What’s Momme?

If you’ve ever shopped for silk pillowcases, sheets, or clothing, you’ve probably seen numbers like 16 Momme, 19 Momme, 22 Momme, or even 30 Momme on the label. But what exactly is Momme—and why does it matter?

Let’s dive into what this term means, how to tell the difference between Momme weights, and why mulberry silk is such a luxurious and healthy choice.

🧵 What Does “Momme” Mean?

Momme (mm) is a traditional Japanese unit of weight that describes how dense and heavy a silk fabric is. It’s a little like thread count for cotton or GSM (grams per square meter) for wool or linen—but specifically for silk.

The word Momme actually comes from the Japanese term for “weight,” and it measures how many pounds 100 yards of silk fabric (at 45 inches wide) would weigh. So, for example:

• 19 Momme silk means that 100 yards of that silk fabric weigh 19 pounds.
• 30 Momme silk means 100 yards weigh 30 pounds.

In simple terms, Momme = thickness and quality density.

Here’s an easy way to think about it:

👉 Higher Momme = more silk fibers woven tightly together.
This gives the fabric a heavier drape, richer sheen, and longer lifespan. It feels buttery smooth, slightly weighty, and very luxurious against the skin.

👉 Lower Momme = fewer silk fibers in the weave.
This makes the silk lighter, softer, and more breathable, but also more delicate and prone to wear over time.

You can literally see and feel the difference:

• 16 Momme silk floats like air, almost translucent in sunlight—perfect for blouses or scarves.
• 22 Momme silk feels soft yet substantial, like a gentle hug.
• 30 Momme silk is thick, glossy, and almost creamy to the touch—used in the most premium bedding and garments.

So when you choose your silk, you’re not just picking a number—you’re choosing how the fabric will look, feel, move, and last.

🌸 Understanding the Different Momme Weights

16 Momme Silk — Light, Airy, and Effortlessly Elegant

Texture: Whisper-soft and feather-light, almost floating when you move. It has a delicate, semi-transparent appearance with a gentle sheen that catches the light beautifully.

Common Uses: Perfect for summer pajamas, blouses, scarves, linings, or lingerie—anything that benefits from a breezy, fluid drape.

Pros:

• Exceptionally cool and breathable, ideal for hot, humid weather.
• Affordable entry point into real silk.
• Feels silky-smooth and weightless on the skin.

Cons:

• Less durable than higher Momme fabrics; it may snag or thin over time.
• Requires gentle washing and care to maintain its beauty.

💎 Best for: Those who adore lightweight comfort or live in tropical climates. It’s the silk that “disappears” against your skin.

19 Momme Silk — The Everyday Classic

Texture: Smooth and elegant, with a soft drape that feels substantial but never heavy. It’s the perfect middle ground between lightness and durability.

Common Uses: Most commonly found in silk pillowcases, eye masks, and standard silk bedding—the go-to choice for everyday luxury.

Pros:

• Breathable yet durable, making it ideal for daily use.
• Retains a lovely natural sheen that doesn’t fade quickly.
• Good balance of price and quality—you get authentic silk luxury without breaking the bank.

Cons:

• Slightly thinner and less lustrous than higher Momme options.
• With frequent use, it may show wear faster than premium weights.

💎 Best for: Beginners who want to experience the comfort and beauty of silk—it’s the “starter silk” most people fall in love with.

22 Momme Silk — The Luxury Sweet Spot

Texture: Rich, glossy, and refined. It’s thicker and more opaque than 19 Momme, with a velvety smooth surface that glides against your skin.

Common Uses: The top choice for luxury bedding, pillowcases, and premium sleepwear. You’ll find it in many five-star hotels and high-end brands.

Pros:

• Outstanding balance between softness, durability, and elegance.
• Long-lasting sheen and resistance to wear or fraying.
• Feels cool in summer and cozy in winter, adapting beautifully to your body’s temperature.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive, but you truly get what you pay for—longevity and comfort.

💎 Best for: Those seeking hotel-level silk quality at home—a perfect choice for people who value both comfort and durability.

25 Momme Silk — Premium Quality and Long-Lasting Beauty

Texture: Luxuriously thick with a weight you can feel. The surface is buttery-smooth and lustrous, offering an indulgent tactile experience.

Common Uses: Often used for high-end bed sets, duvets, robes, and decorative cushions—items meant to last for years without losing their charm.

Pros:

• Exceptionally durable and resistant to tears, stretching, or dullness.
• Maintains its rich sheen and color vibrancy even after many washes.
• Feels sumptuously soft yet substantial, ideal for cool nights.

Cons:

• Heavier feel may be too warm for very hot climates.
• Comes with a premium price tag, but it’s an investment in lasting elegance.

💎 Best for: Silk lovers who value longevity, luxury, and timeless quality—perfect for those who see silk as a long-term indulgence.

30 Momme Silk — The Ultimate in Opulence

Texture: Ultra-dense, impossibly smooth, and breathtakingly rich in color. The fabric has a deep, mirror-like luster that feels cool, creamy, and utterly luxurious to the touch.

Common Uses: The finest couture garments, heirloom bedding, and luxury décor. It’s the silk of royalty and high fashion—rare, elegant, and enduring.

Pros:

• Maximum durability and density—built to last for decades with proper care.
• Deep natural gloss that rivals satin or polished metal.
• Feels like liquid silk, draping beautifully without losing structure.

Cons:

• Expensive, as it requires far more silk fiber to produce.
• Heavier than most prefer for clothing or tropical bedding.

💎 Best for: Connoisseurs of fine silk—those who desire the absolute peak of quality and sophistication. A true statement of luxury living.

🌿 Why Choose Mulberry Silk?

All the Momme weights mentioned above—16, 19, 22, 25, and 30—can be made from different types of silk.
But among them all, Mulberry Silk is known as the gold standard — the purest, softest, and strongest silk in the world.

It comes from silkworms that are carefully raised on a diet of mulberry leaves. These silkworms spin long, even, and flawless fibers, which are then woven into fabric that feels incredibly smooth and gentle.
Because of this, Mulberry Silk has a consistent texture, natural shine, and exceptional durability that cheaper types of silk simply can’t match.

Here’s why it’s so special — and why it’s loved by luxury brands and skincare experts alike:

1. Hypoallergenic and Gentle on Skin

Mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic.
It repels dust mites, mold, and allergens, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. The smooth surface also reduces skin irritation and redness — no rough fibers, no scratching.

💡 If you often wake up with itchy or irritated skin, silk bedding can make a real difference.

2. Keeps Skin and Hair Hydrated

Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture from your skin and hair, silk is moisture-retaining.
It helps your skin stay hydrated and plump, and it keeps your hair soft and shiny by reducing dryness and frizz.

That’s why many dermatologists and hair experts recommend silk pillowcases — they help your beauty products stay on your face, not on your pillow.

💡 Think of silk as a gentle beauty treatment while you sleep.

3. Naturally Temperature Regulating

One of silk’s most amazing qualities is its ability to breathe.
Mulberry silk can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter because of its natural protein structure. It lets air flow freely while also trapping just the right amount of body heat when it’s cold.

💡 You’ll stay comfortable all night — no more sweating or shivering.

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Sleeping on Mulberry silk feels like resting on a soft, cool cloud.
Its smooth texture reduces friction against your skin and hair, which means fewer sleep wrinkles, no bedhead, and less hair breakage.
Many people find they fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed because silk keeps the body’s temperature balanced and the skin comfortable all night.

💡 Better fabric = better sleep. It’s that simple.

5. Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable

Mulberry silk is a natural fiber, not a synthetic one.
It’s made from silkworm cocoons and biodegrades safely, returning to nature without harming the planet. The production process also uses less water and chemicals compared to many synthetic fabrics.

So when you choose silk, you’re not just choosing comfort — you’re choosing a more sustainable lifestyle.

💡 Luxury can be kind to the Earth, too.

In Short

Mulberry Silk is more than just a fabric — it’s a natural gift of comfort and beauty.
It’s gentle on your skin, kind to your hair, good for the planet, and built to last for years.

Once you experience true Mulberry Silk, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

How to Choose the Right Momme for You

Momme Weight	Texture & Feel	Common Uses	Durability	Shine / Appearance	Ideal For
16 Momme	Very light, airy, and soft; slightly transparent	Summer blouses, scarves, lingerie, linings	⭐⭐ (Low)	Gentle sheen, delicate look	Hot climates, people who like ultra-light fabrics
19 Momme	Smooth and elegant; medium weight	Pillowcases, eye masks, basic silk bedding	⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)	Soft shine, classic silk glow	Beginners, everyday silk use
22 Momme	Rich, glossy, and soft yet strong	Luxury bedding, sleepwear, pillowcases	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)	Noticeable luster, feels premium	People wanting “five-star hotel” quality
25 Momme	Thicker and heavier; buttery-smooth	Premium sheets, robes, decorative items	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)	Deep sheen, elegant drape	Cooler climates, long-term investment
30 Momme	Ultra-dense, creamy, and luxurious	Couture clothing, heirloom bedding, décor	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Maximum)	Mirror-like shine, heavy and rich	True luxury lovers, collectors of fine silk

💡 Final Thoughts

When it comes to silk, Momme truly matters. A higher Momme number means a denser weave, richer feel, and longer lifespan—but even lighter silks have their own charm and purpose.

Whether you choose 16 Momme for a summer scarf or 25 Momme for a luxury bedsheet, you’re investing in comfort, elegance, and the natural beauty of mulberry silk.