Mulberry silk is the long silk fiber produced by matured and domesticated silkworms when they secrete liquid silk, also known as “natural silk fiber”. It is the earliest animal fiber used by human beings as well as the most genuine silk fiber for all kinds of silk clothes, which is lightweight, soft, and absorptive of moisture. In addition, mulberry silk contains over 18 amino acids and protein fibers which is healthy for human skin and hair. For example, the hygroscopicity of the mulberry silk comforter is 1.5 times higher than that of cotton comforters. Besides, mulberry silk is pretty hypoallergenic, and as a consequence, many dermatologists recommend silk bedding and apparel for aged and sick people. Compared to other silk fibers, mulberry silk is more luxurious and breathable. It may not be that durable, but who’s going to use the same bedding for life?

Charmeuse silk, technically speaking, does not refer to a type of material as Mulberry silk does; it is a silk fabric made with a particular way of weaving, allowing for extra luster and shine on the front side in exchange for a dull finish at the back. Charmeuse silk can be made from all kinds of different silk, including Mulberry silk, and is often used on products that do not require showcasing of both sides of the fabric such as pillowcases and duvet covers. Charmeuse silk offers better drape than crêpe de chine and works well for scarves, blouses, and lingerie.

A lightweight fabric that is made by mulberry silk fibers, where part of them are twisted clockwise and others in a counter-clockwise direction. These fibers are then woven in a plain-weave fabric. The twisted fibers give crêpe its distinctive ‘pebbly’ look and feel. It comes in many different varieties – crêpe de Chine, Moroccan crêpe, and crêpe georgette. It is comfortable and breathable and wrinkles easily at the rate of 8%.

Dupion silk is produced from two silkworms that spin a cocoon together. This makes strong double-thread silk, usually resulting in a rough yarn and irregularity in sheerness or weight. Black specks that occasionally appear in the fabric are part of the original cocoon of the silkworm. Removing them would both weaken the fabric and destroy part of its beauty and character. They are inherent to dupion silk fabric and should not be considered as defects in weaving. Hence, dupion silk is durable and lustrous and resists wrinkles to some extent.

It is also known as China silk, Habutai, Pongee. The “classic” silk fabric, was first used to line kimonos, with plain-weave fabric. Its weight can range from 5 mm to the heavier 12 mm. Most scarves are made of 8mm Habotai. Soft and lightweight, Habotai silk is a kind of smooth fabric and has a beautiful drape and smooth surface.