About Silk

Silk is one of the most luxurious fibers in nature and has always been a symbol of class and elegance. The natural fibers are known for their luster, shine, strength, and durability. Due to its soft texture and refined appearance, it is one of the most popular fabrics in the high-end and couture fashion industry.

If you didn't know: silk fabric comes from China. Based on its origin, China dominated the silk industry for years and reserved this type of fabric for the emperor. Soon, the Silk Road came to light, connecting industries from the East with the West. This was a popular trade route, named after the fabric. Amazingly, the term still retains its name in that part of the world today.

There are multiple types of silk, such as Spider Silk, Tasar Silk, and Indian Muga Silk. However, the most common type of silk is Mulberry Silk. This silk comes from silkworms produced from the Bombyx Mori Moth, which are fed an exclusive diet of mulberry leaves. This silk filament is extracted by brushing the cocoon and then woven or knitted into fabric or spun into yarn. Silk contains silk amino acid (Silk Amino Acids SAA's), also known as sericin, a natural water-soluble glycoprotein extracted from raw silk. It is used as an additive in skin and hair care products due to its high serine content, which has excellent moisture-retaining properties. As a water-based additive, it is used to give lotions, soaps, personal lubricants, hair and skin care products a protective barrier and a silky feel. Silk amino acids are produced by hydrolyzing (or breaking down) silk proteins into smaller peptide chains, typically 18 to 19 amino acids in length. Silk amino acids have a lower molecular weight than silk protein powders and hydrate the skin and hair. Silk amino acids are used in the formulation of shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, body washes, body lotions, cleansers, toners, and facial creams, mascara, lipstick, and color cosmetics.

Different characteristics of silk:

Strength and durability:

Silk is known as one of the strongest natural fibers. Although it can be thin and weaken when wet, the fabric is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton, for extra strength to prevent tears and rips.

Thermal regulation:

Silk is a fabric that is good at maintaining your body temperature. This means that sometimes you feel warm, but the fabric can keep you cool and vice versa. This makes the fabric both thin and a good insulator.

Gentle on the skin:

Silk is hypoallergenic. This means that people who suffer from allergies and skin conditions will find this fabric comfortable on their skin, unlike other fabrics such as cotton and linen. Silk contains sericin residues that are a natural repellent and keep bacteria, dust mites, and fungi out and impossible to breed. Therefore, masks and hair ties are now often made of mulberry silk to avoid irritating the skin and hair and to help your sensitive skin retain its natural moisture.

Breathable fabric:

Silk is considered a breathable fabric because it is about one-tenth the size of a human hair. This makes it lightweight, reducing the chance of overheating in sunny Singapore. This is possible because the fabric can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. It is truly the ideal fabric for people living in Singapore.

Quick drying:

Fortunately, silk is a quick-drying fabric, making it practical for managing your laundry. While you're on your way to picking up a bunch of silk masks, scrunchies, pajamas, and skirts, keep in mind that silk is a delicate fabric and requires a bit more attention and time when cleaning.

Naturally hypoallergenic and non-irritating:

Silk is a natural protein-based fiber that is naturally hypoallergenic, mold and dust mite resistant, and non-irritating to even the most sensitive skin. It can be a great option for anyone, even people who suffer from environmental allergies, eczema, acne, or other skin irritations, even for babies.

Naturally mold-resistant and improves sleep:

Silk not only makes you feel comfortable and smooth while you sleep, but it can also prevent recurring infections. A study from the university in Italy shows the mold-resistant function of silk products. Silk cocoons provide protection to silkworms against biotic and abiotic hazards during the immobile pupal phase of the silkworm life cycle. Protection is especially important for wild silk cocoons raised in an open and rugged environment. Sericin could result in versatile antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action while promoting efficient and organized tissue regeneration. Falling asleep with silk might be the easiest and most luxurious thing you can do in the world. It is difficult to find something that can help improve sleep, as the superlatives of silk can help regulate your body temperature. When you sleep, you want your body to have the perfect temperature, and silk is an easy way to help you with that.

Silk is an expensive fabric and requires some extra care when cleaning and storing. Tips for care:

Dry cleaning: When it comes to cleaning your silk, dry cleaning is generally preferred. Steaming your silk can extend the life of your silk and help maintain the shape of the garment, especially if it has stains. Rubbing detergent on your silk garment can cause discoloration and cause the garment to pull and stretch.
Hand washing: However, if you want to find a way to care for your silk at home, remember to separate the colors and read the wash label guide before cleaning your silk. A silk-specific detergent or mild soap is highly recommended. Remember never to rub stains. To dry the fabric, simply roll it in a dry towel and lay it flat to dry.
Goodbye wrinkles and creases: Most wrinkles and creases on silk can be removed using a steamer. However, if you don't have a steamer, you can turn your garment inside out and set the iron to low heat before ironing. However, if you are still afraid of burning your silk garment, you can always place a cloth between the silk and the iron.
Storing your silk: The best way to store your silk is to hang it in a cool, dry place. However, if you are storing your silk for a long time, you can place it in a breathable, non-plastic storage bag with a natural moth repellent to prevent moths from being attracted.

Need more information about our silk products? Email us: service@linnenensilk.nl