The Differences Between Charmeuse and Other Types of Silk

The Differences Between Charmeuse and Other Types of Silk

While charmeuse silk is the most popular type of silk weave for bedding and even clothing, there are many other styles of silk weave in the marketplace. Here are a few others you may have heard of:

Gauze: a sheer, delicate, floaty silk

Organza: sheer, lightweight plain weave that holds shape

Chiffon: a plain weave sheer silk often used in evening wear and dresses

Crepe de Chine: crisp, crinkled wave

Jacquard: a drapey silk with a pattern woven in

Shantung: a crisp, light silk with an irregular slub weave

Taffeta: a crisp, plain silk weave that “rustles

Another important term to understand with regard to any type of silk is momme. Similar to thread count in cotton fabric, momme is the measurement of a silk’s weight and the density of the weave. Higher momme count silk contains more silk fiber than lower momme count silk; it is also made with heavier silk fibers. For reference, silk gauze is typically 3 to 5 momme weight; silk chiffon is generally 6 to 8 momme weight; and silk crepe de chine ranges between 12 and 16 momme.

Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases, sheets, and bedding range from 19 to 30 momme weight, with 19 momme being roughly the equivalent of 600 thread count in cotton. Our 22 momme weight is our most versatile and popular, with 30 momme representing the heaviest weight and most luxurious bedding we sell.