Mulberry Silk Bedding: A Buyer's Guide to Grades & Momme
Mulberry silk is silk spun by Bombyx mori silkworms, which are farmed and fed only mulberry leaves. Because they are raised under controlled conditions, they produce long, even, unbroken filaments, so the silk is smoother, more uniform and more durable than wild silks. When you buy mulberry silk bedding, whether a pillowcase, sheets or a silk-filled comforter, the things that matter are the fiber grade, the momme weight (for fabric) or fill type and weight (for comforters), the weave, certification, and how much care you are willing to do.
What makes mulberry silk different
Most silk on the market falls into two groups:
- Mulberry (cultivated) silk: long, fine, naturally pale filaments that can be woven into very smooth fabric or stretched into airy comforter fill.
- Wild silks (such as tussah): come from silkworms that eat a varied diet. The fibers are shorter, coarser and often darker, so they are usually bleached and have a slightly rougher hand.
Silk is a natural protein fiber. It feels cool when you first touch it, breathes well and has a low-friction surface, which is why silk pillowcases are popular with people who want less tugging on hair and skin.
Buying mulberry silk fabric: pillowcases and sheets
Grade
Raw silk is graded A, B or C, with A the longest and most uniform fiber. Within grade A, you will often see 6A, the top designation. If a listing says "mulberry silk" but gives no grade, ask, or assume it may be lower.
Momme weight
Momme (mm) measures silk fabric density, similar to how GSM works for other fabrics. Higher momme means more silk per square meter, which generally means a more opaque, substantial and longer-lasting fabric.
- 16–19 momme: light and lower in price, but thinner and more prone to wear.
- 22 momme: a common sweet spot for pillowcases, with a noticeably richer feel without being heavy.
- 25 momme and above: heavier and more expensive. This range is often chosen for sheets that take more abrasion.
Weave
Look for charmeuse, a satin weave with a glossy face and a duller back. It is the standard for silk bedding because the shiny side is the smoothest sleeping surface.
Certification and details
OEKO-TEX® certification tells you the finished textile was tested for harmful substances. Also check for a hidden zipper or envelope closure on pillowcases, double-stitched seams, and whether the listing says "100% mulberry silk" rather than "silk blend" or "silky satin."
Buying a mulberry silk comforter
A silk comforter is a different product from silk fabric. The filling is silk floss, made from stretched layers of silk fiber, and the shell is usually cotton. People who like them describe a light, drapey comforter that hugs the body without feeling heavy. Here is what to check.
Fill type
- 100% long-strand mulberry silk: the premium option. Long filaments hold together in sheets, so the fill is less prone to clumping and shifting.
- Short-fiber or tussah fill: usually cheaper, but shorter fibers are more likely to bunch over time.
- Silk blends: may mix silk with polyester. Check the percentage on the law label, not just the product title.
Fill weight and season
Silk comforters are sold by fill weight, usually in grams, and often labeled summer, all-season or winter. Compare fill weights only within the same bed size, and pick the season rating that matches how warm your bedroom runs.
Shell and construction
A tightly woven cotton shell keeps fibers in. Some brands use a silk shell for extra luxury, but it is more delicate. Look for stitching or a mesh casing that holds the fill in place, and corner loops if you plan to use a duvet cover.
Care
Many silk comforters are spot clean or dry clean only. Plan on a washable duvet cover and occasional airing in the shade rather than regular machine washing.
Mulberry silk vs. other silky bedding
If what you want is the feel of silk, a few other materials come close, with different trade-offs.
| Material | Feel | Care | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulberry silk | Smoothest, lustrous, cool to the touch | Delicate. Gentle wash, low heat, no harsh detergents | Hair- and skin-focused buyers who will hand-care it |
| Tussah / wild silk | Slightly coarser, less uniform | Delicate | Lower-budget silk buyers |
| Polyester satin | Slippery, but not breathable like silk | Easy machine wash | Budget friction reduction |
| Bamboo viscose sateen | Buttery, soft drape, subtle sheen | Machine washable | Silky sheets without silk upkeep |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Silky softness, breathable | Machine washable | Warm sleepers wanting a smooth, airy feel |
Who mulberry silk suits, and who it doesn't
Good fit: people who want a low-friction surface for hair and skin, who appreciate natural fibers, and who don't mind gentle washing. A silk pillowcase is the easiest entry point because it delivers the main benefit at the place your face and hair actually touch.
Less ideal: anyone who wants to throw everything in a hot wash, households with pets whose claws can snag fine silk, and people on a tight budget looking to cover a whole bed. Full silk sheet sets and silk comforters cost more and need more upkeep.
Where Dosaze fits (and where it doesn't)
Dosaze makes a 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase in 6A grade, 22 momme silk. It is OEKO-TEX® certified and has a Silvadur™ silver antimicrobial treatment. It is designed to protect skin and hair from friction damage, and as a natural fiber it is cool to the touch and breathable year-round. If you are buying mulberry silk for the first time, this is where we suggest starting.
We don't make a silk comforter or silk sheets. If you were searching for a mulberry silk comforter mainly because you want something light, smooth and comfortable for warm nights, our ThermaCool Comforter takes a different route. It uses premium TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for breathability and silky softness, plus a phase-change micro-gel fill that absorbs excess heat and releases it as you cool down. It is dual-sided for year-round use, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. It is not silk, and it won't replicate silk floss's drape, but it is aimed at temperature balance.
For silk-like sheets that are easier to live with, the Luxe Bamboo Sheet Set is woven from 100% bamboo viscose in a single-pick sateen. It has a buttery, lustrous drape and is built to resist the pilling and thinning common with luxury sheets. Many people pair a silk pillowcase with bamboo sheets to get silk where it matters most and machine-washable sheets everywhere else. You can see all of these together in our bedding collection.
Caring for mulberry silk
- Hand wash or use a delicate cycle in cool water, inside a mesh laundry bag.
- Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent made for silk or wool. Skip bleach and fabric softener.
- Air dry flat or hanging, out of direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken silk.
- Iron on low, on the reverse side, if needed.
- Rotate two pillowcases so each one gets washed and rested more often.
Quick checklist
- Label says 100% mulberry silk, ideally 6A grade.
- Fabric: 19–25 momme charmeuse, OEKO-TEX® certified.
- Comforter: long-strand mulberry fill, fill weight matched to season, secure stitching, cotton shell.
- Be honest about care. If you won't hand-wash, consider bamboo or TENCEL™ alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is mulberry silk real silk?
Yes. Mulberry silk is real silk from Bombyx mori silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. It is the most common type of cultivated silk and is prized for its long, uniform fibers. Be wary of products labeled "silky" or "satin," which are often polyester.
What momme is best for a mulberry silk pillowcase?
Around 19 to 25 momme is the usual range for pillowcases, with 22 momme a popular balance of softness, substance and durability. Lower momme fabric is thinner and tends to wear faster. Higher momme feels heavier and costs more.
Are mulberry silk comforters worth it?
They suit people who want a light, drapey comforter made from natural fiber and are comfortable with spot cleaning or dry cleaning. Choose 100% long-strand mulberry fill and a fill weight matched to your season. If easy washing is a priority, a machine-washable comforter may be more practical.
Can you machine wash mulberry silk?
Many silk pillowcases can go on a delicate, cool cycle inside a mesh bag with a pH-neutral detergent, but always follow the care label. Silk comforters are usually spot clean or dry clean only. Air dry silk away from direct sunlight and avoid bleach and fabric softener.
What does 6A grade mean in mulberry silk?
Silk fiber is graded A, B or C, with A the longest and most uniform. 6A is the top designation within grade A. It indicates the highest-quality raw fiber, which produces smoother, more even fabric.
