Mulberry silk explained: the luxury fabric everyone is obsessed with

If you’ve been seeing mulberry silk everywhere lately, you’re not imagining it. Bedding brands, fashion labels, and beauty editors keep coming back to it. And not just because it sounds fancy. Mulberry silk has very real differences that set it apart from other silk fabric options, and once you understand how it’s made, the obsession makes more sense.

Where mulberry silk actually comes from

Mulberry silk is a natural luxury silk produced by Bombyx mori silkworms, which later become the Bombyx mori moth. These silkworms are raised in controlled environments and fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, usually from white mulberry trees. That single detail changes everything.

Because their diet never varies, the silk fibers they spin are long, smooth, and uniform. These mulberry silk fibers are among the longest and most consistent found in any type of silk. That’s why mulberry silk is often described as the highest quality silk available.

It also explains why mulberry silk accounts for over 90% of global silk production. The consistency makes it easier to work with, dye, and finish at a high standard.

Why mulberry silk feels different from other silks

Not all silk is mulberry silk, and not all silk behaves the same way. Wild silk varieties like tussar and muga silk come from silkworms that feed on a variety of plants. Their fibers are shorter and uneven. That creates a coarser texture and less uniform sheen.

Eri silk, sometimes called peace silk or ahimsa silk, allows the moth to emerge before the cocoon is harvested. This avoids killing the moth, but it breaks the silk thread into shorter fibers. The fabric feels heavier, more wool-like, and far less smooth.

Mulberry silk compares differently because its fibers stay long and unbroken. That gives it higher tensile strength, better durability, and that smooth texture people notice immediately. Compared to grade B silk, grade A silk feels buttery soft and features a natural sheen.

Mulberry silk vs satin and “regular silk”

Mulberry silk often gets confused with satin. Satin isn’t a fiber at all. It’s a weave. You can have satin made from polyester, rayon, or silk. That’s why “satin pillowcases” can feel slippery but don’t behave like real silk.

Regular silk products may come from mixed silkworm species or blended fibers. The result is often a less consistent fabric with uneven thickness and less durability. Mulberry silk fabric avoids that problem because the silk production process stays tightly controlled.

How mulberry silk is made

The process of crafting mulberry silk is called sericulture. It starts with growing mulberry trees. Then, the silkworms feed, and they spin cocoons made from a single silk thread.

It takes roughly 3,000 cocoons to produce one pound of raw silk, sometimes more. The cocoons are carefully unwound, the pure silk threads are combined, and the fabric is woven. It’s a delicate process, and it’s one reason mulberry silk is expensive.

Mulberry silk is naturally white because the farming avoids impurities found in wild silks. That natural color helps it hold dyes well without relying on harsh synthetic dyes.

Why mulberry silk is used for luxury bedding

There’s a reason you see mulberry silk sleep masks, silk sheets, premium bedding items, and mulberry silk pillowcases in high-end collections.

Mulberry silk is lightweight and breathable. It has temperature-regulating properties, which help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. The fabric also has moisture-wicking properties, so it doesn’t trap sweat the way some other fabrics do.

It also features naturally hypoallergenic properties. Mulberry silk resists dust mites, mold, and common allergens. That makes it appealing for people with sensitive skin or skin that reacts easily.

Skin and hair benefits people actually notice

Mulberry silk is protein-based, similar to human hair and skin. Its smooth fibers reduce friction while you sleep. That’s why many people notice fewer sleep lines, less hair breakage, and fewer tangles when switching to silk pillowcases. Because mulberry silk is non-absorbent, skincare products tend to stay on your skin instead of soaking into the fabric.

Caring for mulberry silk properly

Mulberry silk is strong, but it still needs care. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle. Cool water only. Use a mild, pH-balanced detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener. Never wring the fabric.

Lay silk bedding flat to dry, away from direct sunlight and heat. With proper care, mulberry silk products can last 10 to 15 years or more, which is why many people see them as long-term luxury items, not disposable bedding.

Why mulberry silk costs more

The cost reflects the labor, time, and control involved. Controlled feeding, manual harvesting, fiber sorting, and careful weaving all come into play.

Mulberry silk is biodegradable, renewable, and produced without harsh chemicals. Pound for pound, it’s also remarkably strong. That mix of durability, comfort, and craftsmanship is why it’s considered the finest quality silk in the industry.

Why do people keep choosing mulberry silk

Mulberry silk, simply put, comes down to consistency – long fibers, a smooth texture, reliable quality, and comfort that holds up over time. Whether it’s mulberry silk bedding, silk sleepwear, sleep masks, or pillowcases, the fabric behaves in a way that other silks and other fabrics don’t.

Once you notice that difference, it’s hard to unnotice it. And that’s usually when mulberry silk stops being a curiosity and starts becoming part of your sleep routine.