If you have ever shopped for silk and felt confused by the numbers, you are not alone. Momme weight is the industry standard for measuring silk quality, and almost nobody explains it clearly. Here is what you actually need to know.
What Is Momme?
Momme (pronounced moe-mee, often written as mm) is a unit of weight used to measure the density of silk fabric. Specifically, it refers to the weight in pounds of a piece of silk that is 45 inches wide and 100 yards long.
In practice, you do not need to think about the technical definition. What matters is this: the higher the momme weight, the denser, heavier, and more durable the silk. Lower momme silks are lighter and more delicate. Higher momme silks are more substantial, more opaque, and longer-lasting.
What the Numbers Mean
Silk products typically range from around 6mm to 40mm. Here is a rough guide to what each range is suited for.
6 to 12mm is very lightweight silk, typically used for scarves and linings. It is delicate and not well-suited for regular washing.
16 to 19mm is the standard range for silk pillowcases, eye masks, and sleepwear. It has a good balance of softness and durability for everyday use.
22 to 25mm is a heavier weight that offers more opacity and a more substantial feel. Well-suited for pillowcases and bedding where you want a more luxurious drape.
30mm and above is premium bedding territory. At this weight, silk is noticeably heavier, more durable, and has a distinctly rich feel. Blume's four-piece bedding set is 35mm, which places it at the top end of what is available for home use.
Momme vs Grade
Momme weight and silk grade are two different things, and both matter.
Grade refers to the quality of the raw silk filament itself, rated from A to 6A. A 6A grade silk has the finest, most uniform filaments with the fewest imperfections. It is the highest classification available.
Momme refers to the weight and density of the finished fabric.
You want both to be high. A high momme weight made from low-grade silk will still feel rough and pill quickly. A high-grade silk at a low momme weight will feel beautiful but may not last. The combination of 6A grade and a momme weight appropriate for the product is what separates genuinely good silk from the rest.
What Blume Uses
Across our range, we use 6A grade mulberry silk sourced from Suzhou. Momme weights vary by product because different products have different requirements. Our eye mask and scrunchies use 19 to 22mm, which is ideal for items that need to be lightweight and gentle against skin. Our pillowcase uses 22mm for a balance of softness and durability. Our bedding set uses 35mm because at that weight, the difference in feel and longevity is immediately apparent.
The Short Version
When you are buying silk, look for two things. A momme weight appropriate for the product, and a grade of A or above, with 6A being the best available. If a brand does not tell you either of these numbers, that is usually a sign worth paying attention to.
The Blume Edit
