Silk is known as the queen of all fabrics because it is synonymous with luxury. Silk cloth was widely used by the nobility in ancient China as a symbol of their nobility status. The production of silk fabrics began in neolithic China (Yan Shao) in the 4th century BC. China had a monopoly on the silk trade for the next hundred years. The types of silkworm colors can be used as an indicator of the social status of the Tang dynasty nobles.
Around the 300th century AD, silk cultivation began to spread to Japan, and in 550 AD, the Byzantines also participated in the cultivation of caterpillars for processing silk fabrics.
The hegemony of silk was slightly disturbed when the industrial revolution arrived. At this time, silk began to be rivaled by the presence of cotton cloth which was cheaper and more efficient to produce. The occurrence of the silkworm epidemic at that time also contributed to the collapse of the silk fabric industry. It wasn't until the early 20th century that China and Japan succeeded in reviving the silk industry, which had fallen asleep. And again, China became a leader in silk production and marketing, making silk a luxurious, expensive, and sought-after fabric for the rich.
The following facts about silk explain why it is so special:
Many people consider silk the queen of fabrics, one of which is because the production process is quite complicated.
Silk comes from the local Chinese caterpillar Bombyx Mori which feeds on mulberry leaves. After this caterpillar matures, it produces fine fibers wrapped into a tight cocoon. These fibers contain filaments of fibroin and sericin that are coiled together to make one long, continuous strand.
Silk production is the most closely guarded secret in history.
In China, anyone caught smuggling silkworms or their cocoons were put to death. This secret is said to have escaped China when a Chinese princess smuggled cocoons overseas with her foreign prince.
Another story says the secret was leaked by a monk who hid a cocoon in his staff.
Silk is hypoallergenic and anti-microbial.
This characteristic is because silk comes from sericin filaments that are proven safe for sensitive skin. These fibroin and sericin filaments also give silk its anti-microbial properties. In addition, silk is also good for people who have dust allergy disorders. Yes, this is also attributed to the presence of these two filaments. You can choose from our various zipper silk pillowcases to help you sleep well and avoid allergies.
Silk is the strongest natural textile material in the world!
The protein filaments in silk provide unmatched strength they tend to be smoother and stronger than Kevlar (the material used to make bulletproof vests). Before Kevlar, silk was used to make the world's first bulletproof vest. Until now, further research is still being done regarding the use of silk in medical and other fields. Another interesting fact regarding the strength of silk is that silk rope is stronger than metal wire of the same thickness.
Silk also naturally regulates temperature.
Silkworm cocoons naturally have thermal insulation capabilities to protect against significant temperature changes that occur outside the cocoon. Surprisingly, it turns out that silk can naturally regulate temperature as well. This ability is carried over into the silk fabric. So silk adjusts the temperature by being cool in summer and warm in winter.
Silk can protect you from malicious mosquitoes.
Silk is impenetrable to insects, which keeps you bite-free during those hot summer months. This is probably due to the tightly interwoven filaments of fibroin and sericin in the silk fabric. Can you just withstand bullets? Can't you just hold a mosquito?Sleeping on a silk pillowcase has been shown to prevent wrinkles.
Silk blankets contain essential amino acids that help us prevent wrinkles. Perhaps because fibroin and sericin filaments naturally induce the goodness of the amino acid proteins they contain. You can protect yourself from pesky mosquitoes by wearing one of our silk sleepwear options.
Versatile use
The highly versatile silk fabric has proven ideal for a wide range of uses, from formal wear to nightwear, from parachutes to rugs, and from medical sutures to prosthetic arteries.
Although expensive, silk has a 'miracle' in terms of its versatility, which can also be attributed to the nature of the fabric itself, which is luxurious, strong, and hypoallergenic. Like in our store, we produce various utilizations of silk, from sleepwear for both men and women, women's accessories like a scarf, and some pillows and colorful or soft-toned pillowcases to match your needs.
Small marketing but big valuation
Silk makes up a very small percentage of the global textile fiber market—less than 0.2%. But the real trade value of silk and silk products is in the billions of dollars because the unit price for raw silk is about twenty times that of raw cotton.
So, these are interesting facts about silk that will amaze us with its natural wealth. Let's take care together so that the earth's ecosystem is well maintained and the silk-producing Bombyx mori caterpillar is more sustainable and can continue to bring the benefits of silk to humans. If you want your style's luxury, comfort, and safety while sleeping in elegant silk, you can contact us at THXSILK.com.
