What is Mulberry Silk?

March 22, 2022 | Casper Editorial Team

Made popular in China thousands of years ago for its luxurious quality, mulberry silk comes from the Morus Alba tree. Famous for its buttery feel and benefits for your hair, this material is used all over the world for everything from a silk pillowcase and bed sheets to high-fashion garments.1

Mulberry silk is also known for its one-of-a-kind softness—its silk thread is smooth, strong, and uniformly colored, making it a top pick for those looking for a luxurious sleeping experience. In this article, we’ll explore this dreamy material and why it’s one of the most sought-after textiles in the world.

What is Mulberry Silk Made Of?

What is mulberry silk? Originating in China over 5,000 years ago, “sericulture” is the ancient process of spinning silk into the beautiful textile that we all know and love. 

But what is mulberry silk made of? Mulberry silk is made from the cocoon of the Bombyx mori moth. Before metamorphosis, the caterpillar feeds exclusively on the white mulberry leaf—this is one of the reasons why this silk is known for its second-to-none quality. 

The silk fabric is then spun from long fibers, which are strong, pure white, and collected from the moth’s cocoon. These individual strands of fiber are then woven together to create the silk fabric that’s used for soft, silk bedding. 

So, Why is it So Expensive?

Smoother and stronger than any other silk in the world, mulberry silk is a textile powerhouse. Famous for its durability and lightweight quality, mulberry silk is able to retain up to a third of its weight in moisture. Because of this, it doesn’t emit a smell when damp and doesn’t need to be left out to dry for a long amount of time, making it relatively easy to manage.

Plus, this silk is gorgeous. Whether you’re sleeping on a mulberry silk pillowcase or wearing it to a gala, you’ll feel out-of-this-world glamorous. If you’re in need of some extra TLC, you can even try out a mulberry silk sleep mask to repel bacteria and keep your face feeling fresh.

Mulberry Silk vs. Regular Silk

You might be wondering how mulberry differs from regular silk. Sometimes referred to as the “King of Silk,” there are plenty of reasons why mulberry silk stands out from the crowd.  

Here are several factors that pinpoint the differences between mulberry silk and silk:

  • Uniformity – Since Bombyx mori moths only feed on white mulberry leaves, the strands produced are longer and more refined. Other silk is made from shorter fibers that can create abnormalities in the material.
  • Color – Mulberry silk is always pure white with no exceptions, making it a great complement to luxurious bedding that feels pristine.
  • Texture – Other types of silk tend to be rougher to the touch, whereas mulberry silk is buttery soft. 
  • Price – Because of its premium status, mulberry silk tends to run more expensive than more generic types of silk.
  • Scent – An amazing characteristic that sets mulberry silk apart from the crowd is the fact that it has no scent. 
  • Hypoallergenic and antibacterial – Ideal for people with allergies, mulberry silk is hypoallergenic and a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin or noses. This silk actually contains the natural protein sericin, which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.2

Benefits of Mulberry Silk

In the age of “self-care,” the quality and environmental footprint of our purchases have become more important than ever. Not only do people want to feel good about the products they buy, but they want to know where they come from. 

Nowadays, the integrity of a product can help us decide on whether or not to swipe our credit cards. Mulberry silk is a prime example of this, becoming increasingly more sought after due to its aesthetic appeal and benefits to health, beauty, and the environment. 

Skin Benefits

Packing a lot of punch, the strands of fiber that the mulberry silk is made of contains 18 amino acids and proteins. Our skin thrives off of these nutrients, and this is one of the reasons why a lot of companies have turned to mulberry silk to produce pillowcases and sleep masks. 

Hair Benefits

Want to know the secret to no-frizz hair in the morning? Mulberry silk pillowcases. 

There are many silk pillowcase benefits and there’s an excellent reason for that. Mulberry silk helps hair retain moisture, and when hair can retain moisture better, it’s less prone to breakage. 

There’s also less friction when you sleep on silk in comparison to other materials, and silk bedding leaves your hair shiny with fewer tangles. 

Sleep Benefits

Ready for some serious snooze time? Sleeping on mulberry silk has been likened to sleeping on fluffy clouds. Soft to the touch, mulberry silk is comfortable beyond belief. Because of its temperature regulating properties, silk is also a great option for anyone who runs hot at night. 

No matter what the weather’s like, you’re sure to sleep easy. Plus, you’ll wake up feeling like royalty. Whoever said beauty sleep wasn’t a real thing?

Environmental Benefits

Mulberry silk is an environmentally friendly material, made 100% naturally without molecular agents. Sleeping on this natural silk maynot only improve your sleep hygiene and make you feel pampered, but you can feel proud of your eco-friendly purchase as well. 

Because of its organic quality, mulberry silk is free from harsh and toxic additives, which can sometimes cause breakouts, allergies, or even atopic dermatitis. 

Made with 100% mulberry silk, our Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask set allows you to experience the benefits of this luxurious fabric and whisks you away to dreamland. 

Cozy Up with Casper Silk

Falling asleep atop mulberry silk is like nothing else—enveloping your body in soft, silky comfort. 

There’s really nothing like a comfortable night’s sleep, and that’s why at Casper we strive to bring you the best types of sheet sets out there. Whether you wake up with tangled hair from your pillowcase or the sniffles due to cotton-based allergies, we’re here to blanket you with silky soft comfort and a bundle of quality-crafted mattresses and bedding.

Fashion your bed with our Mulberry Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask Set for a luxuriously smooth and breathable sleeping experience. You’ll sleep like a baby knowing Casper’s got your back. 

Sources:

  1. The Department of Chemistry. Chemistry of Garments: Animal Fibres http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/courses/CHEM2402/Textiles/Animal_Fibres.html 
  2. Well + Good. What Is Mulberry Silk? Why To Love This Luxe Fabric. https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-mulberry-silk/
  3. Brittanica. sericulture. https://www.britannica.com/topic/sericulture