How easy is it to ruin a silk garment? Is silk really that difficult to take care of? And does sleeping on silk pillowcases cause discomfort? A lot of people have wrong ideas about silk accessories.
We've gathered unusual scientific facts and expert opinions that will make you rethink natural silk.
Myths About Silk
Myth #1: Silk is Fragile
Many women believe that silk clothing and accessories are not suitable for everyday use. At first glance, silk items seem very delicate and prone to damage. Who wants to worry about tearing a favorite dress during a busy day? In reality, there's no need to worry.
Silk is made from silk proteins that have a strong tendency to bond with each other, making silk threads four times stronger than their metal equivalents.
Despite its lightweight and delicate texture, silk is the strongest and most durable natural fabric!
Due to its reliability, silk has many applications beyond the textile industry. For example, it is used to make medical sutures that need to be extremely strong and natural to avoid causing allergic reactions. For a long time, silk was also used to make parachute bases.
Myth #2: Silk is Difficult to Take Care Of
Another common argument against using silk is that it requires a lot of time and effort to maintain. Indeed, silk items need a more delicate approach than cotton or synthetic materials. However, you don’t need to take them to the dry cleaners every time or buy special gadgets.
To keep silk items in perfect condition, simply buy a special organic shampoo for silk without sulfates and parabens. This will help maintain the fabric's natural shine and softness. Additionally, silk should be washed on a delicate cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. More detailed care instructions can be found here.
One more detail: silk is more resistant to dirt than other fabrics. Silk fibers literally repel bacteria, dust, and other microparticles. Additionally, it is more resistant to various odors, such as sweat. Therefore, silk items do not need to be washed after each wear. It is enough to leave them in the fresh air for a few hours.
Myth #3: Silk is Too Slippery
Afraid to buy a silk pillowcase because you think you'll slip off it at night? In reality, excessively slippery and uncomfortable bedding is usually made of polyester or artificial silk. Experts explain that synthetic materials are made from artificially spun, perfectly identical threads, which give them an unpleasantly slippery texture.
Silk threads are a natural fiber produced from silkworm cocoons, so they cannot be perfectly identical and smooth. Despite their smoothness, silk fibers have variations in texture that are nearly invisible to the naked eye but make the items pleasant to the touch and comfortable to use. Learn how to distinguish artificial silk from natural silk here.
Myth #4: Silk Production is Harmful to the Environment
Silk has a bad reputation among eco-activists because silkworm cocoons are harmed during its production. Indeed, silk is not a vegan material. However, it causes significantly less harm to the environment than most synthetic fabrics. Polyester, acrylic, nylon, and other materials are made with petrochemical additives. During their production and disposal, a large amount of toxic substances is released into the atmosphere.
Silk production is actually one of the cleanest sectors in the textile industry. Mulberry trees, used to feed silkworms, do not require fertilizers or pesticides. This means that silk can be cultivated without introducing any toxic chemicals into the environment. Furthermore, silk is 100% biodegradable, making your silk accessories an environmentally friendly choice.
Facts About Silk
Fact #1: Silk is Hypoallergenic
If you're prone to allergic reactions and have sensitive skin, medical experts recommend replacing your regular bedding with silk and, if possible, opting for silk clothing.
Natural silk contains sericin, a natural repellent that wards off dust mites, mold, bacteria, and other common allergens. Additionally, natural silk lacks any added chemicals that could potentially irritate the skin.
Thus, using silk reduces the likelihood of eczema flare-ups or skin rashes. It’s also proven that silk bedding can help prevent nasal congestion during sleep, a common issue for allergy sufferers.
Fact #2: Silk Has Anti-Aging Properties
Numerous studies on the cosmetic use of silk have shown that sleeping on a silk pillowcase can actually prevent the formation of wrinkles.
The natural cellular protein in silk helps accelerate skin cell metabolism, leading to more intensive cell regeneration, which in turn results in healthier and firmer skin.
If you want to maintain youthful skin on your face, switch to a silk pillowcase and choose a special sleep pillow designed to prevent wrinkles.
Fact #3: Silk Has Thermoregulatory Properties
Silk products have a unique ability to regulate temperature. Silk consists mainly of fibroin, a natural protein that traps air and limits heat exchange between the body and the external environment. On hot days, silk keeps the body from overheating and reduces the sensation of heat, making silk dresses ideal for summer.
Due to its heat exchange properties, silk will retain body temperature and protect against the cold. Additionally, silk has a strong moisture-absorbing capacity. By absorbing sweat, silk prevents the feeling of cold caused by moisture evaporation on the skin.
Therefore, silk tops or shirts can be worn under jackets in winter for added comfort. Silk bedding and nightgowns will keep you warm during cold nights.
Doctors believe that silk sheets can help reduce one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms of menopause—hot flashes. Its ability to maintain a consistent body temperature can help reduce excessive sweating, thereby alleviating unwanted hot flashes.
Fact #4: Silk Was One of the Most Valuable Materials in the World
Silk production began in China as early as 2700 BCE when the Chinese Empress discovered silkworms and started breeding them for silk. At that time, silk became an important symbol of high social status—only emperors and high-ranking individuals could wear silk garments.
At times, silk was an economic asset, like gold or precious stones. It's no wonder that even in ancient times, people recognized and valued the unique properties and appearance of silk.
Today, natural silk products are still rare. Most brands use fabric mixed with elastane or other synthetic fibers.
MOLODO produces clothing and accessories exclusively from organic Mulberry silk, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko Tex 100. All accessories, including silk turbans and MOLODO pillowcases, are handmade in their zero-waste workshop in Lviv. Each order includes a lavender sachet for aromatherapy, making the experience of using silk accessories both beneficial and pleasant.
Visit the MOLODO online store to choose the best natural silk pillowcase for your sleep, or order a gift certificate for a loved one so they can treat themselves to a beneficial accessory!
