Definition
Mulberry silk is the finest grade of silk, spun by Bombyx mori silkworms that eat only white mulberry leaves. That single diet produces a long, smooth, almost white filament that is more uniform than any other natural silk. The result is a fabric with high sheen, real strength for its weight, and a soft hand that wild silks cannot match.
Definition
Mulberry silk refers to silk reeled from the cocoons of domesticated Bombyx mori silkworms raised on white mulberry leaves. Because the worms are farmed in controlled conditions, each cocoon yields one continuous filament that can run over a kilometre long. That length is the whole point. A continuous filament makes a smoother, stronger, more lustrous yarn than the short, broken fibres found in wild silk. A practical example is a printed silk scarf: the long filaments hold fine print detail and give that liquid drape clients associate with luxury.
How mulberry silk works
The process is called sericulture. Silkworms spin a cocoon from a single thread of fibroin protein held together by sericin gum. To make mulberry silk, the cocoons are gently heated and the filaments unwound, or reeled, while still intact. Several filaments are twisted together into a single yarn. Wild and tussah silks come from moths that chew their way out of the cocoon, which breaks the filament into short staples. That is why mulberry silk is smoother and whiter, while tussah is coarser and tan.
Weight is measured in momme, written mm. One momme equals roughly 4.34 grams per square metre. Scarves and pocket squares usually sit at 8 to 16 momme, ties at 16 to 19, and pillowcases at 19 to 25. Higher momme means a denser, more durable fabric, but also more cost and less of that floating lightness. The fibre is strong for its weight, yet it weakens when wet and fades in strong sun, so it asks for careful handling.
Cost reflects the labour. It takes thousands of cocoons and a lot of hand work to produce a single garment of pure mulberry silk. For branded merch that places it firmly in the premium tier, used where feel and finish carry the message rather than volume.
Mulberry silk in branded merch
- Executive scarves and pocket squares. A custom-printed mulberry silk scarf or pocket square is a high-end gift for clients, partners, and senior staff, where the sheen and drape signal that thought went into it.
- Branded ties and accessories. Woven or printed silk ties in 16 to 19 momme carry a logo or house pattern with a crisp, professional finish that holds up to daily wear.
- Luxury gift sets. Mulberry silk pillowcases and eye masks anchor premium welcome boxes and milestone gifts, pairing comfort with a credible quality story.
Mulberry silk is long-filament silk from Bombyx mori silkworms fed only mulberry leaves, prized for its uniform fineness, sheen, and strength.
5 tips to elevate your Mulberry silk strategy
| Tip | Steps |
|---|---|
| Match momme to product | Use 8 to 16 mm for scarves, 16 to 19 for ties, 19 to 25 for pillowcases. |
| Confirm the grade | Ask for Bombyx mori mulberry silk in writing, since tussah and blends look similar in photos. |
| Choose print method | Digital print holds fine logo detail, while screen print suits bold flat colour. |
| Advise gentle care | Recommend dry clean or cool hand wash, no wringing, and dry away from direct sun. |
| Order a strike-off | Approve a printed sample first, as colours shift on silk compared to paper proofs. |
Key Terminologies
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes mulberry silk better than other silk?
The silkworms eat only mulberry leaves and are farmed in controlled conditions, so the cocoons produce a long, even, near-white filament. That gives a smoother, stronger, more lustrous fabric than wild silks like tussah.
What does momme mean for silk?
Momme is the weight unit for silk, where one momme is about 4.34 grams per square metre. A higher momme number means a denser, more durable fabric, while a lower number feels lighter and more sheer.
Is mulberry silk durable enough for everyday gifts?
Yes, it is strong for its weight and handles regular use well in ties and scarves. It does weaken when wet and fades in strong sun, so gentle washing and shade drying keep it looking new.
Can you print a logo on mulberry silk?
Yes. Digital printing captures fine logo detail and gradients, while screen printing suits bold solid colours. Approve a printed sample first, since silk renders colour differently from paper.
Why is mulberry silk more expensive?
It takes thousands of cocoons and a lot of hand reeling to make one garment of pure mulberry silk. You pay for the uniform fineness, the sheen, and the drape that lower grades cannot match.