Silk vs Viscose: Prices, Feel & Care Differences

Key Takeaways

• Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, and viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from wood pulp that mimics silk's appearance at a lower cost.

• Silk typically costs £14–£56 per metre, while viscose ranges from £1.50–£15.30 per metre, making it a budget-friendly alternative.

• Viscose is easier to maintain but less durable over time, but silk requires delicate care with hand washing or dry cleaning, and lasts for years when handled properly.

• Silk is naturally biodegradable and eco-friendly when ethically sourced, with a lower environmental impact than viscose.

• Mayfairsilk's premium Grade 6A mulberry silk collection includes pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers, eye masks, and hair accessories.

Natural Luxury vs Semi-Synthetic Alternative

Silk emerged from ancient China as a closely guarded treasure. This natural protein fibre, spun by silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves, remains the gold standard for luxury textiles. Its reputation isn't just about prestige; silk offers genuine benefits for your skin, hair, and overall comfort.

Viscose, often marketed as "artificial silk," emerged in the late 19th century as an affordable way to replicate silk's coveted qualities. Made from regenerated cellulose derived from wood pulp, viscose offers a silk-like appearance at a fraction of the cost. But is the lower price tag worth the trade-offs?

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Origins & Composition

Natural silk comes from silkworm cocoons and contains beneficial amino acids, while viscose is chemically manufactured from wood pulp.

Silk begins its journey inside a silkworm cocoon. These remarkable creatures spin protective cocoons from a single continuous thread that can reach up to 900 metres in length when unwound. This natural protein fibre contains 18 amino acids that benefit human skin and hair, making silk genuinely good for you. Mulberry silk, the variety used in premium products, represents the highest quality available.

Viscose follows a dramatically different path. Manufacturers start with wood pulp from trees like bamboo or eucalyptus, which undergoes chemical transformation involving sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. This process creates a viscous solution that's extruded into fibres. While viscose can mimic some of silk's aesthetic qualities, it lacks the natural protein structure that gives silk its unique benefits.

Price Comparison: Investment vs Affordability

High-grade mulberry silk typically ranges from £14 to £56, depending on quality and origin, reflecting the labour-intensive production process and superior quality. It takes thousands of silkworm cocoons to produce enough fibre for a single silk pillowcase, and each cocoon must be harvested at precisely the right moment. 

Beyond raw material costs, silk's price reflects its performance. This natural fibre resists wrinkles better than viscose, maintains its lustre for years, and offers genuine health benefits.

Viscose sits comfortably in the budget-conscious range, typically between £1.50 and £15.30 per metre. This affordability stems from industrial manufacturing that produces large quantities quickly. For shoppers seeking the silk aesthetic without the investment, viscose presents an attractive option, though with trade-offs in longevity and performance.

Feel & Texture Differences

Nothing quite compares to genuine silk against your skin. It feels almost liquid-like, with a subtle coolness that signals luxury. This ultra-soft texture comes from silk's unique protein structure and triangular prism-shaped fibres, creating that characteristic natural sheen that seems to glow from within.

Silk's elasticity allows it to drape elegantly and resist wrinkles naturally. The smooth surface reduces friction against your skin and hair while you sleep, helping prevent wrinkles and bedhead. Those natural amino acids are absorbed by your skin during contact, providing gentle moisturisation.

High-quality viscose drapes beautifully and takes dyes exceptionally well. However, it wrinkles more easily than silk and tends to lose its shape over time. That initial softness can diminish with repeated use, and the sheen lacks the natural radiance that makes silk so captivating.

Care & Maintenance

Silk requires gentle hand washing or cool machine cycles and lasts for years with proper care, while viscose tolerates easier washing but needs replacing sooner.

Hand washing silk in cool water with mild, pH-neutral detergent is ideal, though many modern silk items can handle gentle machine cycles in a mesh laundry bag. Never wring or twist silk—just gently press out excess water and air dry away from direct sunlight. With proper care, silk items last for years, maintaining their beauty far longer than viscose alternatives.

Viscose presents fewer care challenges, tolerating gentle machine washing in cool water. However, the fabric weakens when wet, making it prone to stretching and shrinking if handled roughly. Air drying is essential, as tumble dryers will almost certainly cause damage. The easier care routine might appeal initially, but viscose items typically need replacing much sooner than silk.

Environmental & Ethical Impact

When sourced responsibly, silk stands as one of the most environmentally friendly luxury fabrics available. Production begins with mulberry trees often grown without pesticides, relying primarily on rainwater and actively sequestering carbon. The process generates minimal waste, with byproducts recycled as cattle feed or natural fertiliser. Silk is completely biodegradable, breaking down naturally without releasing harmful microplastics.

The chemical-intensive manufacturing process of viscose raises concerns. Traditional viscose production uses toxic chemicals that can pollute waterways if not properly managed. Despite improvements like closed-loop production systems, viscose's environmental footprint remains larger than silk's when considering the full lifecycle.

Silk vs Viscose: Comparison Table

Mayfairsilk: Providing the Ultimate Silk Experience

Mayfairsilk offers premium Grade 6A mulberry silk products with OEKO-TEX certification, sustainable production practices, and a 30-night sleep trial.

Choosing authentic silk over viscose represents an investment in quality, comfort, and sustainability. Mayfairsilk specialises in premium Grade 6A mulberry silk with long fibres, which is the highest quality available. Our collections include silk pillowcases at 25 momme, silk sheets at 22 momme, duvet covers, eye masks, and hair accessories, all providing exceptional thickness compared to standard 19 momme products, resulting in longer-lasting luxury.

We are a British-owned and designed company, and we bring thoughtful craftsmanship to every piece. Each product carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. Our silk, which is hypoallergenic, naturally resists dust mites and bacteria, and its temperature-regulating properties create year-round comfort.

With UK-based operations providing next-day delivery on orders over £50 and a 30-night sleep trial on pillowcases, we offer collections that combine luxury, comfort, and sustainability in every thread.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is viscose the same as silk?

No, viscose and silk are fundamentally different fabrics. Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, while viscose is a semi-synthetic material made from chemically processed wood pulp. Though viscose can mimic silk's appearance, it lacks silk's natural durability, hypoallergenic properties, and skin benefits.

Can you wash silk and viscose the same way?

Both fabrics require gentle care, but their washing needs differ. Silk should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned using cool water and mild detergent, then air-dried away from direct sunlight. Viscose can handle gentle machine washing but becomes weak when wet, making it prone to stretching and shrinking. Silk generally proves more resilient with proper care.

Which fabric is better for sensitive skin?

Silk is significantly better for sensitive skin. As a natural protein fibre containing 18 essential amino acids, silk is inherently hypoallergenic and helps moisturise skin during contact. Its smooth surface reduces friction, preventing irritation, and it naturally resists dust mites and bacteria. Viscose can sometimes irritate sensitive skin due to chemical residues from manufacturing.

Is silk more environmentally friendly than viscose?

Yes, silk has a lower environmental impact than viscose when ethically sourced. Silk production begins with mulberry trees grown without pesticides, and silk is completely biodegradable. Viscose requires chemical-intensive manufacturing that can pollute waterways if not properly managed. Even though closed-loop viscose production has improved sustainability, silk remains the more eco-friendly choice.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk over other silk brands?

Mayfairsilk offers premium Grade 6A mulberry silk at 25 momme for pillowcases and 22 momme for sheets, compared to standard 19 momme products. As a British-owned and designed company, we prioritise sustainability through pesticide-free cultivation, with all products carrying OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. You'll benefit from next-day UK delivery with no hidden import fees, a 30-night sleep trial on pillowcases, and exclusive limited-edition prints.

*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.