Mulberry silk has a rich history originating from Ancient China, and a continued strong presence in the fashion and textile industry, used worldwide for clothing, accessories and, of course, bedding. In this article, we explore what Mulberry silk is, the origins of the fabric and the process behind its production. We also look at its many qualities, including its perceived health and beauty benefits. For more information, see our spotlight on silk.

Originating in Ancient China, the domestication of Mulberry silk can be traced back to between 4,000-5,000 years ago, with the earliest surviving example of this fabric being around 3600BC. According to legend, it was apparently Empress Leizu who discovered silk, when a silkworm cocoon fell into her tea and unravelled to reveal a silk thread. This discovery eventually led to the cultivation of silkworms, and China became the dominant leader of silk production. In fact, it was their most-valued commodity on the Silk Road, the famous trade route between the East and the West.

Influencing the world, silk not only became the global symbol of wealth and status, but brought different cultures and civilisations together. Mulberry silk helped shape China’s economy, while also benefiting other countries as production techniques spread to India and Europe, advancing global textile industries. Mulberry-silk fabric continues to be one of the most luxurious materials with exceptional quality.

Mulberry silk is produced by Bombyx mori silkworms, which are nurtured in controlled environments to feed on fresh mulberry leaves from the Mobus Alba, a tree native to China, until maturity. Once the silkworms are fully grown, they spin cocoons of a single continuous silk thread; this impressive thread can be up to 1,500 metres long. Then, the cocoons are harvested and undergo reeling, whereby the silk threads are unwound from the cocoons with delicate care, creating raw silk. Once cleaned and twisted, the raw silk is spun into fine silk fibres, ready to be used for weaving fabrics.

Mulberry silk is real silk, it has many unique qualities that set it apart from other types of silk. Here are some of its best qualities:

Smoothness

One of the key qualities of Mulberry silk is its exceptional smoothness. As it is incredibly soft to touch, it is gentle on both hair and skin, providing a comfortable feel.

Hypoallergenic

Mulberry silk is a naturally hypoallergenic material and resistant to dust mites, and other common allergens, hence why it’s ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies

Strength

As a natural fibre, Mulberry silk is one of the strongest fabrics for garments, accessories and textiles. This makes it durable, lasting for years without losing quality.

Temperature Regulation

Since it is breathable, Mulberry silk is temperature regulating and, therefore, an ideal material for bedding. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Natural Sheen

The Mulberry silk fabric gives a beautiful and natural sheen that makes it more luxurious and means it looks beautiful on the bed.

Given its smooth texture, Mulberry silk is thought to cause less friction against skin and hair, which helps reduce frizz. It also absorbs less moisture than other fabrics, such as cotton, and therefore helps maintain your skin and hair’s natural moisture during the night, helps reduce dryness and promotes soft skin and hair.

Another favourable quality of Mulberry silk is its hypoallergenic properties, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. It can be resistant to dust mites and other allergens, creating a cleaner and healthier sleeping environment. And Mulberry silk is known for its temperature regulation, meaning it’ll keep you warm in the winter, and cool in the summer when you’re sleeping in hot weather.

From its ancient origins and historical significance to its temperature-regulating qualities and luxurious feel, Mulberry silk is one of our favourite fabrics for sleep – try our Audley Pure Silk Bed Linen.

The main difference between other silks and Mulberry silk is that most silk fabrics come from various silkworms, while Mulberry silk comes specifically from Bombyx mori silkworms. This influences the difference in quality, as Mulberry silk is considered to have the highest quality with its consistency in smoothness and strength.

Mulberry silk is considered to be special as it is produced specifically by Bombyx mori silkworms, which are exclusively fed on mulberry leaves from China’s native Morus Alba tree. Mulberry silk has many qualities, including its smooth texture, strong durability, and hypoallergenic properties.

Mulberry silk is generally more expensive as it is a high-quality fabric with a labour-intensive production process. Its various qualities, including softness and durability, as well as its status of luxury, all contribute towards its higher cost compared to other fabrics in the fashion and textile industry.