What Exactly is "Momme"?

momme is the traditional unit of measurement used to determine the weight, density, and quality of silk.
If you are familiar with buying cotton sheets, you look at the "thread count." For silk, you look at the momme. Because silk threads are incredibly fine and weightless, thread count is not an accurate measure of quality. Instead, momme measures the actual amount of silk used. A higher momme means more silk was used in the weaving process, resulting in a heavier, more durable, and more luxurious fabric.

Which Momme is Right for You?

  • 19 Momme (+19% More Silk): The Perfect Introduction

    By using 19% more pure silk than a standard 16 momme baseline, our 19 momme collection offers a noticeable step up in durability while remaining incredibly lightweight and breathable. It is the ideal introductory luxury for warm sleepers.

  • 22 Momme (+38% More Silk): The Signature Balance (Best Seller)

    There is a reason this is our most popular weight. With nearly 40% more raw silk tightly woven into the fabric, 22 momme delivers a dramatic increase in structural strength, a richer drape, and a brilliant luster that withstands years of everyday washing.

  • 25 Momme (+56% More Silk): The Luxury Upgrade

    Crafted with over half again as much silk as the 16 momme baseline, this densely woven masterpiece is sumptuously heavy. It provides unparalleled friction reduction for your hair and skin, designed for those who want a deeply restorative, five-star hotel sleep experience every night.

  • 30 Momme (+88% More Silk): The Absolute Zenith

    Using nearly double the raw silk cocoons of standard bedding, 30 momme is a rare, generational investment. Extraordinarily dense and opulent, it represents the absolute pinnacle of silk craftsmanship and longevity.
Silk usage for pillowcase 19 momme 22 momme 25 momme 30 momme
vs. 16 momme +16% more silk +32% more silk +50% more silk +82% more silk
19mm silk 19mm silk 19mm silk 19mm silk 19mm silk

Why Momme Matters for Silk Products

When shopping for silk pillowcases, sheets, or clothing, you might wonder: Does momme really make a difference?The answer is yes. Momme determines the texture, durability, and comfort level of silk.

Durability – When it comes to silk, durability is directly related to momme count. A higher momme means that more silk fibers are tightly woven into every square inch of fabric. This density makes the silk less prone to tearing, thinning, or losing its sheen over time. Higher momme silk is denser and lasts longer. For example, a 22 momme pillowcase can last nearly twice as long as a 19 momme pillowcase.

Feel – The feel of silk is one of the main reasons it is so beloved, and momme weight plays a huge role in how silk touches the skin. Lighter momme silk (16mm–19mm) is airy, breathable, and feather-soft, making it ideal for those who enjoy a delicate, almost weightless fabric against their skin. Lighter momme silk is airy and soft, while heavier momme silk feels richer, more luxurious, and has a deeper luster.

Seasonality – The final factor that makes momme weight so important is seasonality. Different momme counts serve different climates and personal comfort preferences. Lower momme silk (16mm–19mm) is perfect for summer, while higher momme silk (25mm–30mm) provides warmth in winter. Mid-range silk weights such as 22mm strike a balance, offering year-round versatility by staying cool enough in summer while still providing warmth in colder months.

Price – Since higher momme silk requires more raw silk fibers, it is more expensive.

This is why choosing the right momme count is essential depending on your purpose—whether it’s bedding, fashion, or accessories.

Momme Comparison Chart: Types of Silk by Weight

Below is a detailed comparison of different momme levels, silk types, and their best uses:

Silk Type Momme Range Texture & Feel Durability Best Uses
Gauze Silk 3–5 mm Extremely thin, sheer, delicate Very low Veils, sheer curtains, lightweight scarves
Chiffon Silk 6–8 mm Light, airy, transparent Low Evening dresses, scarves, overlays
Habutai Silk 5–16 mm Soft, smooth, lightweight Moderate Linings, blouses, casual clothing
Crepe de Chine 12–16 mm Matte finish, textured surface Moderate Dresses, blouses, formal wear
Charmeuse Silk 12–30 mm Glossy front, matte back High Pillowcases, sheets, luxury clothing
19 Momme Charmeuse ~19 mm Soft, breathable, versatile Good Everyday pillowcases, bedding, dresses
22 Momme Charmeuse ~22 mm Denser, shinier, longer-lasting Very High Luxury bedding, wedding gifts, premium pillowcases
25 Momme Charmeuse ~25 mm Extra-thick, premium quality Excellent High-end bedding, long-lasting pillowcases
30 Momme Charmeuse ~30 mm Super-thick, luxurious, heavy drape Very High Ultimate luxury bedding, heirloom gifts, premium pillowcases
Raw Silk 35–40 mm Thick, coarse, textured Very High Upholstery, heavy garments, decorative items