Silk Features
Silk is a precious fabric known worldwide for its soft sheen, incredible smoothness, and high durability. In antiquity, garments worn by kings and nobles were made from natural silk. Today, fortunately, this fabric is available to everyone: it is used to create exquisite clothing, footwear, and luxurious interior decorations.
How Is Silk Made?
Few people know that silk is not produced from plant- or animal-based materials in the traditional sense. It is created from the cocoons of silkworm caterpillars.
History of Silk
We owe our gratitude to the ancient Chinese masters, who are considered the originators of silk. They were the first to extract silk threads from cocoons. It wasn't until 550 AD that silk was introduced to Europe.
Production Technology
The production of silk is not a simple process. Moth and silkworm caterpillars are raised in specialized nurseries. When a caterpillar forms a cocoon, it is then killed, and the cocoon is immersed in hot water. Once cooled, the cocoon is unraveled. From a single cocoon, between 300 and 1000 meters of silk filament can be obtained. The thread is formed by twisting 5–8 fibers together, which are then wound onto spools.
The threads are sorted, processed, and sometimes further twisted to increase density. The final material is sent to the factory, where it is soaked in water and dyed. Afterwards, it is used to create fabrics for various purposes. The type of fabric and the density of the threads depend on the silk variant being used.
What Are the Chemical and Physical Properties of Silk?
Few people are aware that the chemical composition of silk is remarkably close to that of human hair. It is made up of 97% protein, with the remaining part consisting of wax and fat. Its composition includes:
1. 18 amino acids;
2. 2% potassium and sodium;
3. 3% fat and wax components;
4. 40% sericin;
5. 80% fibroin.
Natural silk is extremely expensive, and few women can afford it. The high price of silk has led many artificial silk factories to emerge, producing synthetic and viscose silk. However, their strength and durability vary significantly.
Physical Properties of Natural Silk
1. Extremely high density, excellent abrasion resistance, and resilience to acids and alcohol. Only a highly concentrated acid or alkali solution can damage high-quality natural silk.
2. Exceptional smoothness and shine. Silk feels luxurious against the skin, drapes gracefully along the body, and glows with a soft luster, making silk dresses look divine.
3. Bactericidal and hypoallergenic properties. Silk inhibits bacterial growth, absorbs unpleasant odors, and does not cause allergies. This makes it a popular choice for clothing and bedding.
4. Wrinkling. Regular silk garments tend to wrinkle easily. However, silk-lycra or silk-jacquard fabrics are much more resistant to creasing.
5. Natural silk is flame-resistant: when a spark touches a silk garment, it smolders slowly, releasing the scent of burnt feathers.
Additional Properties of Silk
1. Silk can be dyed in a wide range of shades due to its high hygroscopicity.
2. It is elastic and efficiently wicks moisture away from the skin.
3. It has moderate shrinkage: after washing, silk fabric typically shrinks and may lose up to 5% of its original length.
Types of Silk
1. Twill – A fabric that holds its shape well, with a subtle sheen and high density. Ideal for making dresses, skirts, linings for outerwear, and ties.
2. Silk satin – This fabric has two sides: one glossy and one matte. It drapes beautifully and comes in various weights. It is commonly used for garments, footwear, and interior decor.
3. Silk chiffon – Characterized by its softness, transparency, light texture, and matte finish. Suitable for blouses, dresses, and robes.
4. Dupion silk – A dense, glossy fabric used for sewing curtains and vertical blinds.
5. Velvet – A luxurious, heavy silk fabric that reflects light in a unique way.
6. Organza – This ethereal silk fabric is ideal for bridal, evening, and formal wear, as well as curtains. It’s also used in floral boutiques for making bouquets and by anglers to craft artificial bait flies.
Where is silk used?
First and foremost, silk is used in many types of clothing, as this fabric helps maintain a comfortable body temperature both in summer and even in winter.
Secondly, silk is also used in surgery due to its disinfectant and bactericidal properties. Threads made from the outer or inner fibers of a cocoon—known as burette silk—are especially suitable for surgical sutures.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantage 1: High breathability, allowing the skin to breathe.
Advantage 2: Excellent moisture absorption. Silk quickly absorbs sweat and allows it to evaporate efficiently.
Advantage 3: Outstanding thermoregulation and the ability to adjust to the body's temperature.
Advantage 4: Durability, which ensures a long lifespan for silk garments.
Advantage 5: Skin benefits. Silk has been shown to stimulate regeneration in the upper layers of the epidermis.
What are the disadvantages of natural silk?
Disadvantage 1: Cost. Natural silk is expensive.
Disadvantage 2: Special care required. It needs delicate handling and maintenance.
Disadvantage 3: Cannot be washed at high temperatures. If you wash silk garments in hot water, their quality may deteriorate significantly.
Disadvantage 4: Ironing requires caution.
Disadvantage 5: Silk loses strength when exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation.
Despite its drawbacks, silk remains one of the most beloved and sought-after fabrics in the world.
How to care for silk garments?
1. Always wash by hand at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Alternatively, use a “delicate” cycle in the washing machine.
2. It is best to use a detergent specially formulated for silk.
3. Do not wring silk garments by hand to avoid damaging their structure.
4. Iron without using steam.
5. After washing, rinse colored silk in lukewarm water with vinegar (5 tablespoons of 9% vinegar per 10 liters of water).
We hope you found this article helpful! Greetings from the LW Fashion team!
Silk is an organic, lightweight, and breathable material that adds a luxurious feel and shine to any outfit.
Yes, if styled properly – with minimalist accessories and comfortable shoes, a silk shirt or dress is perfect for daily wear.
Silk pairs beautifully with cotton, linen, and cashmere for a balanced look between luxury and practicality.
Silk garments should be hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle with lukewarm water and dried in the shade.
Silk symbolizes elegance, confidence, and sophistication – it's the choice of women who value refinement.