Silk Fabric

Silk is a fabric that really makes a statement. If you say the word "silk" to someone, what do they think about? There is not another type of fabric that creates the same kind of reaction. For hundreds of years, silk has held the reputation for being a luxurious as well as sensuous fabric. It is one that is associated with success and wealth. Silk is actually one of the oldest fabrics around. The Chinese have been using it since the 27th century BC. Silk fabric was also discussed by Aristotle and was an important commodity in Greece as well as Rome. In times of the Roman Empire, silk fabrics were worth their weight in gold.

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Silk still represents elegance today and silk clothing items are valued because of how versatile, wearable, and comfortable they are. Silk, known as soie in French, is actually the strongest natural fabric. A steel filament that is the same diameter as silk will actually break before the silk does. Silk is moisture absorbent, making it cool to wear in the summer but it will still keep you warm in wintertime. Since it is so absorbent, you can easily dye it to many different shades. Silk holds its shape, drapes over the body well, accentuates your figure, and shines in its own unique way..

Silk is made into clothing, but you will also find silk curtain fabric, dupioni silk fabric, and embroidered silk fabric. Modern silk clothing pieces range from evening gowns to sportswear. A nice silk suit can go to work or, with an accessory change and a dressier blouse, can be transformed into a beautiful outfit for an evening on the town. Silk clothing can be worn from summer to winter.

Today, silk is elegant and versatile, not to mention washable. In years past, owning a silk piece of clothing meant that you would have to pay for the garment itself as well as the dry cleaning costs. But all silk can be washed.

Much like human hair, silk is actually a natural protein fiber. It comes from the silkworm's cocoon. The sericin, like a natural glue, is made by the silk worms and isn't completely removed during the silk manufacturing process. It serves as a natural sizing mechanism which comes out when you wash silk in warm water. The majority of silk fabrics can be washed by hand. Technically, silk doesn't shrink the way other fibers do.  But If the silk isn't woven tightly, washing it will make the weave tighter.

So, for lighter silk weights (for example a 14 mm crepe de chine ) can be helped through washing since it will tighten the weave.  Silk that is tightly woven won't shrink  or would shrink much less. Silk clothing can actually shrink if the fabric hasn't been washed before the garment is made. When you wash silk, don't wring it out but instead roll it up in a towel. Silk dries rather quickly but shouldn't be placed in the dryer unless the fabric has already been dried in a dryer before it was constructed. A good shampoo will work well for silk. It will get rid of the oil and renew your silk. Don't use an alkaline-based shampoo or one that has ingredients like wax, petroleum, or derivatives of them, since these ingredients will leave residue on the silk and could cause oily spots. If static cling is an issue with your silk pieces, a good hair conditioner can be used when you rinse it. Just make sure it doesn't include any of the ingredients listed above.

Silk can turn yellow or fade if you use a hot iron setting. Presscloths and using steam are encouraged. Silk can also be weakened by direct sunlight and sweat.