The word "silk" hides an enormous range of quality. Two pillowcases can both be labelled silk and feel — and age — nothing alike. The difference begins with the fibre, and the clearest marker of fibre quality is its grade.
What "mulberry" means
Mulberry silk comes from silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves. That single diet produces a remarkably pure, smooth and uniform filament — rounder and more regular than wild (tussah) silks. It is the foundation of the finest silk in the world.
What "Grade 6A" means
Within mulberry silk, raw filament is graded by length, uniformity, colour and cleanliness. Grade 6A is the highest classification: the longest, finest, most consistent fibres, with the fewest imperfections. Longer fibres mean fewer joins, a smoother surface, a more luminous sheen and greater durability over years of washing.
Lower grades — and blends cut with polyester or shorter fibres — are cheaper to produce, but they pill sooner, lose their lustre and simply do not feel the same against the skin.
Why we use nothing less
At Maison Nasri we use 100% Grade 6A mulberry silk, and never blends. It is more expensive, and it is the entire point: the smoothness that reduces friction on hair and skin, the cool, weightless drape, and the longevity that makes silk an heirloom rather than a season. Our silk is also independently tested to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so what touches your skin is verified safe.
When you are comparing silk, ask two questions: is it 100% mulberry, and what grade? If the answer isn't clear, the silk usually isn't 6A.
0 comments