Beginner's Guide to Understanding Silk Grades

When shopping for a silk pillowcase, you've likely encountered terms like "Grade A," "Grade 6A," or "Long-Fibre Mulberry Silk." These classifications can be confusing for first-time buyers, yet understanding them is essential to ensuring you receive genuine quality silk worth your investment. In this comprehensive guide, we'll demystify silk grading systems and help you become a confident, informed shopper.

What Determines Silk Quality?

Before diving into specific grades, it's important to understand what factors contribute to silk quality. Unlike cotton, where thread count is the primary indicator, silk quality depends on several interrelated factors that collectively determine its feel, durability, and performance.

The most significant factors include:

• Fibre length: Longer fibres create smoother, stronger fabric with fewer imperfections
• Fibre uniformity: Consistent fibre thickness produces even, lustrous fabric
• Protein content: Higher-quality silk contains more of the beneficial amino acids
• Purity: Premium silk contains minimal impurities or processing residues
• Weave quality: How the fibres are woven together affects the final texture

Understanding the Grading System

Silk grading originated in China, where silk production has been refined over thousands of years. The grading system evaluates raw silk fibres before they're woven into fabric, using a scale from Grade A (highest) down through B and C grades.

Grade 6A: The Premium Standard

Grade 6A represents the pinnacle of silk quality. This classification indicates silk with the longest fibres, typically exceeding 1,500 metres in length from a single cocoon. These extended fibres create exceptionally smooth fabric with minimal seams or rough patches.

Characteristics of Grade 6A silk include:

• Supreme softness and a buttery, fluid drape
• Natural lustre that reflects light beautifully
• Minimal pilling even after extended use
• Excellent colour retention after washing
• Higher tensile strength for improved durability

Grade A: High-Quality Standard

Grade A silk remains an excellent choice, offering quality that satisfies most users. The fibres are slightly shorter than 6A but still produce beautiful, smooth fabric. Many reputable silk pillowcase brands use Grade A silk for their mid-range products, offering a balance between quality and affordability.

Grade B and Below

Lower-grade silks have shorter fibres, more impurities, and less uniformity. While still genuine silk, these grades may feel rougher, pill more quickly, and lose their lustre faster. Grade B silk is sometimes used in lower-cost products, though reputable brands typically avoid anything below Grade A for bedding.

Mulberry vs Wild Silk

Beyond the grading system, the type of silk matters enormously. Mulberry silk comes from domesticated Bombyx mori silkworms raised in controlled conditions on a strict mulberry leaf diet. This controlled environment produces the most consistent, highest-quality fibres.

Wild silk, including Tussah silk, comes from silkworms that feed on various leaves in natural settings. While beautiful in its own right, wild silk has a different texture—slightly coarser and less uniform. It's rarely used for premium pillowcases because it lacks the supreme smoothness that benefits hair and skin.

How to Verify Silk Grade Claims

Unfortunately, not all sellers are truthful about silk grades. Here are practical ways to verify quality claims before and after purchase:

Before Buying

• Check for certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification indicates the silk has been tested for harmful substances
• Read reviews carefully: Look for comments about texture, durability, and how the product holds up after washing
• Research the brand: Established brands with silk expertise are more reliable than unknown sellers
• Price consideration: Genuine 6A silk requires premium pricing—be sceptical of unusually cheap "Grade 6A" products

After Receiving Your Pillowcase

• The touch test: High-grade silk feels incredibly smooth and almost liquid-like against skin
• The lustre test: Quality silk has a natural sheen that changes subtly as it catches light
• The warmth test: Rub the fabric between your palms—real silk warms slightly from friction
• The burn test: A small fibre from a hidden seam should smell like burning hair and leave ash, not melt like synthetic

Grade Recommendations for Different Needs

Your ideal silk grade depends on your priorities and budget:

Choose Grade 6A if you:

• Want the absolute best for sensitive skin or hair concerns
• Plan to use the pillowcase for many years
• Appreciate subtle luxury differences
• Have budget flexibility

Choose Grade A if you:

• Want excellent quality at a more accessible price
• Are new to silk and want to experience the benefits
• Need multiple pillowcases for the household
• Prefer a practical approach to luxury bedding

The Relationship Between Grade and Momme

Silk grade and momme weight are separate quality indicators that work together. Grade measures fibre quality, while momme measures fabric density. A 22-momme Grade 6A silk pillowcase represents excellent quality on both measures—smooth fibres woven to optimal density for durability and feel.

Don't assume high momme compensates for low grade or vice versa. The best pillowcases score well on both metrics, typically Grade A or 6A silk at 19-25 momme weight.

Final Thoughts

Understanding silk grades empowers you to make informed purchasing decisions and avoid misleading marketing claims. While Grade 6A represents the pinnacle of silk quality, Grade A silk offers excellent performance for most users. Focus on verified quality indicators—mulberry silk content, reputable brand, proper certifications, and reasonable pricing—to ensure you receive genuine premium silk that will benefit your hair and skin for years to come.

As you continue your silk journey, explore our guides on understanding momme weight and proper silk care techniques to maximise your investment in quality silk bedding.