Mulberry Silk: Soft, Strong and Absolutely Gorgeous
We want only the best for our fellow sleep enthusiasts, and we know that mulberry silk is it. Sumptuous softness, natural shine, and gentle durability: mulberry silk has it all. Let’s learn more about this gem of a fabric that is celebrated as the cream of the crop among high-quality silk!
What is mulberry silk?
Mulberry, as you know, is a delicious fruit. We also call the tree from which the fruit comes, by the same name. So, in nature there are three kinds of mulberry plants: white mulberry, Morus alba, red mulberry, Morus rubra, and black mulberry, Morus nigra. Of these three, white mulberry leaves have the best nutritional profile to make quality silk. Long story short, mulberry silk is silk made by silkworms that munch exclusively on mulberry leaves, especially the white (or to use the fancy Latin, alba) kind. Mulberry leaves are not only the namesake of this special silk, but they also give it its super powers. The long and smooth fibers of this fabric result in a luxurious silk that is celebrated for its exquisite sheen, incredible softness and strength. Combining beauty with tactile pleasure, mulberry silk is the epitome of luxury.
How is mulberry silk made?
Do you know what Bombyx mori is? Bombyx mori is the scientific name of the domestic silkmoth, the larvae of which, called silkworms, produce our gorgeous silk. It all starts with the cultivation of these silkworms in controlled environments, who are put on a strict diet, consisting solely of a salad of the finest mulberry leaves. The silk is then harvested from the cocoons of these silkworms.
To harvest the silk the cocoons are first boiled. Boiling makes the sericin, a natural protein in silk, soften. Sericin acts as a natural glue, binding the fibers together and giving silk its strength and elasticity. Softening the sericin lets us unwind the delicate fibers of the cocoon. Each cocoon yields a long, continuous strand of silk. These strands can be so long that they can reach up to 1000 yards.
The strands of silk are then reeled onto a spool. This is a delicate step that requires a lot of attention and careful guiding of the strands to avoid any tangling and the breakage of the fibers. Once on the spool, the fibers are then spun together to make strong threads. Finally, those threads are reeled onto bigger spools and are finally weaved into the lustrous fabric that we all know and adore. And that’s the story of how we make the gorgeous mulberry silk that we use in our products.
What is special about mulberry silk?
So in case you are wondering why we absolutely adore mulberry silk and think it is the best, here is why:
Soft and Smooth: You now know all about how we make mulberry silk. Well, that meticulous process yields long, strong and uniformly smooth fibers. The kind of silk that is made with these fibers feels extraordinarily soft and gentle on your skin. That is why mulberry silk is renowned for its incredible softness and smooth texture. An absolute pleasure to touch, wear or rest your head on.
Natural Sheen: Remember how we just talked about the uniformly smooth fibers of mulberry silk? That is what gives it its lustrous quality. These fibers reflect light in such a way that the fabric ends up having a soft, radiant glow. This glow, this brilliant sheen, is one of the most special qualities of mulberry silk, adding an elegant and refined sophistication to its look.
Delicate Strength: Let’s go back to the long fibers for a second. They are also instrumental in providing an unexpected resilience and durability to this delicate looking, refined fabric. This strength reduces the likelihood of fraying and helps mulberry silk maintain its beauty and functionality. Meaning that with proper care, your mulberry silk items will withstand regular use and continue to retain their luxurious feel for years to come.
Temperature Regulation: An optimum sleep condition? You need to be not too warm and not too cold. And guess what mulberry silk can do? Mulberry silk can regulate temperature! Meaning it will feel cool against your skin when it’s warm and will feel cozy like a blanket when it’s cold. Either way, mulberry silk will provide consistent comfort whether it is summer or winter. That’s what makes it a perfect choice for year round quality sleep.
Naturally Hypoallergenic: Did you hear that mulberry silk is naturally resistant to dust mites and other common allergens? That is why it is a great choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies. A minimized risk of irritation and allergies translates to a more comfortable, deeper and better sleep, ensuring that you wake up fully rested, energized and looking as fresh as a daisy.
Now you can understand why we love mulberry silk so much and can’t stop talking about it. If you are as intrigued as us and want to learn how these qualities come handy on a pillowcase, go ahead and read about the benefits of a silk pillowcase. Exciting stuff!