Silk is a luxurious fabric that is coveted by a lot of people for its smooth and soft texture and shimmering appearance. However, not all silk fabrics are created equal. Like other products, some are better than the others. But how do you know which one to choose?
Well, one of the things you need to consider is the silk weight. So, in today’s silk momme guide, we’ll start with the momme silk definition and have silk weight explained carefully.
Momme is the standard unit used in measuring the silk weight. Silk fabrics with a high momme count are thicker, more durable and more expensive. For silk bedding, you’ll want to get something with at least 19mm so it can withstand daily use and regular washing.
For the best 19mm silk pillowcase, check out the highly rated Alaska Bear Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. You’ll be able to choose from different sizes, colors, and designs and sleep comfortably each night, knowing that your hair and skin are in good hands. You also won’t go wrong with the 22mm Mulberry Park Silks Sheet Set. This very luxurious bedding can withstand regular use while still giving you refreshing sleep each night.
Read also: Best Silk Sheets: Are They Worth It?
What Is Momme?
Momme is a unit that has been formed by the Japanese to measure the weight of 100 yards of silk that is 45 inches wide, in pounds. This means that a silk fabric that has an 8 momme weighs 8 pounds per 100 yards.
What Does MM Stand for in Silk?
If you’re checking out silk products and you see something abbreviated as MM, that is the momme weight of the fabric used in the product.
Momme Pronunciation
The word momme is pronounced as “moe-mie.”
How Much Does a Yard of Silk Weigh?
Since a momme is used to describe the weight of a silk fabric per 100 yards, you can divide the indicated momme by 100 to get the weight of the fabric per yard. So, if you have a 12 momme silk fabric, its weight per yard would be 0.12mm.
How Does a Silk Fabric with Low and High Momme Differ?
There is a wide range of silk available in the market today in terms of weight. It can be as low as 3mm and go up to 30mm. Basically, the higher the momme, the higher the price and the more durable the fabric is.
Anything below 15mm is considered lightweight and better suited for dresses and other types of clothing while silk with more than 17mm is suitable for heavy-duty use. Also, the heavier the silk is, the higher the opacity.
Does Thread Count Matter in Silk Products?
Unlike textiles like cotton where thread count can determine the quality of a product, thread count doesn’t matter when it comes to silk products.
Since silk threads are extremely fine, the thread count of silk fabric can reach extremely high numbers no matter the quality of the fabric. In other words, two silk sheets that have the same thread count can still differ in terms of quality.
What Is the Best Momme Weight for Silk Bedding?
When it comes to silk bedding, the higher the momme weight, the better. This is because your bedding is something that you will be using and washing often. Hence, it needs to be thicker and more durable. But you need to remember that heavier silk fabrics are more expensive.
19 Momme vs 22 Momme
19 momme and 22 momme are the two most common silk weights that you’ll find in the market. Both are durable enough to withstand repeated washing while still being affordable. But, which of the two is better?
Well, beddings made with 19 momme silk fabric are considered to have a good balance of comfort, thickness, durability, and price. It is suitable for daily use and with proper care, can last you for years. 19mm silk sheets are affordable as well.
However, if you really want to splurge, it’s better to opt for 22 momme or even 25 momme silk bedding. These are the epitome of luxury and very high quality. Both 22 and 25 momme silk sheets are durable and thick. As long as you launder them properly, you can be sure that you can enjoy these elegant sheets for up to ten years. Though the price of acquiring one is rather high, you can consider it a good investment.
Best Momme for Silk Pillowcase
A 19 momme silk pillowcase is your best choice since it is a good combination of luxuriousness, comfort, durability and cost. However, you can always go for 22 momme silk pillowcases and 25 momme silk pillowcases if your budget allows.
I highly recommend the Alaska Bear Mulberry Silk Pillowcase if you’re looking for the best. It is a very popular 19 momme silk pillowcase with a lot of positive reviews. You’ll be able to choose from different sizes, colors, and designs.
Like other quality silk products, it is smooth, hypoallergenic and breathable. Plus, silk pillowcases can help you take care of your hair and skin.
You’ll also be happy to know that this product from Alaska Bear is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. It is chemical-free and naturally dyed so it’s gentle on your skin.
Pros
- Available in a variety of sizes, colors and designs
- Durable
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic and breathable
Cons
- Requires proper care
Read real reviews on Amazon
Best Momme for Silk Sheets
If you only want the best silk sheets, then go for the 22 momme ones. Since they are thicker and heavier, you’ll get quality sheets that you can enjoy for a long time.
For this, you’ll want to check out the Mulberry Park Silks Sheet Set. It’s a very luxurious 22 momme mulberry sheet set that is available in different sizes and colors. The fitted sheet has deep pockets while the included pillowcase features a flap, so you won’t have to worry about a broken zipper.
Aside from being hypoallergenic, it is OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring that it is chemical-free and naturally dyed. Not to mention that it is temperature regulating. This means that you’ll have blissful sleep be it summer or winter. Perfect for hot and cold sleepers!
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Hypoallergenic and chemical-free
- Dust mites, bed bugs and bacteria repellent
- Thermoregulating
- Very soft
Cons
- Pricey
Read real reviews on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other information about momme and silk weight that might help you.
What Are the Different Types of Silk According to Weave?
There are different types of silk according to their weave. Here is some information about them including their momme weight.
- Gauze – Gauze is an extremely sheer and lightweight silk fabric that has a 3 to 5 mm. It is commonly used in scarves, ethereal decoration and as a canvas for embroidery.
- Organza – Another type of silk, organza has a momme weight that ranges from 4 to 6. It is thin and sheer with a plain weave. Common uses for organza include bridal wear, evening wear and home décor.
- Chiffon – Chiffon silk has a momme weight of 6 to 8 and is often used in evening wear, blouses, ribbons, lingerie and scarves. It’s a delicate fabric that has a translucent appearance.
- Habutai – A silk fabric that has a plain weave, habutai silk can range from 8 to 16mm. It can be dyed easily and has a sheer and shimmering appearance. It is also used in making silk kimonos, t-shirts, blouses, lingerie, and lampshades.
- Crepe de Chine – With a momme weight ranging from 12 to 16, crepe de chine is a plain woven fabric that is light and fine. It has a crisp and crimped appearance that makes it suitable for dresses.
- Charmeuse – A charmeuse silk fabric is made with a satin weave and has a 12 to 30mm. Its front surface is smooth and reflective while its back surface is dull. This type of silk fabric can be often seen in bridal gowns, evening wear, lingerie, and blouses. It is also used in menswear like ties, underwear, handkerchiefs and as lining for slacks and jackets.
Is a Higher Momme Weight Always Better?
While silk fabric with higher momme weight is more durable, it is not always the better choice. Since it is thicker, heavier and opaque, sometimes it is better to have a lower momme weight. Basically, it depends on the product in question.
For example, a 19 momme silk fabric would be better suited for sleepwear than 30 silk fabric since it is lighter. On the other hand, 22 momme silk fabric is a good choice for sheets and pillowcases.
What Other Units Are Used in Measuring Silk?
Aside from momme weight, GSM weight can also be used to measure the silk weight. This means grams per square meter of fabric. Each momme is equivalent to 4.340 grams per square meter.
If you want to convert momme to grams, you just have to multiply it by 4.340. So, if you have a 30 momme silk pillowcase, it is 130.2 grams per square meter.
Final Words
Silk products don’t come cheap, so you have to make sure that you are getting only the best. Silk weight, which is measured by momme weight, is one of the many things that you need to consider in your purchase. For silk beddings, you’ll want to get pillowcases and sheets that are at least 19mm so that they can be durable enough to stand daily use.
The Alaska Bear Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is a good first choice if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck. It’s made with 19mm silk fabric and is available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and designs.
For silk sheets, you are in good hands with the Mulberry Park Silks Sheet Set which is made from 22mm mulberry silk. With these silk sheets, you’ll be sleeping luxuriously and blissfully every night.
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