Silk is more than a fabric—it’s a symbol of refinement, craftsmanship, and enduring value. But if you’ve ever tried to purchase silk, you’ve likely been overwhelmed by choices: mulberry, chiffon, satin, organza… and then there’s something more cryptic—“Grade A,” “6A,” or “momme.” What does it all mean, and how do you know you’re choosing the best?

The best grade of silk is Grade 6A mulberry silk, which represents the highest quality in terms of fiber length, purity, strength, and sheen. It is the most refined classification, often used in luxury apparel, bedding, and accessories where premium feel and durability are non-negotiable.

This matters more than you might think. A fashion entrepreneur once launched a silk loungewear line that failed after customers reported fading, pilling, and stiffness. It turned out the silk was Grade B and underweight, despite being marketed as “luxury mulberry silk.” Choosing the right grade isn’t about labels—it’s about longevity, softness, and the credibility of your product.

Let’s explore how silk is graded and how to distinguish top-tier silk from mid- or low-range variants.

1. What Are the Different Grades of Silk and How Are They Classified?

Silk is primarily classified by its fiber quality, which includes the length of the filament, absence of impurities, uniformity, and luster. The industry commonly uses A/B/C grading systems and finer distinctions like 3A to 6A (especially for mulberry silk) to indicate how “perfect” the threads are.

Silk Grading Systems Explained

A/B/C System

A-Number System (Used for Grade A Only)

Industry Insight:

6A silk is the highest commercially available grade, usually used for 22–30 momme mulberry silk. It’s the grade chosen for custom digital printing, bridal textiles, and top-end accessories that require minimal flaws and maximum finish.

Real Example:

A designer specializing in silk turbans compared two samples—one 4A and one 6A. The 6A sample retained color better after 10 washes, draped more smoothly on the head, and resisted snags. Though it cost 30% more, the customer return rate dropped by 40%.

2. Which Type of Silk Is Considered the Highest Quality?

6A Grade Mulberry silk is universally recognized as the highest-quality silk available on the commercial market. This designation refers not only to its pristine fiber condition but also to the silkworm’s controlled diet (100% mulberry leaves), the uniformity of its filaments, and the absence of sericin residues post-processing.

What Makes 6A Mulberry Silk Superior?

Biological Advantage of Mulberry Silk

• Comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm, fed solely on mulberry leaves.
• Produces long, continuous filaments (up to 1000 meters).
• Naturally white or ivory, ideal for dyeing or printing.

Mechanical & Aesthetic Properties

Comparison Table: 6A Mulberry vs. Other Silk Types

Cultural & Retail Preference

• Many luxury fashion houses and bedding brands only work with 6A silk.
• In the wellness sector, 6A silk is considered ideal for pillowcases, eye masks, and hair bonnets due to its softness and hypoallergenic qualities.

Customer Case:

A Canadian skincare label offered silk pillowcases in both 5A and 6A silk for A/B testing. Despite a higher price point, 6A sold 70% faster and received double the repeat orders due to a noticeably smoother feel and higher product longevity.

3. How Does Grade A Mulberry Silk Compare to Lower Grades?

Grade A mulberry silk outperforms lower grades in virtually every category—strength, sheen, fiber length, durability, dye consistency, and softness. While all silk can feel elegant at first glance, the differences between top-grade and mid/low grades become clear after sewing, wearing, or washing.

Comparative Analysis by Grade

Key Differences by Grade Level

Durability Test Example (100 Washes, Cold Cycle)

Real-Life Use Case:

A lingerie startup in the UK launched two collections—one made from 6A mulberry charmeuse, and the other from lower-grade 4A crepe. While both looked appealing in photos, the 6A items earned consistent 5-star reviews and drove organic referrals. The 4A-based line struggled with complaints about early fraying at seams and fading after 3 washes.

Takeaway:

Grade A silk is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for any product that demands repeat use, color stability, and tactile indulgence. Lower grades may suffice for decorative use but fall short in performance and perception.

4. What Role Does Momme Weight Play in Determining Silk Grade?

While silk grade refers to fiber quality, momme weight (mm) refers to fabric density and weight, similar to thread count in cotton. The two together determine overall fabric quality: a 6A silk at 16mm feels light and elegant, while 6A silk at 25mm feels more luxurious and robust.

Understanding Momme Weight

Momme to GSM Conversion Table (approximate)

How Momme Affects Cost and Functionality

Buyer Insight:

A client purchasing 19mm silk for pillowcases may be satisfied until their competitor offers 25mm with a similar weave. The heavier weight not only feels more luxurious but resists wear and tear better, making it more suitable for daily use and premium branding.

Use Case Scenario:

A luxury bridal robe company in Australia upgraded from 19mm to 25mm mulberry silk to improve texture and drape. They reported a 2x increase in customer satisfaction and a 35% higher resale price, justified by a tangible increase in softness and body.

Myth Busting:

• Higher momme ≠ higher grade. You can have a 30mm silk fabric made from B-grade threads. For best results, match high momme with high grade (5A–6A).
• Lower momme doesn’t mean poor quality—it simply indicates lighter usage (e.g., scarf, camisole, chiffon blouse).

5. How Do Weave Type and Finish Affect the Overall Quality of Silk?

While fiber grade and momme weight define the raw quality, the weave type and finish determine the silk fabric’s feel, behavior, and end-use performance. A high-grade silk woven with poor technique can still feel cheap, while a mid-grade silk with an expert finish may feel far more luxurious.

The Role of Weave and Finish in Silk Quality

Common Weave Types in Silk Fabric

Each weave responds differently to printing, dyeing, and sewing. For example:

• Twill offers the highest print clarity and structure.
• Satin delivers unmatched gloss and softness.
• Crepe gives natural wrinkle resistance and movement.

Influence of Finish

Use Case Insight:

A menswear label used 22mm 6A silk twill for pocket squares and switched to sandwashed crepe for a limited run. Customers overwhelmingly favored the textured matte finish, which added uniqueness and elevated the feel beyond standard glossy silk.

Weave + Finish = Perceived Luxury

The same grade of silk (say, 6A) can feel vastly different depending on whether it’s turned into charmeuse, twill, or organza—and what finishing treatments are applied. Finishing impacts:

• Drape
• Sheen
• Touch
• Print performance
• Wear resistance

6. Are There Certifications That Verify the Grade or Purity of Silk?

Yes. Several certifications help verify the authenticity, fiber content, purity, and ethical compliance of silk products. These certifications are especially critical when silk is being positioned as organic, hypoallergenic, or sustainable.

Certifications That Matter When Buying Silk

Key Silk Certifications

Certification Comparison Table

Case Study:

A wellness accessories brand planned to enter the Japanese market with silk eye masks. Their first batch, while beautiful, was rejected due to the absence of OEKO-TEX certification. After switching to certified 6A silk, they secured retail approval and gained access to higher-tier product placements.

Buyer Tip:

Always request certificates with registration numbers, and cross-verify them with the issuing organization’s online registry. For instance, OEKO-TEX has a verification tool at oeko-tex.com.

7. What Are the Most Common Uses of Top-Grade Silk Fabrics?

Top-grade silk, especially 6A mulberry silk with higher momme weights, is the material of choice for products where performance, elegance, and durability are non-negotiable. Its softness, strength, and natural sheen make it the ideal choice across multiple high-end applications in fashion, interiors, wellness, and even technology.

Premium Silk Applications by Industry

Fashion & Apparel

Wellness & Sleep Products

Home Textiles

Technology & Innovations

• Medical Sutures: Bio-compatible silk protein
• Smart Textiles: Silk as a base for wearable sensors
• Luxury Packaging: Printed silk bags for cosmetics and jewelry

Market Case:

A French spa brand introduced a limited-edition silk eye mask using 6A 22mm silk from a certified supplier. It sold out in under 30 days and was restocked 3× in a quarter. The brand reported that 40% of customers cited “feel on the skin” as their main reason for purchase.

8. How Can You Source the Best Grade Silk Directly from Trusted Suppliers?

To reliably source top-grade silk, you need a supplier that combines transparent technical data, flexible customization, quality assurance, and responsive communication. That’s where SzoneierFabrics stands out.

A Checklist for Sourcing Premium-Grade Silk

What to Look For in a Trusted Silk Supplier

Why Work with SzoneierFabrics

At SzoneierFabrics, we specialize in producing custom silk fabrics using certified 6A mulberry silk. With years of experience in material R&D and textile export, we help our clients unlock:

• Full control over momme weight, weave, print, and finish
• Free design consultation and fast sampling
• OEKO-TEX and ISO certified production lines
• Small MOQ options starting from 50 meters
• Short lead times between 7–15 working days
• Global shipping support and custom packaging options

Real-World Success:

A women’s fashion brand in California worked with SzoneierFabrics to create a capsule of printed 22mm twill silk scarves. With digital color matching, custom packaging, and full traceability, they were able to launch under 30 days from first inquiry. The product now retails for $120 and is their top-reviewed SKU.

Grade A Silk Delivers Grade A Results

When it comes to silk, grade matters. Whether you’re launching a luxury line, developing wellness accessories, or curating timeless wardrobe staples, understanding silk grading gives you the edge in both product quality and brand perception.

• Choose 6A mulberry silk for top-tier softness, sheen, and strength.
• Match with the right momme weight and weave for the intended purpose.
• Verify authenticity with certifications like OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and Silk Mark.
• And most importantly—work with a supplier who understands both material and market.

Get a Free Sample or Custom Quote from SzoneierFabrics

We don’t just sell silk—we help you build with it.

Whether you need high-grade silk for fashion, interiors, wellness, or custom design, SzoneierFabrics provides the expertise and flexibility to bring your ideas to life.

✅ Certified 6A Mulberry Silk ✅ OEKO-TEX, ISO-Approved Mills ✅ Free Sampling & Fast Turnaround ✅ Low MOQ & Custom Fabric Options ✅ Design, Printing & Export Support