Silk
🐑 Natural: animal Also called Mulberry silk.
Smooth, lustrous protein fiber spun by silkworms.
What it's made from
The long filament silkworms spin for their cocoons, unwound and reeled into thread.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | High (4 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Medium (3 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | High (4 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Medium (3 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Medium (3 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Very low (1 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Smooth, cool at first and drapey, with a natural sheen.
Good for
- Blouses, dresses and ties
- Pillowcases
- Thin, warm base layers
Watch for
- "Satin" is a weave, not a fiber. Most satin is polyester.
- Water spots and sweat can stain it; sunlight weakens it.
Care
Hand wash cold or dry clean. Don’t wring. Iron low on the reverse.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Silk + cotton · Silk + cashmere
Compare
More natural: animal fabrics
wool · cashmere · alpaca · mohair
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much silk is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →