If you’ve been searching online for silk, you may have come across the term silk momme. Well, if you’re wondering what it means, the silk experts at Jasmine Silk are here to break it down for you.
In basic terms, momme (mm) is a unit used to measure the quality of silk. One silk momme is equal to 4.340 grams per square metre. Pronounced ‘moe-me’, this measurement was constructed to help you understand the properties of the silk you are buying.
The Higher The Momme
Generally speaking, the higher the momme weight, the better quality the silk. Here are a few of the benefits of silk with a high momme:
- It’s more luxurious and shiny
- It’s more durable and will last longer
- It’s suitable for heavy-duty usage
- It’s warmer
- It’s more opaque
However, how high the momme is really depends on what the needs of the silk garment are. Since silk has so many different uses, it needs a variety of momme weights to work effectively for all purposes.
For example, silk bedding that is at least 19mm is considered the best quality for this use. But, this kind of weight is probably too heavy for something like silk nightwear.
Momme Rates for Different Silks
The different kinds of silk (according to their weave) all have various momme weights. This will give you a rough idea of how they differ:
Gauze – Silk gauze is a very sheer and lightweight kind of silk. Because of its delicacy, it is most commonly used to make scarves or canvases for embroidery. The momme weight is usually between 3 and 5mm.
Organza – Organza silk is also a sheer and lightweight silk with a plain weave. You are likely to find it used in home decor and bridal wear. But in recent times, it is often blended with other synthetic fibres such as nylon. The typical momme weight is between 4 and 6mm.
Habotai – Also featuring a plain weave, habotai silk is a common basic silk that is often used for clothing such as t-shirts, blouses and lingerie. It is easily dyed, making it perfect for use in silk clothing. Momme weights are often between 8 and 16mm.
Chiffon – Chiffon is an extremely popular variation of silk and is used for evening wear, blouses, lingerie, scarves and other items of clothing. It is fine and elegant and has a momme weight that normally sits between 6 and 8mm, although you may be able to find this fabric in double the thickness.
Crepe de Shine – As the name suggests, this type of silk has a crepe texture with a twisted weave that produces the fine fabric. It is perfect for use in dresses and other items of clothing, with a momme weight that usually ranges from 12 to 16mm.
Charmeuse – With a momme often between 12 and 30mm, Charmeuse uses a satin weave so that the front is silky and smooth, while the back is duller and matte. It is another type of silk that is used commonly for clothing. It is also useful for bedding because only one side of the silk is visible. One of the silk pillowcases at Jasmine Silk uses this method effectively:
Ivory 3PCs Silk Duvet Cover Set
What is Thread Count?
Thread count is another way of measuring silk. It is sometimes called TPI (threads per inch) and it does not necessarily measure the quality of silk, but it gives you a good frame of reference for when you’re buying silk. It is a count of how many threads there are in one square inch or centimetre of the fabric. It adds together the number of threads across the length (warp) and the width (weft) of the fabric.
Our Silk
Here at Jasmine Silk, we are proud to offer some of the finest quality silk. With our bedding offering momme counts of 19mm and thread counts of 400, you are sure to be satisfied with our products. Most of our silk is machine washable at 30 degrees, making it easy to take care of. Explore our website to see the silk we have on offer, or read our blog to find out more.
