Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability, and it has a long trading history across the world. Silk is the epitome of luxury due to its high cost to produce, soft feel, and elegant appearance, and it is thus a popular textile in high-end and couture fashion design.Silk is a natural fiber produced by insects as a material for their nests and cocoons. There are several types of insects that produce silk, including silkworms (the most common type of silk), beetles, honey bees, bumble bees, hornets, weaver ants, and many more. Made primarily of a protein called fibroin, silk is known for its shine and softness as a material.Silk is known for its beautiful drape and absorbent nature, along with other positive factors, including:Texture. Silk is incredibly soft with a flattering sheen, giving it a high-end and luxurious appeal.Strength and durability. It is also one of the strongest natural fibers, though some of its strength diminishes upon getting wet.
Silk is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton, for added sturdiness.Elasticity. The material’s flexibility makes it ideal for garments and upholstery.The fabric shrinks in the wash so a silk clothing item should always be dry-cleaned or the material should be washed before the clothing item is constructed.Silk is primarily used in garments and household items, but it is also employed in unexpected ways, such as in bicycle tires and in medicine. Silk is great for summer clothing because of its absorbent nature and how it wicks moisture, and it is also a staple for winter wear since it has low conductive properties.
Silk fabric is a collection of luxurious fabrics that are shiny, soft, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating. Natural and hypoallergenic, Silk fabric is sourced from fibrous, insect cocoons, which are then brushed and wound on a reel to form yarns and threads. The fibers themselves have flat sides that reflect light, giving Silk fabric a lustrous appearance and smooth, silky-soft texture. That being said, the texture of Silk can vary slightly, some fabrics can be more crisp, coarse, smooth, or soft; it all depends on how many times the yarns are twisted, and how the fabric is woven or knit. Additionally, the low thermal conductivity of Silk fabric traps heat and prevents it from passing through the fabric. However, due to the fibrous nature of Silk, the fabric is absorbent and quick drying, meaning that in addition to being insulating, it also prevents overheating. These characteristics of Silk fabric allow it to be used for a variety of apparel and décor applications.