What is Momme in Silk Fabric?

Momme is the universal unit of measurement relating to the weight of a silk fabric and is commonly abbreviated as mm. Momme (mm) is calculated as the weight of a piece of silk fabric that is sized 100 yards long by 45 inches wide with 1 Momme being equal to 3.62 grams per square yard (4.33 grams per square meter).

Momme is used to measure the density of silk fabrics as well as to provide an insight as to the quality of the silk fabric. If a roll of silk fabric 100 yards long by 45 inches wide weighed 9.7kg (22lbs), then the density of the silk fabric would be known as "22 momme."

The word momme actually originated in Japan and was used to describe to weight of one "mon" coin. One of these 5 yen coins had a weight of 3.75 grams, which is equal to 1 momme; although the momme relating to silk is actually slightly less than 3.75 grams. The Japanese character used to write momme is "匁" (monme). 

Momme silk ranges from 4mm to 30mm, with a higher momme indicating a heavier and more dense silk fabric. A silk fabric with a low momme, 12mm for example, will have much different characteristics than a silk fabric that is 25mm, and will subsequently be used to make much different products. 

During the production of silk, factories will modify the yarn count and the density of silk threads in order to control the momme as required. 

The production of silk begins naturally when silkworms grow to full size and begin to spin their cocoon. After 3 to 8 days the silkworm will have finished spinning their cocoon. Once completed, the cocoon will then be submerged a pot of boiling water where it will unravel and reveal its long silk fibers. 

Once these fibers are extracted they will ultimately be weaved together in order to produce a useful silk fabric. There are a variety of different weaves that can be applied to silk (discussed below) and the momme will depend on the weight and density of the weave, with a higher momme representing a more heavy and dense fabric. 

Continue reading: How is Silk Made?

Silk fabrics with different momme have vastly different features, qualities, and subsequent uses. A silk with a momme of 8 might be used for an overlay on a dress, while a 25mm silk may become a pillowcase. 

When looking at silk momme it is generally accepted that a silk fabric with a higher momme will usually indicate a higher level of quality and strength. A silk fabric of 25mm will be glossy, strong, smooth and durable while a silk of 8mm may be dull, delicate, and coarse. 

Silk momme can be categorized into 3 groups:

A variety of different weaves can be employed when using silk. Each of these weaves creates a unique product that fills a different need. Lower momme silk fabrics are used for decorative purposes, while the thicker fabrics are used for making bedsheets and drapes.

To learn more about range of different silk fabrics and weaves please refer to our Glossary of Silk Fabrics and Weaves.

It is important to be aware of the momme when buying silk because it has an effect on a number of different variables. 

Buying a silk fabric with the correct momme is important as it relates to your style. If you are buying a silk dress shirt you will probably prefer a momme of 19 or 22. If you are buying a shirt meant for a top layer or overlay, you would likely prefer to have a 12 or 15 momme silk. 

A higher momme is indicative of a fabric that has a more luxurious touch and vibrant sheen.

For gowns and wedding dresses a seamstress will likely seek to employ silk that is 4-8 momme for the overlay, and silk that is 22-30 momme for the body. 

Silk pajamas and clothing are at their absolute best when they are made with a 22 momme silk. A 19 momme silk garment will still be extremely luxurious and rich, however a 22 momme garment will reach an even greater level of comfort. 

For me personally, I like both 19 and 22 momme silk, and will even wear 15 momme silk from time to time. All the fabrics feel incredible but 22 momme is definitely the finest of them all. 

When it comes to bedding and pillowcases, buyers can find options in the range from 22 to 30 momme. Again, all bedding products made from 22 momme silk and above will be absolutely luxurious and satisfying, however when it comes to bedding, 30 momme silk will give you the most opulent experience night in and night out. 

Generally, the price of silk will increase as the momme count increases, which will be discussed further below. Buyers should be aware of these cost increases and choose a fabric or garment that is in line with your budget requirements. 

No matter how much you are willing to spend, you are promised to have a remarkable experience anytime you get to interact with the exceptional textile known as silk.

Silk is a fabric that is pleasing to all the senses. Putting on a silk garment has the ability to change your mood, your energy, your vibe, and your life! It may sound like hyperbole to say that silk can change your life, but ask a silk lover and they will tell you the same! There really isn't any other fabric that offers the feel, look, and experience that comes with silk. 

Read: What Does Silk Feel Like?

Silk generally increases in cost as the momme gets higher; this happens for a number of reasons. 

Firstly, a high momme requires a dense and heavy weave, which means more raw silk is needed during production. The volume of raw silk that is necessary when making a 25mm silk will be much greater than that of a 12mm silk, which naturally increases the final cost. 

For example, a silk satin that is 22 momme will carry roughly 20% more silk per square inch than a 19 momme silk satin fabric. 

Secondly, silk with a higher momme will also be awarded more value because of its elevated qualities and characteristics. The higher momme is thicker and thus more durable than a lower momme, which means it will last longer and be more washable. A denser weave (and subsequent higher momme) will be more effective at protecting the shine of the silk, and will also yield a much longer lifespan. 

Silk with a high momme will also have a brighter sheen than a lower momme silk. A 6mm chiffon silk overlay will look incredibly dull next to a 22mm charmeuse silk dress shirt. Higher momme silk is much more appealing to the eye and much more satisfying to the skin. 

Thirdly, as the silk fabric increases in momme, so does its useful applications. For example, silk that is 4 to 12 momme have a limited range of uses and will mostly be used for overlays or decorative embroidery. 19 to 25 momme silk can be used to make shirts, shorts, lingerie, dresses, bedding, drapes, and a number of other items. 

Silk is an incredibly special fabric and offers a unique set of benefits and advantages, no matter what the momme. 

When we are looking at finest silk clothing, pajamas, and other garments you will most commonly find 19 to 22 momme mulberry silk fabric being used. For bedding or drapes we will most frequently see a 22 to 30 momme mulberry silk fabric being used. 

Mulberry silk is considered to be the finest type of silk and offers a range of benefits. 

Mulberry silk is hypoallergenic, odorless, and is resistant to undesirable guests such as dust, mold and mites. This natural and hypoallergenic fabric is gentle on all skin, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Other fabrics such as polyester or nylon that are made from synthetic fibers contain harmful chemicals and irritants that can trigger an allergic reaction or harm the skin. 

Silk's hypoallergenic qualities make it an ideal fabric for creating sleepwear and bedding. Mulberry silk used for pillowcases and sleep masks allow your skin to heal and replenish during your sleeping hours as silk reduces sleep wrinkles that can have an awful effect on your skin. Silk pillowcases are wonderful for your hair, as the smooth seamless fabric does not snag, pull, or put friction on your hair as you sleep. Mulberry silk sleep masks help reduce wrinkles around your eyes and forehead, as well as block light and allow you to sleep better. 

Mulberry silk is extremely strong and durable which gives garments a long life span, especially silk at 22 momme and above. When considering the strength-to-density ratio, silk is stronger than steel, which means at the same size strand of silk is stronger than a thin beam of steel. 

Although mulberry silk is strong and durable, it offers an unparalleled level of comfort, feel, and breathability. The long and uniform strands of mulberry silk used to make clothing and pajamas feel cool, airy, smooth, and seamless on the skin.

19-25 momme silk has the magical ability to govern and regulate the temperature of our bodies. Silk absorbs moisture and gives you a breezy cool feeling in the spring and summer months. During the colder months silk provides you with a thin layer of insulation which helps to retain heat and provide that perfect level of warmth. Learn more about silk's ability to regulate body temperature by reading: Are Silk Pajamas Too Hot?