Momme: The Unit That Changes Everything When Buying Silk

When you first explore silk, one detail appears again and again on the labels: 19 momme, 22 momme, sometimes 30 momme. It is by far the most useful piece of information for comparing two pieces — and yet the least well explained. At StudioSoie, our collections are organised by momme, precisely because this is the criterion that determines the feel, the hold and the lifespan of a silk. Give it three minutes: by the end of this article, you will know exactly which weight to choose.

What is a momme?

The momme (abbreviated to "mm") is a traditional unit that measures the weight and density of silk. The higher the number, the denser, heavier, more opaque and more durable the fabric. It is the silk equivalent of the "thread count" you look at when choosing cotton sheets.

In practice: a 16.5 momme silk is light and fluid, almost ethereal; a 30 momme silk is dense and full, with a remarkable drape. Neither is "better" in absolute terms — it all depends on how you intend to use it.

The momme scale: from 16.5 to 30

A simple rule of thumb: below 19 momme, lightness and drape take priority; from 22 upwards, you are looking for hold, opacity and longevity.

Which momme for which use?

For bedding (pillowcases, bedding sets)

This is where weight matters most, because a pillowcase is washed often and used every night. 22 momme is the benchmark: dense enough to last and to offer that cool, smooth contact prized for skin and hair, without any stiffness. 19 momme remains an excellent first purchase, and a more accessible one. For a truly high-end bedroom, 25 momme brings superior opacity and drape. To go further: our collection of silk pillowcases.

For clothing and nightwear (pyjamas, nightdresses)

Here, you are looking for fluidity and freedom of movement. 19 momme is the ideal weight for a pyjama: light, silky, temperature-regulating. 16.5 momme suits the lightest, summery pieces. To discover: our silk pyjamas.

For accessories (scarves, scrunchies, sleep masks)

Drape matters more than density: a light to medium weight (16.5 to 19 momme) offers the softness and sheen expected of a scarf or a scrunchie.

Momme, 6A grade, mulberry silk: three terms not to be confused

Three different terms describe the quality of a silk, and it is easy to mix them up:

The momme measures density (the weight of the fabric). The grade — of which the renowned 6A is the best known — describes the quality of the fibre: its length, its uniformity, its absence of impurities. Mulberry silk, for its part, refers to the origin: the purest and most regular silk, produced by silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves.

An exceptional silk brings all three together: 100% mulberry silk, 6A grade, and the momme suited to its use. A high momme on a mediocre fibre is not worth as much as a well-chosen 6A fibre. All our silks are 100% mulberry — discover them in the Mulberry Silk collection.

Our selection by weight

Rather than guessing, start from how you will use it and let the momme guide you. For everyday bedding, begin with 22 momme; for a pyjama, 19; for an exceptional piece, 25 or 30.

Discover 22 momme