What Is a Mulberry Silk Pillowcase? Why Choose 100% Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk pillowcases are woven from long, uniform fibers obtained from the cocoons of silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. This is the smoothest, most durable, and most evenly colored silk among silk types; therefore, almost all high-quality silk pillowcases are made of mulberry silk. In this article, we explain the features that distinguish mulberry silk from others, how to choose a good mulberry silk pillowcase, and how to identify genuine mulberry silk.

What is mulberry silk?

Mulberry silk (known as mulberry silk in English) is obtained from Bombyx mori silkworms. These worms are raised in a controlled environment and fed exclusively on mulberry leaves. The worm spins its cocoon with a single, continuous thread; approximately one kilometer of thread can come from a single cocoon.

Controlled feeding and rearing ensure that the fibers are long, fine, and uniform in thickness. Silk obtained from wild silkworms consists of shorter, irregular, and darker fibers; their surfaces are rougher.

Why are mulberry silk pillowcases preferred?

• Smooth surface: Long and uniform fibers reduce friction on the surface of the pillowcase. Hair tangles and breaks less during the night, and morning creases on the face are reduced.
• Breathable natural fiber: Mulberry silk is a protein fiber. It absorbs and releases moisture; therefore, it does not cause sweating, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Gentle on the skin: Cotton absorbs more moisture and night cream from your face. A mulberry silk pillowcase absorbs less of this moisture; it offers a softer surface for sensitive skin.
• Durability: Long fibers pill less. A high-quality mulberry silk pillowcase retains its shine for years with proper care.
• Even and vibrant color: White and uniform fibers take dye evenly; therefore, mulberry silk pillowcases offer a wide range of color options.

How to choose a good mulberry silk pillowcase?

Simply stating "mulberry silk" is not enough. Look for these four pieces of information before purchasing:

1. Is it 100% mulberry silk? The label should say "100% mulberry silk" or "100% mulberry silk". Products labeled "silk blend", "silky", or simply "satin" are not mulberry silk.
2. Momme value: Momme indicates the density of the fabric. 16–19 momme is thinner and cheaper; 22 momme is fuller and more durable. 22 momme is a good balance for daily use and washing in a pillowcase. For details, you can check our What is Momme? article.
3. Yarn quality (6A): Mulberry silk is also classified into grades. 6A is the highest grade, obtained from the longest and most uniform fibers.
4. Documentation: Ask the seller for a laboratory report proving that the fabric is silk.

In addition to these, also consider the size and closure type. Envelope-style mulberry silk pillowcases are easier to put on bulky pillows. You can find the right size for your pillow in our pillowcase size guide.

How to identify genuine mulberry silk?

• Burn test: Take a single thread from the seam allowance and burn it. Genuine silk smells like burning hair and leaves ash that turns to powder when pressed. Polyester melts, smells like plastic, and leaves a hard bead.
• Touch and shine: Mulberry silk warms up quickly in your hand and has a soft, pearlescent shine. Polyester satin remains cool and has a flatter, "plastic" shine.
• Weight: The lighter of two pillowcases of the same size and momme value contains less silk.
• Price: It is not possible to sell a 22 momme pillowcase made of 100% mulberry silk at a very low price. "Silk" pillowcases with an astonishingly low price are generally polyester satin.

We explained the difference between satin and silk and how prices vary in detail on our silk pillowcases page.

İpekshop mulberry silk pillowcases

İpekshop has exclusively worked with silk products since 2011. Our mulberry silk pillowcases:

• Are made of 100% mulberry silk, 6A yarn quality, and 22 momme fabric.
• Weigh 80–85 g at 52 × 72 cm; you can check by weighing it yourself.
• The fact that the fabric is genuine silk is documented with an SGS laboratory analysis report.
• Are offered in two models, envelope-style and zippered, with a wide range of colors.

Proper washing is important for your mulberry silk pillowcase to last a long time. We explained step-by-step how to wash it by hand or in the machine in our how to wash silk guide.

Browse mulberry silk pillowcases →

Frequently asked questions

Are mulberry silk and silk the same thing?

Mulberry silk is a type of silk. Since it is the most common and highest quality type of silk, most high-quality silk products are made of mulberry silk. However, not every "silk" product is mulberry silk; it must be clearly stated on the label.

Do mulberry silk pillowcases cause sweating?

No. Mulberry silk is a natural protein fiber that absorbs and releases moisture; it does not trap heat and moisture like polyester satin.

Can mulberry silk pillowcases be washed in a machine?

Yes, they can be washed in a laundry bag on a silk or delicate cycle, in water not exceeding 30 °C, and with a silk-appropriate detergent. Bleach and standard fabric softeners should not be used.

How many momme mulberry silk pillowcase should I buy?

22 momme is a good choice for daily use: it is fuller and more durable than 19 momme, yet still lightweight and soft.