Silk vs Polyester: Differences, Prices, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Silk is a natural fibre made by silkworms, known for its softness, breathability, and elegant sheen. Polyester, made from petroleum-based chemicals, is more about durability and low cost but affects the environment more.

• For comfort, silk wins. It keeps you cool, wicks away moisture, and feels gentle on sensitive skin. Polyester can trap heat and sweat, which may feel less pleasant.

• Polyester is easier to care for because it resists wrinkles, shrinking, and fading. Silk, while luxurious, needs more delicate handling, like hand washing or dry cleaning.

• Silk is much more expensive, often five to twenty times the price of polyester, because of its natural origin and the care it takes to produce.

• Mayfairsilk offers premium 100% Grade 6A Mulberry silk that blends luxury with ethical craftsmanship, making it a top pick for anyone who wants comfort and quality without compromise.

Origins & Manufacturing Processes

Silk is made by silkworms, mainly the Bombyx mori species, through a meticulous and time-consuming process. The worms spin cocoons, which are then carefully unraveled to extract fine silk filaments. These threads are spun and woven into fabric, all while preserving the delicate qualities that give silk its signature softness and sheen.

Polyester, on the other hand, is entirely man-made. It’s created from petroleum-based chemicals like ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. These are melted and pushed through spinnerets to form fibres, which are then processed into various textile forms. The process is fast and cost-efficient but greatly affects the environment. 

Physical & Aesthetic Characteristics

Silk is smooth and lustrous on both sides, with a natural glow that comes from its unique prism-shaped fibres. It drapes beautifully and adjusts well to body temperature, which is why it feels comfortable year-round. 

Polyester can look shiny too, but usually only on one side and with a more synthetic feel. It’s often heavier, less breathable, and more uniform in texture, missing the organic charm and subtle imperfections of silk.

Comfort & Performance

Silk breathes naturally and wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and dry. It’s gentle on the skin and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with sensitivities. Polyester, while durable, tends to trap heat and sweat, which can be uncomfortable in warm weather or during long wear. It’s also more likely to generate static, but not as much as polyester.

In terms of durability, polyester is tough. It resists shrinking, wrinkling, fading, and holds its shape well even after repeated washing. Silk is strong too, but only with careful handling. It's more sensitive to water, sun, and abrasion, and needs a little extra care to keep its shine and softness intact.

Polyester resists wrinkles, fading, and shrinkage. It doesn’t match silk’s softness, but for everyday use, it holds up strong and keeps its shape without much effort.

Maintenance & Care

Silk needs a little TLC to stay at its best. It usually calls for hand washing with mild detergent or a trip to the dry cleaner. High heat, harsh chemicals, and rough handling can damage its texture and sheen, so gentle care is key. 

Polyester, in contrast, is low-maintenance. It’s machine washable, dries quickly, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and holds up well even with frequent use. 

Environmental Impact

Silk, like the kind crafted by Mayfairsilk, is one of the most eco-friendly textiles out there. Unlike polyester, it starts with mulberry trees grown without harmful chemicals and nourished mostly by rainwater. These trees help clean the air by pulling in carbon, and they support a gentle, natural ecosystem.

Usually, wastewater from silk cultivation is treated responsibly, and by-products like sericin are reused in wellness and beauty products. Even the leftover stems and silk scraps can be repurposed—fed to animals, composted, or turned into duvet fillings.

The process even includes the silkworms, which are used in traditional dishes in some cultures, helping reduce waste even further. It’s a full-circle system designed to respect the planet while delivering lasting, luxurious silk.

On the other hand, making polyester uses a ton of energy, about 125 MJ per kilogram of fibre, and creates around 27.2 kg of CO2 for every kilogram of fabric produced. That's a lot of fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It also sheds microplastics when washed and isn’t biodegradable, which raises long-term environmental concerns despite its durability and low cost. 

Price Comparison

Silk is in the luxury category, with prices that reflect its quality and craftsmanship. Retail prices usually sit between £14 and £40 per metre in the UK, or around $18 to $50 USD. In China, wholesale prices for mulberry silk can start at about £5 per metre, while Nigerian markets offer a range from £2 to £12 depending on quality. 

Polyester is much more budget-friendly. Wholesale prices often fall between £1 to £2 per metre, making it an accessible option for large-scale production and everyday use.

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

Pros of Silk

• Natural, biodegradable, and renewable fibre

• Luxuriously soft and smooth on both sides

• Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, conserving water and soil health

• Wastewater is treated; by-products are repurposed, minimising waste

• Durable and long-lasting with proper care

• Excellent breathability and moisture-wicking

• Hypoallergenic, gentle on skin

• Elegant drape and natural sheen

• Temperature regulating (warm in winter, cool in summer)

• Fully compostable at the end of life

Cons of Silk

• Requires delicate care to maintain quality

• Higher price point compared to synthetic alternatives

Pros of Polyester

• Affordable and widely available

• Durable, resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and fading

• Easy to wash and quick-drying

• Retains shape well

• Versatile in texture and finish (can imitate silk, cotton, wool)

Cons of Polyester

• Less breathable, traps heat and moisture

• Can feel artificial or stiff

• Generates static electricity

• Made from non-renewable petroleum

• Not biodegradable, environmental concerns

Applications & Suitability

Silk works beautifully for clothing and accessories where comfort and elegance matter most: dresses, lingerie, scarves, and luxury bedding all benefit from its soft touch and natural glow. 

Polyester handles the everyday grind. It holds up well in activewear, outerwear, upholstery, and other items that need to stay durable, easy to clean, and budget-friendly.

Silk brings that elevated, polished finish to bedding that’s as soft as it is luxurious. It’s a go-to for anyone who wants their sleep space to look refined and feel effortlessly smooth.

Comparison Table: Silk vs. Polyester

How to Tell Silk from Polyester

The Burn Test Method

A quick burn test can reveal the difference. A silk thread will smolder slowly, smell like burnt hair, and leave behind a crisp ash that crumbles easily. 

Polyester melts into a hard bead, gives off a chemical odor, and the melted end won’t crush between your fingers. It’s a clear giveaway when the look and feel don’t offer a sure answer.

Feel & Sound Tests

Silk feels cool at first but warms to the skin, with a soft, almost creamy texture that glides between your fingers. Polyester feels smoother but flatter, less variation, less richness. 

Scrunch a piece in your hand: silk holds the wrinkles briefly before settling back, while polyester snaps back to shape almost instantly.

Shop Mayfairsilk’s Finest Mulberry Silk

With Mayfairsilk’s silky-smooth pillowcases and breathable bedding, everything about your wind-down routine gets softer, cooler, and more relaxing.

The idea behind Mayfairsilk is to bring softness, comfort, and elegance into every part of your routine using only the highest quality Mulberry silk.

This silk is naturally gentle on your skin and hair. Pillowcases help minimise hair breakage and support healthier skin, while duvet covers and bed sheets offer a breathable, cool-to-the-touch feel that makes drifting off easier. Eye masks, cushion covers, and hair ties round out the collection with thoughtful touches that elevate your wind-down routine.

Everything is thoughtfully made and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. Most importantly, we focus on sustainability—every time you buy a product from us, we will be planting a tree on your behalf through the Eden Reforestation Projects.

It’s a win for both your body and the planet. The temperature-balancing qualities help keep you comfortable through warm nights or cooler evenings, making it easier to get restful, uninterrupted sleep.

People who use Mayfairsilk keep coming back for a reason. Award wins and glowing reviews speak to the comfort and quality that stand the test of time. This is silk that doesn’t just sit pretty; it enhances your everyday life in subtle but powerful ways.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is polyester silk the same as real silk?

Not quite. Polyester silk is just polyester made to look and feel like silk. While it might have a similar shine and drape, it lacks the breathability, softness, and natural feel of true silk. It’s more about imitation than equivalence, and the difference becomes clear in how the fabric wears and feels over time.

Can I wash silk in a washing machine?

Some silk labeled “machine washable” can handle gentle cycles, but most silk items still prefer a gentler touch. Hand washing or dry cleaning helps preserve the fabric’s texture and sheen. If you do use a machine, stick to cold water, a mesh bag, and silk-safe detergent, just don’t expect it to last as long as hand-washed silk.

Does polyester cause more sweating than silk?

Yes, it usually does. Polyester holds onto heat and moisture, which can leave you feeling sticky in warmer weather. Silk naturally breathes and can absorb a fair amount of moisture without feeling damp, making it a cooler, more comfortable choice when temperatures rise.

Which fabric is better for people with allergies?

Silk is typically the safer bet for sensitive skin. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, resists dust mites and mold, and is gentle to the touch. Polyester, on the other hand, can hold onto dust and may trigger reactions in some people, especially if the fabric contains chemical residues. Still, its washability makes it a practical pick in some allergy-prone homes.

What makes Mayfairsilk’s products unique?

Mayfairsilk uses 100% Grade 6A long-fibre Mulberry silk, creating pillowcases, bedding, and accessories that are as soft and breathable as they are beautifully crafted. With multiple awards and ethical sourcing practices, Mayfairsilk brings luxury and comfort together in every piece.