19 Momme Silk Pillowcase

Burning test

This is the most authoritative method of identification: ignite it with a lighter and observe the result.

Silk: Burns slowly, and the flame extinguishes itself. More importantly, it emits a unique protein odor, similar to burnt feathers or hair. After burning, it leaves behind black, brittle ash that crumbles easily when pinched.

Synthetic fibers: When burning, they typically melt and drip, accompanied by a pungent plastic or chemical odor. After cooling, they form hard, black or brown spheres that are not easily crushed.

Touch test

Gently touch the fabric with your fingertips or cheek.

Silk: Cool to the touch, smooth and soft, with a natural feel (soft yet resilient). Comfortable against the skin, and almost static-free.

Synthetic fibers: Usually feel smooth or noticeably rough, some are too slippery, prone to static electricity, and lack the natural warmth of silk.

Gloss test

Place the fabric under natural light and observe its reflected luster.

Silk: The luster is soft and elegant, like the luster of pearls, with natural light transitions and no glare.

Synthetic fibers: The luster is often harsh and bright, with a metallic or plastic-like "glaring" sheen; the reflection is direct and lacks depth.

Storage:

Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated wardrobe. In humid areas, place a desiccant in the wardrobe and check and replace it regularly.

Insect Prevention:

Always use a moth repellent (such as natural camphor). Do not use other chemicals, as they may damage the silk fibers and cause discoloration.

Avoid Light:

Avoid direct sunlight, as ultraviolet rays are the main cause of fading and aging of silk.

Best Option – Hanging:

Cover with a breathable cotton dust bag to prevent dust while ensuring air circulation.

Fold and store – avoid heavy pressure:

place it on the top layer to avoid long-term compression by other heavy objects, otherwise permanent creases that are difficult to repair will be produced.

Silk is delicate; please always adhere to the core principles of "gentle, quick, and low temperature" when washing it. Follow these steps to safely and effectively clean your silk.

Step 1: Preparation

Water Quality & Temperature: Always use room temperature or cold water (below 30℃). Excessive heat will cause silk to shrink and deform.

Detergent: Use only a neutral or special silk/wool detergent. Never use alkaline laundry powder, soap, fabric softener, or bleach.

Step 2: Hand Wash (Most Recommended Method)

Quick Soak: Dissolve detergent in clean water, then add the garment and gently press and rinse by hand.

Control Time: Do not soak or wash for more than 5 minutes in total to prevent fading.

Rinse Thoroughly: Gently press and rinse with plenty of clean water until no slippery feeling remains.

Step 3: Spin-Dry & Air Dry (Most Prone to Mistakes)

Do Not Wring: After washing, lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel, roll up the towel, and gently press to absorb water.

Avoid direct sunlight (may cause fading and fiber brittleness).

Do not use heaters or dryers to tumble dry (may cause severe shrinkage and hardening).

Do not wring or spin dry forcefully (may damage and deform the fabric).

Raw Material Scarcity

Mulberry silk is a natural protein fiber spun by silkworms. Its production has a natural limit; making a single silk dress may require thousands of cocoons.

Extremely Complex Process

From cocoon to finished silk, it involves dozens of meticulous processes, including reeling, weaving, refining, dyeing, printing, and finishing. It has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and relies on artisans for its production by hand or semi-handcraft.

Cost Structure

According to a life-cycle cost study of Chinese silk production, the total cost of producing one kilogram of raw silk is approximately €152. The production process requires manual labor and cannot be replaced by machinery. Therefore, silk production is not simply an agricultural or industrial product, but a combination of technology and labor-intensive processes.