

• Durable, resists shrinking, pilling, and fading

• Machine washable and easy to care for

• Retains vibrant colors after repeated washing

• More affordable than pure silk

• Eco-friendly, especially when produced with closed-loop processes

Cons:

• Semi-synthetic fabric due to chemical processing, not 100% natural

• Less glossy, with a matte finish compared to silk’s natural sheen

• Can wrinkle more easily and may require ironing

Sleep Beautifully with Mayfairsilk’s Finest Silk Collection

There’s something special about sinking into silk at the end of a long day. That’s why Mayfairsilk uses only the finest Grade 6A Mulberry Silk to create pillowcases, bedsheets, eye masks, and accessories that feel incredible against your skin and hair. Each piece is hand-finished in London with a soft, breathable weave that helps your skin retain moisture and keeps your hair smooth, so you wake up looking and feeling your best.

Wrapped in Mayfairsilk’s rich Mulberry silk bedding, every night feels like a luxury retreat for your skin, hair, and senses!

Our silk isn’t just about beauty. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, free from harmful chemicals, and designed to be both antibacterial and easy to care for. You can enjoy that cool, clean, luxurious feel night after night without any fuss.

Customers love Mayfairsilk not just for how it looks and feels, but for the difference it makes in their sleep and overall well-being. We’ve been honored with multiple awards and recommended by top dermatologists for a reason: because this is silk that works as beautifully as it looks.

If you’re ready to turn your bedroom into a place of comfort and calm, give Mayfairsilk a try. One night on our silk and you’ll wonder how you ever slept without it.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is modal fabric better than silk for sensitive skin?

Silk’s a top pick for sensitive skin; it’s natural, hypoallergenic, and super gentle, especially on your face. Modal’s no slouch either; it’s soft, breathable, and keeps moisture at bay. But if your skin’s easily irritated, silk’s protein-rich fibres give it the edge.

How much more expensive is silk compared to modal?

Silk usually costs quite a bit more, typically 40–80% higher, especially at premium levels. Entry-level silk items can be double the price of basic modal. But if you’re comparing high-end modal (like TENCEL™) with mid-tier silk, the price gap can shrink to just 20–30%. That’s because top-tier modal is also sustainably produced and high-performing, adding value beyond its base materials.

Can modal mimic the luxurious feel of silk?

Not exactly, but that’s not a bad thing. Silk has its signature cool, smooth feel and elegant drape, while modal feels buttery-soft and cozy. For bedding or everyday wear, many people actually prefer modal’s plush softness and easy care. It may not match silk’s look for eveningwear, but it holds its own as a premium fabric with a feel all its own. Some newer modal blends even come close to mimicking silk’s sheen and flow.

Does silk or modal wrinkle more easily?

Silk wrinkles more easily, especially the lightweight kinds. It’s prone to sharp creases and usually needs a steamer or careful ironing to smooth out. Modal, on the other hand, is far more forgiving. It resists wrinkles and often smooths itself out when hung up; ideal for busy mornings or travel.

What products does Mayfairsilk offer?

Mayfairsilk specialises in premium Mulberry silk products, including pillowcases (25 momme), bedding sets (22 momme), eye masks, and silk hair accessories like scrunchies and ties; designed for comfort, elegance, and long-lasting quality.