WHAT IS MULBERRY SILK?
There is evidence that humans have been using Mulberry Silk for 8500 years. Emil Cramer, a chemist first reported that the two main components of silk were the hydrophobic fibroin and the hydrophilic sericin. The sericin is a water binding agent and coats the two fibroin filaments, sericin and fibroin together in forming the cocoon for the Mulberry silkworm.
Mulberry silk is produced by a domesticated silkworm, which eats exclusively the Mulberry tree leaves, which have nutrient-rich, sustainable food source for bombyx mori moth. The silkworm spins a cocoon, which is unravelled into a very strong single length silk fibre. Silk is women when several fibres are spun together. The thread produced can be spun into varying thickness, called momme. Momme is a Japanese unit of measurement which evaluates the density of the silk and the quality of the fabric.
Mulberry silk is highly recognized for its quality as the longest, strongest and purest coloured silk. Unlike raw silk, the fibres of Mulberry silk are soft and uniform all over. Due to Mulberry Silk’s natural qualities it is hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites and irritation to the skin.
Mulberry silk has unique body regulating qualities in any temperature. It wicks (to absorb liquid from somewhere and move it) away moisture to keep you comfortable in all seasons and conditions.
It allows you to stay warm in the cold and cool in warm weather.
There are approximately 10 types of Mulberry Silk. The most common is Charmeuse silk. Charmeuse is woven with a satin weave. It is lightweight and soft. It has a nice drape quality and is often confused with satin. Charmeuse has a lustrous shine on one side and a dull matte finish on the other side. Sometimes, garments are made from Mulberry Silk without the lustrous shine, by using brushed Mulberry Silk.
USES OF MULBERRY SILK
Largely it used for weaving fabrics for clothing, from bedding, to accessories, such as scarves, scrunchies, sleepwear, quilts, pillowcases and eye masks. Although, it has many other uses.
OTHER BENEFITS OF MULBERRY SILK
Sleeping in silk clothing and silk bedding is great for decreasing hair breakages, tangles, frizz and provide a friction free environment. This is because silk is a protein-based fabric and helps in the overall skin wellness. It is especially beneficial for patients suffering from acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.