Silk sheets are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners as they have many great benefits that aid in a comfortable and refreshing night's sleep. Silk is recognized all over the world as a luxurious bedding option. Knowing the many silk types, momme weight classifications, and weave patterns makes it easier to find high-quality options.
On top of that, it's also important to consider the benefits and limitations of silk sheets and what to anticipate in terms of cost.
This blog will walk you through everything there is to know before choosing the right silk sheet set for yourself.
Why Are Silk Sheets The Best?
Silk sheets provide several added benefits for sleepers, such as superior temperature control, cooling, and comfort against the skin. Additionally, silk bedding sheets won't produce frizzy hair or catch on dry skin.
They are a popular choice among customers searching for opulent bedding. Thanks to the shiny appearance of silk sheets, they can make any bedroom look more stylish. Although the sheets have a pleasant, soft feel, they are also tough and hypoallergenic. These sheets are not frictionless like satin bedding made of synthetic fabrics, but they possess an undeniable shimmer.
Different Types Of Silk For Making Sheets
Mulberry, Tussah, Eri, and many more variations of silk are available in the market. And the kind used to produce bedding can influence its cost, functionality, and feel. Finding the perfect set might be much easier if you are familiar with the many types of silk. Here, we'll establish the common ones.
- Mulberry
Mulberry silk, the most popular type used for bedding, is more expensive because of the well-controlled breeding environment and the clean, uniform look. Manufacturers give mulberry leaves to the Bombyx mori silkworms as nourishment. After preparation, the cocoon is carefully boiled and unfolded in one lengthy thread for 100% pure silk sheets.
- Tussah
Tussah is a type of wild silk. Before spinning a cocoon, the silkworms predominantly consume juniper and oak leaves. The moth splits the cocoon's continuous strand as it emerges. As a result, Tussah silk strands are relatively smaller and less smooth.
- Eri
This is another type of wild silk. The Castor plant is the primary food source for Eri silkworms. Like other wild silks, the cocoon is picked after the moths emerge, resulting in shorter, less supple threads.
- Charmeuse
Charmeuse is the most popular weave design for silk bedding. It features a flat face and a comparatively glossy side.
- Quality Grades Of Silk
Typically, silk gets rated on a scale of A, B, and C, with A being the grandest quality. Long strands, nearly no impurities, an ivory white tone, and a bright sheen are all characteristics of grade-A mulberry silk.
The numbers 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A further define the silk grades.
Just for the record, pillows, and comforters frequently include fillers of grade 3A. However, the 6A grade of silk is the highest quality and most expensive to make and purchase. That is why you will only see it in the finest silk sheet sets.
Depth and size options for silk sheets
Before making a purchase, verify the dimensions of any silk sheets and pillowcases. A standard fitted silk sheet has 12 inches of depth. Whereas deep pocket sheets typically have 18 inches in depth. Pay close attention to the tailored sheet's pocket depth. In principle, a top pillow mattress will require a larger pocket, so if you're unsure, bring a ruler or measuring tape.
And when it comes to pillowcases, there is no such thing as a universal size. If you buy a sheet set, it usually includes standard-size pillowcases for the full-size sheets, queen-size pillowcases for the queen silk sheets, and Cal King-size pillowcases for the king silk sheets.
If you're buying separately, be careful to confirm the size by looking at the label on your favorite pillow. Since it is easy to mix up the standard and queen-size pillows, read the tag carefully, and if you doubt, look at your measuring tape.
When purchasing silk sheets for queen or king sets, a variety of colors are also available. Although they match with practically everything, white and ivory will show blemishes, so keep that in mind if you like to bring food and drinks into bed. In that case, colored silk sheets could be more adaptable and welcoming to your bedroom's aesthetic.
In what ways does Momme differ from thread count?
Momme determines the silk's density. This standard measurement represents the weight of silk fabric that is 100 yards long and 45 inches wide. As the Momme weight increases, the material becomes thicker. For instance, 19 momme silk weighs 19 pounds. Nevertheless, the recommended Momme for bed sheets is 19 to 25 Momme. However, silk weight commonly varies from 6 to 30 Momme.
On the other hand, thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads that make up a square inch of fabric. Although consumers frequently search for products with a high thread count, it should be noted that employing double- or triple-ply threads might deceptively exaggerate the thread count. So, even though the thread count may still be shown, the momme rating is more relevant because silk is finer than cotton.
How Long Can Silk Sheets Be Used?
Silk sheets must be replaced every two weeks to avoid skin infections or respiratory problems. However, experts recommend changing sheets every week. Silk sheets may last for ten years or more if you take proper care of them. Silk is a very resilient material, and the long, continuous threads prevent pilling and shrinking. The sheets should last far longer than their polyester counterparts, which could only last a few years. You should alternate sets of silk sheets frequently and adhere to all the care tips provided to extend their longevity.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different types of silk sheet sets that you can choose for your bedroom. But in the end, it all comes down to what an individual is looking for. So, when you're in the market for a new silk sheet set, make sure you're buying high-grade fabric from a trustworthy brand like THXSILK.
