Quick Answer
Buy a 6A grade, 22-momme (or higher), 100% mulberry silk pillowcase in charmeuse weave. This is the quality standard for a pillowcase that provides actual hair and skin benefits and lasts 3-5 years. Grade 6A is the highest silk fibre quality with the longest, most uniform threads. 22-momme is the sweet spot between durability and softness. Charmeuse is a satin weave using silk threads, giving the glossy, smooth surface. Expect to pay $50-$90 CAD for genuine quality. Anything under $25 is almost certainly lower grade silk blended with synthetic fibre or mislabelled polyester satin. Check the label for "100% mulberry silk" and a momme weight number.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
You decided to buy a mulberry silk pillowcase. You searched online and found options from $15 to $120, all labelled "mulberry silk." They cannot all be the same product at that price range. They are not. The difference comes down to silk grade, momme weight, weave type, and whether the product is actually silk at all. Understanding these four factors takes five minutes and saves you from spending $15 on a pillowcase that is mulberry silk in name only.
Understanding Momme Weight
Momme (pronounced "mummy") is the weight measurement for silk fabric. It measures how many pounds a piece of silk fabric weighing 100 yards by 45 inches would be. Higher momme means denser, thicker, more durable silk.
16-19 momme: Entry-level silk. The fabric feels noticeably thinner and more delicate. A 16-momme pillowcase may develop holes within 6-12 months of regular use. It provides the basic friction reduction and smoothness of silk but sacrifices durability. Acceptable for trying silk before committing to higher quality. Not suitable for long-term use.
22 momme: The standard for quality silk bedding. Dense enough to resist tearing and pilling through regular washing, soft enough for comfortable sleep. This is what dermatologists and hairstylists refer to when they recommend silk pillowcases. A 22-momme pillowcase lasts 3-5 years with proper care.
25 momme: Luxury grade. Noticeably heavier and more substantial than 22 momme. The extra density provides a slightly cooler feel because the thicker fabric holds temperature more evenly. Lasts 4-6 years. The price jump from 22 to 25 momme is typically 30-40%, so the question is whether the incremental improvement justifies the cost.
30 momme: Ultra-premium. Extremely dense, extremely durable, extremely expensive. Most people cannot distinguish 30 momme from 25 momme by feel alone. The benefit is longevity rather than noticeably different comfort.
The Grade System Explained
Silk fibre is graded from A (lowest) to 6A (highest) based on thread length, uniformity, and purity. Grade 6A mulberry silk comes from the longest, most uniform cocoon filaments, producing the smoothest and strongest fabric. Lower grades use shorter or broken filaments that create a rougher texture and weaker fabric. Many budget pillowcases use 3A or 4A grade silk, which technically is mulberry silk but produces a noticeably rougher, less durable product. The grade matters as much as the momme weight. A 25-momme pillowcase in 3A grade may perform worse than a 22-momme pillowcase in 6A grade because the fibre quality undermines the density advantage.
How to Spot Fake or Misleading Silk
Price test. Genuine 22-momme mulberry silk costs $40-$90 per pillowcase in Canada. If the price is under $20, the product is either lower grade than claimed, blended with synthetic fibre, or not silk at all. Polyester satin is often marketed with silk-adjacent language ("silky smooth," "silk-like," "satin silk") to create confusion.
Label test. The label should state "100% mulberry silk" and include a momme weight number. "Satin" without a fibre specification means polyester. "Silk blend" means part synthetic. "Charmeuse" alone does not guarantee silk since charmeuse is a weave type that can use any fibre.
Burn test. Real silk smells like burnt hair when a thread is burned (both are keratin protein). Polyester melts into a hard bead and smells like plastic. This test works but obviously damages the product, so it is better used on a thread pulled from an inconspicuous area.
It is difficult to say whether the market will become more transparent. Currently, silk pillowcase labelling in Canada has minimal regulation compared to clothing textiles. Buyer awareness is the best protection.
Care and Longevity
Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, or machine wash inside a mesh bag on the delicate cycle. Never use bleach, hot water, or fabric softener. Air dry flat away from direct sunlight. UV light degrades silk protein over time. Iron on the lowest setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. Replace every 3-5 years or when the fabric develops thin spots. If the silk pillowcase maintenance sounds like too much, polyester satin provides roughly 60% of the friction reduction benefit with almost no care requirements. It is a legitimate compromise for people who value convenience.
For Brantford Residents
Your pillowcase touches your face for 8 hours every night. When you visit our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street, Dorothy can help you feel the difference between fabric grades in person, something that is impossible when shopping online. We carry bedding and pillow accessories that we have tested for quality and durability. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Call 519-770-0001What momme silk pillowcase should I buy?
22 momme is the standard recommendation for quality silk bedding. It balances durability, softness, and price. 25 momme is luxury grade with longer lifespan. 19 momme is entry-level, suitable for trying silk before investing more. Below 19 momme is too thin for regular use.
Is mulberry silk better than other silk types?
Yes for pillowcases. Mulberry silk comes from domesticated silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, producing the longest, most uniform fibres. Wild silk (tussah) has shorter, less uniform fibres that create a rougher texture. For the smooth, low-friction surface that benefits hair and skin, mulberry silk is the correct choice.
How long does a silk pillowcase last?
A 22-momme mulberry silk pillowcase lasts 3-5 years with proper care (gentle washing, air drying, no bleach). A 25-momme version lasts 4-6 years. Below 19 momme, expect 6-12 months before the fabric thins and develops holes. Proper care is the biggest factor in longevity.
Are silk pillowcases worth the price?
For people with curly, textured, or chemically treated hair, yes. The 43% friction reduction compared to cotton meaningfully reduces breakage and frizz. For people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, silk's hypoallergenic properties and moisture management help. For people with straight, healthy hair and normal skin, the benefit is more subtle and polyester satin may suffice.
Where can I buy quality pillowcases in Brantford?
Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street carries pillowcases and bedding accessories. We can show you the difference between fabric grades in person. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
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- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Boor BE, Spilak MP, Laverge J, Novoselac A, Xu Y. Human exposure to indoor air pollutants in sleep microenvironments: A literature review. Build Environ. 2017;125:528-555. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.050
- Shin M, Halaki M, Swan P, Ireland AH, Chow CM. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131. DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S100271
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.