Wild Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Sources, Prices & Uses

Key Takeaways

• Mulberry silk comes from domesticated silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, creating uniform, strong, and soft fibres that are perfect for luxury bedding and skincare.

• Wild silk varieties like tussar, muga, and eri are harvested from silkworms living in natural forest environments.

• Mulberry silk excels in bedding, luxury fashion, and skin-sensitive products, while wild silk is preferred for structured garments and decorative textiles.

• At Mayfairsilk, we exclusively use Grade 6A mulberry silk in our award-winning bedding collection, ensuring every product delivers exceptional softness, hypoallergenic properties, and temperature regulation for the best sleep experience.

Understanding Silk Origins

Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk represents the gold standard in silk production, derived exclusively from the Bombyx mori silkworm. These domesticated silkworms are carefully raised in controlled environments and fed only fresh mulberry leaves, creating the perfect conditions for producing silk fibres of premium quality.

The process begins in specialised nurseries where silkworms are meticulously cared for through their lifecycle. When ready to pupate, each silkworm spins a single, continuous silk thread that can reach up to 1,500 metres in length. This unbroken filament is what gives mulberry silk its smoothness and strength.

Wild Silk

Wild silk includes several varieties like tussar, muga, and eri, sourced from silkworms that live semi-autonomously in forest environments across India, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia. Unlike their domesticated cousins, wild silkworms feed on various leaves, including oak, chestnut, and other native foliage.

This natural diet diversity results in cocoons with shorter, more irregular fibres and distinctive natural colourations ranging from golden and beige to rich browns.

Market Pricing

Mulberry Silk

The superior quality of mulberry silk naturally commands premium pricing in global markets. Current European pricing for mulberry silk fabric ranges from £30–£120 per metre for standard grades, with luxury Italian varieties reaching £40–£56 per metre.

Several factors drive mulberry silk's premium pricing structure. The careful production process requires skilled workers at every stage, from silkworm care to thread extraction. Mulberry silk is sought after in luxury markets due to its consistent texture and its superior quality of long, unbroken fibres command higher market values.

Wild Silk

Wild silk is usually less expensive, typically ranging from £20–£80 per metre depending on type and grade. The reduced costs reflect the unsupervised development, where quality control is not optimal. Its pricing also depends on varied production scales and regional availability.

*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.

Best Uses for Each Silk Type

Mulberry Silk: Comfort & Elegance

At Mayfairsilk, we choose mulberry silk for our entire collection because of its exceptional characteristics that make it ideal for luxury bedding and accessories.

The exceptional softness of mulberry silk comes from its long, uniform fibres that create an incredibly smooth texture, making it naturally gentle on both skin and hair. Its natural breathability provides excellent temperature regulation, keeping you cool during summer months and warm in winter. 

The hypoallergenic properties make it naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and allergens, while its moisture retention capabilities help maintain skin and hair hydration during sleep. When properly cared for, high-quality mulberry silk bedding maintains its performance and beauty for years.

Mulberry silk is best used in luxury bedding applications, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, where its smooth texture provides optimal comfort. It's particularly valued for skincare-focused products like silk pillowcases and eye masks that reduce friction during sleep. 

The material is also ideal for premium sleepwear and lingerie, high-end scarves and accessories, and even specialised medical applications such as sutures and surgical materials.

Wild Silk: Nature & Structure

Wild silk has a distinct texture, providing a slightly rougher feel compared to other fabrics, which may appeal to those looking for a more natural aesthetic. 

Its earth tones can reduce the need for dyeing, though some varieties like tussar and muga, while durable, may not match the strength of other materials. Its natural texture may do less to reduce wrinkles than smoother fabrics, which could be a drawback for structured garments.

While wild silk is used in fashion garments such as jackets and structured pieces, its texture may not always be ideal for all designs. It is also found in decorative textiles like wall hangings and upholstery. Despite its use in accessories that require structure and durability, it is increasingly being replaced by more resilient and versatile materials in eco-conscious products.

Care & Maintenance

Caring for Mulberry Silk

Proper care ensures your mulberry silk products maintain their beauty and performance for years. (Image courtesy of Sheet Market).

Essential care practices include hand washing with gentle, pH-neutral detergent using cool water only, as hot water can damage the delicate fibres. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, instead gently pressing out excess water. 

Air drying away from direct sunlight preserves the silk's natural properties, while proper storage in cool, dry places prevents damage. When ironing is necessary, use low heat with a protective cloth between the iron and silk.

Wild Silk Maintenance

Wild silk care varies by type, but generally follows similar gentle principles. Some varieties are more robust and can tolerate slightly more wear, but delicate handling is always recommended.

Wild Silk vs Mulberry Silk Comparison Table

Why Choose MayfairSilk for Mulberry Silk Excellence

At Mayfairsilk, we bring luxury to your everyday life, starting with the finest Grade 6A mulberry silk. Known for its soft, silky feel and exceptional strength, we choose this premium silk for its timeless elegance. Unlike lower-quality options, we use silk that’s woven with thicker 22–25 momme, ensuring every product feels indulgently smooth and durable, right from the moment you touch it.

Our collection features a variety of items to enhance your comfort at home, including silk pillowcases, bed sheets, duvet sets, and accessories like eye masks and cushion covers.

We take quality seriously at MayfairSilk, which is why all of our products are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and gentle on your skin. 

The natural temperature-regulating properties of mulberry silk help keep you comfortable year-round, while its hypoallergenic nature resists allergens. Sustainability is integral to our process, with our silk produced using eco-friendly methods that help protect the environment.

At Mayfairsilk, sustainability is integral to our process, with our silk produced using eco-friendly methods that help protect the environment.

Our products have been recognised for their quality, earning us awards like Best Luxury Silk Bedding & Accessories Company at The Perfect Gift Awards. Thousands of satisfied customers, along with numerous dermatologist endorsements, are a testament to the care and craftsmanship behind every piece.

The matte finish and unique prints give our items a refined, polished look that improves the aesthetic of any bedroom. We ship quickly within the UK and to over 30 countries, with a dedicated team ready to support you every step of the way.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes mulberry silk superior to wild silk for bedding?

Mulberry silk's long, uniform fibres create an exceptionally smooth texture that's gentle on skin and hair. It's naturally hypoallergenic, regulates temperature better, and provides consistent quality that's essential for luxury bedding. Wild silk, while beautiful, has a rougher texture that's less suitable for direct skin contact during sleep.

How do the prices compare between wild silk and mulberry silk products?

Mulberry silk typically costs more due to its superior quality and the very specific production process. Wild silk is more affordable. The investment in mulberry silk pays off in durability, comfort, and performance.

Can wild silk be used for pillowcases and bedding?

While possible, the textured surface and irregular fibres of wild silk make it less ideal for bedding. The uneven texture can be rougher on skin and hair compared to smooth mulberry silk. For the best sleep experience, mulberry silk's consistent smoothness and hypoallergenic properties are preferred.

How can I tell the difference between wild silk and mulberry silk when shopping?

The differences between mulberry and wild silk are quite noticeable once you know what to look for. Mulberry silk has a smooth, lustrous surface with a consistent texture, typically in pure white or evenly dyed shades. 

In contrast, wild silk has a more textured, uneven feel with natural variations, often found in earthy tones like golden, beige, or brown. Mulberry silk drapes fluidly, while wild silk offers more structure and body due to its irregular fibres.

If you’re specifically seeking the smooth, consistent quality of mulberry silk, you can shop from suppliers like MayfairSilk, who exclusively carry this premium material.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk over other silk bedding brands?

Mayfairsilk offers the highest Grade 6A mulberry silk in thicker 22–25 momme weights, compared to industry standard 19 momme. Our products are UK-designed and featured in top publications like Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar. Our matte finish silk provides elegant luxury with natural temperature regulation.