History of Silk
The history of silk began in ancient China about 2700 years BC. According to Chinese legends, silk was discovered by Empress Hsi Ling Shih when she was sitting under a mulberry tree drinking tea, and a cocoon fell into her cup. Upon removing the cocoon and starting to unwind it, she was amazed by the long, shiny fiber, which later became known as Mulberry silk. China kept the silk production secret for centuries, and silk became a very valuable commodity traded along the so-called “Silk Road” – a trade route connecting Asia with Europe and Africa.
The secret of silk production technology was discovered around the 6th century AD, and silk production began to develop in Europe, especially in Italy, where cities like Venice and Florence became major silk production centers during the Renaissance. Later, silk manufacturing spread to France and other European countries, becoming a symbol of luxury in royal courts.
The origin and spread of silk fabric influenced not only fashion and textile industry development but also cultural and trade exchanges between eastern and western civilizations, making silk one of the most highly valued materials in history.
What Makes Mulberry Silk So Unique?
Silk fibers are mainly composed of silk fibroin and sericin binding proteins. The fibroin structure gives the fiber strength and durability, while sericin acts as a binder holding the fibers together. Unlike other textiles that dehydrate skin and hair (like cotton), silk fibroin is a natural protein fiber containing 18 amino acids essential for humans, making it excellent at maintaining skin moisture balance.
Silk used in SilkWide
Our main goal has always been to offer the highest quality silk products. We confidently say – if you are looking for top-quality silk, you are in the right place. All our silk products are made from 100% pure, natural Mulberry silk, premium quality 22-25 MOMME, from 6A grade silk fibers – the highest class in silk production.
What Benefits Does Silk Provide?
Silk has long been called the “king of fabrics” due to its unique properties – it is breathable, hypoallergenic, thermo-regulating, and more:
- Hypoallergenic: Silk is naturally hypoallergenic. It is a natural fiber made by silkworms, composed of proteins sericin and fibroin. Sericin has natural resistance to infections, protecting against common allergens like mold, dust mites, and microbes. Silk contains no harmful substances or irritants, making it safe for sensitive skin.
- Anti-aging: Studies show that sleeping on silk pillowcases can reduce fine wrinkles and lines by accelerating skin cell metabolism and renewal, promoting healthier, firmer skin. Silk’s many hydrophilic groups like amino groups help moisturize skin.
- Healthy Hair: Long-term silk users and beauty experts agree that silk helps keep hair soft, hydrated, and prevents tangling. Two key silk properties enable this: it has the lowest friction among textiles (7.4%), making it smooth so hair does not catch or knot, and silk’s porosity and amino acids help water molecules spread easily, moisturizing hair instead of absorbing moisture like cotton.
- Good Sleep: Sleeping on silk pillowcases is comfortable and pleasant due to silk’s softness. Moreover, silk stays cool and prevents overheating because it is breathable. Good sleep is crucial, and silk can significantly improve sleep quality.
- Antibacterial: Research shows silk has natural hydrophobicity plus antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Thermo-regulating: Silk fabric, because of its lightness and breathability, acts as a natural temperature regulator by expelling excess heat when warm and retaining heat when cold. Silk naturally helps maintain comfortable body temperature regardless of season.
