Silk
A protein filament spun by silkworms, mostly the mulberry silkworm. It's smooth, lustrous, strong for its weight and temperature regulating.
How it’s made
- 1Silkworms spin cocoons of continuous filament. Cocoons are boiled and the filaments reeled off.
- 2Degummed to remove sericin, then twisted into yarn and woven or knitted.
- 3Variants: spun silk from short fibres, peace or Ahimsa silk where the moth emerges first.
What to look for
- Momme weight for woven silk (heavier is more durable)
- Silk-blend jerseys for base layers
Pros
- Very smooth
- Light, packable warmth
- Lustre
Cons
- Weakens with sunlight and sweat
- Delicate
Typical use
- Running:
- Occasionally in silk-merino blends for base layers.
- Streetwear:
- Shirts, scarves.
Sustainability
Conventional reeling kills the pupae. Peace silk avoids this but costs more.