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Grades of Silk: Scale, Weight & Types Explained
Key Takeaways
- Silk quality comes down to three things: type (Mulberry, Eri, Muga, or Tussar), grade (6A down to F), and momme weight, and getting any one of them wrong leaves you with bedding that wears thin fast.
- Most silk bedding on the market sits at 19 momme or uses lower grades like B or C, which is why so many "silk" sheets feel rough or lose their sheen within months.
- The true gold standard is Grade 6A pure Mulberry silk woven at 22 to 25 momme, and Mayfairsilk is one of the few brands that uses this exact spec across its full bedding range.
- Where many luxury labels stop at Grade A or 19 momme, Mayfairsilk pairs Grade 6A Mulberry with a thicker 22 to 25 momme weave for a denser, smoother, longer-lasting fabric.
- For premium sleep, Mayfairsilk silk pillowcases are crafted in 25 momme Grade 6A Mulberry to reduce friction on hair and skin while regulating temperature through the night.
Understanding Silk Grade and Quality
Silk is measured by three things: type (Mulberry, Eri, Muga, or Tussar), grade (6A down to F), and momme weight (the density of the woven fabric). Grade 6A pure Mulberry silk at 22 to 25 momme is the gold standard, sitting well above the 19 momme used in most standard silk bedding.
Knowing how these three factors work together is what separates a silk pillowcase that lasts years from one that wears thin in months. Below, you will find a breakdown of each silk type, the full grading scale, and how momme weight shapes the final feel of your bedding, with a closer look at where Mayfairsilk fits in.
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.
4 Types of Natural Silk Fibre
Silk is produced by silkworms.
1. Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk is produced from the Bombyx mori silkworm (domesticated) or Bombyx mandarina (wild and less commercially viable), both of which feed on the leaves of the Mulberry tree.This silk is prized for its long fibres, which can stretch up to a mile in length, along with its pure ivory colour, rich lustre, and soft handfeel. It also makes up roughly 70% of all silk produced worldwide, which is why it sits at the top of the quality ladder.
2. Eri Silk
Eri silk is produced from the Samia ricini silkworm, both domesticated species that feed on the castor plant. It is most commonly produced in North-East India, with smaller pockets of production in Japan, China, and Thailand.
The fibre is naturally white in colour and spins into a wooly, cotton-like yarn, a quality that becomes especially noticeable in Ahimsa silk (the non-violent variety).
3. Muga Silk
Muga silk comes from the semi-domesticated Antheraea Assamensis silkworm, which feeds on the aromatic leaves of the soalu plant. It is produced exclusively in the Assam region of India, which keeps supply limited and demand high.
Muga is known for its high sheen and golden colour, which deepens beautifully with age. It is also a natural sunshield that absorbs ultra-violet rays, and is traditionally used in Assamese ceremonial dress.
4. Tussar Silk (also known as Tasar Silk or Vasna Silk)
Tussar is a wild Indian silk produced from Antheraea Paphia or Antheraea Mylitta D, both of which feed on Asan and Arjun food plants.
The natural fibre ranges from yellowish beige to brown, creases easily (especially when wet), and creates a faint rustling sound when rubbed together. Its signature feature is an uneven, coarse texture that gives finished fabric a distinct, rustic character.
What Are the Different Grades of Mulberry Silk?
Mulberry silk is commonly sorted across roughly 11 grades, ranging from Grade 6A at the top down through letter grades to fibres not eligible to rank.
There are 11 main grades for categorizing silk.
Grade A
Grade A is the highest quality silk, made from long, even strands that are luminous pearl white and free from impurities. A single thread can stretch up to a mile in its natural form, and when woven, the fabric stays lightweight, breathable, and smooth to the touch.
Grade A is further split into six sub-categories: 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and A. Of these, Grade 6A is the very best, and as with most commodities, the price reflects the quality.
This grade of silk is used in many Western wedding dresses, along with traditional Eastern garments such as kimonos and cheongsams. More recently, Grade 6A has become a favourite among buyers with discerning taste who refuse to compromise on their silk sheets and duvet covers.
Grade B
Grade B silk produces shorter lengths of floss rather than the long, continuous strands found in Grade A. The colour is broadly similar to higher grades, but the fibre contains more clumps, which create small air pockets and an uneven surface across the woven fabric.
The result is a slightly rough feel and noticeably less of the natural shine seen in Grade 6A. While it lacks the smoothness needed for premium bedding, Grade B still has plenty of practical uses in the fashion industry, where it shows up often in sarees, kurtas, kaftans, and other everyday garments that benefit from silk's lightweight, breathable nature without demanding top-tier quality.
Grade C
Grade C is the innermost layer of silk, closest to the cocoon. It has a yellowish appearance with brown dots. This grade of silk feels like cotton, and it has a rough texture. The floss is short in length with hardly any natural shine. It has a lumpy feel and is not as breathable as the other two grades of silk.
This type of silk is widely used in making silk pillows or filling silk duvets with silk floss. Silk floss is usually the part that does not come indirectly in contact with one’s skin.
Other Grades Of Silk
The remaining grades extend to D, E, F, and fibres not eligible to rank at all. These are considered the lowest tier of raw silk, with short, uneven strands and very little of the strength or sheen needed for clothing or bedding.
Because they are unsuitable for silk bedding or sleepwear, these grades are usually turned into decorative or hard-wearing items such as silk drapes, rugs, wall hangings, and craft materials, where appearance and durability matter more than softness against the skin.
What Is Momme and How Does It Affect Silk Quality?
Momme (pronounced "mommy") is the unit used to measure the weight and density of silk fabric, in much the same way that thread count is used for cotton. One momme equals roughly 4.34 grams per square metre, and the higher the momme number, the heavier, denser, and more durable the silk.
For silk bedding, momme weight is one of the clearest signals of quality. Anything between 19 and 25 momme is considered ideal for sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases, with 22 to 25 momme offering the best balance of softness, durability, and breathability. Lighter silks below 19 momme tend to feel thin and wear out faster, while silks above 25 momme can feel heavy and lose some of the airy comfort silk is loved for.
Mayfairsilk: Grade 6A Pure Mulberry Silk Bedding for Your Nightly Comfort
All Mayfairsilk bedding are made of Grade 6A pure mulberry silk, with momme weights of 22 to 25.
Silk quality is never a single number on a label. It is the result of the right type, the right grade, and the right momme weight working together when they are matched well. Get all three right and you get bedding that stays smooth, lustrous, and breathable for years.
At Mayfairsilk, we carry every sheet, pillowcase, and duvet cover in Grade 6A pure Mulberry silk at 22 to 25 momme, the same spec we have just walked you through. Every order is OEKO-TEX certified and backed by our 30-night sleep guarantee. UK delivery is free and next-day on orders over £50.
Browse our Mulberry silk bedding collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the highest grade of silk?
Grade 6A is the highest grade of silk available on the market. It comes from long, unbroken Mulberry silk fibres that are pearl white in colour, free from impurities, and naturally lustrous. This is the grade used in premium silk bedding and luxury garments where quality cannot be compromised.
Which type of silk is most durable?
Mulberry silk is widely considered the most durable natural silk because its fibres are long, even, and tightly woven. Higher momme weights add to that durability, which is why 22 to 25 momme Mulberry silk holds up far better through regular use and washing than thinner alternatives. Muga silk is also known for strength and ages well, but it is produced in very limited quantities.
How do I tell if silk is real or fake?
Real silk has a soft, natural sheen that shifts colour as it moves in the light, and it feels warm to the touch within seconds of holding it. Labels that say "silk-like," "satin," or "silk blend" usually point to synthetic or mixed fabrics rather than pure silk. Look for "100% silk" or "pure silk" on the label, along with a stated momme weight and grade.
What should I consider when buying silk bedding?
Check three things before you buy: the type of silk (pure Mulberry is the gold standard), the grade (6A is the top tier), and the momme weight (22 to 25 momme is ideal for sheets and pillowcases). Also look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which confirms the fabric is free from harmful substances. Finally, review the brand's delivery terms, guarantee, and care instructions so you know what you are getting.
What kind of silk does Mayfairsilk use?
Mayfairsilk uses Grade 6A pure Mulberry silk, the highest quality grade available. Pillowcases are made in a thicker 25 momme weight, while sheets and duvet sets are crafted in 22 momme for the ideal balance of weight and breathability. Every product is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so you can sleep easy knowing the fabric is free from harmful substances.
*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.