Silk weight (momme)

The weight of silk (momme) is crucial for the price.

There are many different price ranges of silk – and thank goodness for that. For many years, silk bedding and silk nightwear have primarily been materials reserved for the wealthiest. Today, however, it is possible to find silk in various price ranges, so most people can afford it. Still, one must keep in mind that the best quality silk will always be in the higher price range.

Silk threads and momme

The highest quality and most expensive price within genuine mulberry silk is obtained if you buy one hundred percent cocoon silk. Cocoon silk is one of the best qualities of silk and has over 1,000 silk threads per centimeter. The number of silk threads is what defines the silk’s momme “MM” (weight). As a rule of thumb, it is said that 1,000 silk threads per centimeter correspond to 19 mm.

Weight? Momme? Are they the same?

When referring to the quality of silk, many different technical terms are used. The most common term you will encounter is the word “momme.” Momme is a Japanese term, pronounced “moe-mie” and abbreviated as “mm.” The momme term expresses the weight (in pounds) of a piece of material.

The easiest way to explain what momme means for new silk enthusiasts is to present an analogy. Most people know that the quality of cotton sheets is measured by thread count. The higher the thread count, the better the quality, which results in a higher price.

In the same way, the quality of silk fabric is measured by momme weight. A high momme equals high quality. An increase in momme results in a heavier, stronger, and more durable silk. Silk that is 17 momme or lower is considered light and is typically used for delicate, gently used items such as light blouses or summer scarves.

Our vision is not to create a silk product of lower quality. Lightweight silk is cheaper but will result in an inferior product. All silk products from Cillouettes are made from silk that is 19 momme or higher. A higher momme means a tighter weave, which protects the sheen that silk possesses and results in stronger durability.

For silk pillowcases, a momme weight of 16-18 is considered good quality. Silk pillowcases in the range of 19-22 mm are of very high quality. A momme of 12 – or lower – will result in a pillowcase that is not very durable due to threads that are too thin.

Different names for silk

And no – satin is not silk. Not even when used in connection with “silk-soft satin” or "satinsilk." Satin is a synthetic artificial material, typically a blend mainly of polyester.