How to evaluate silk qualities
Is thicker silk better? Is more expensive silk better? Is a higher momme number better?
The quality of silk is measured in momme (also written as mommies), and the symbol (mm) is the main unit for calculating the fabric weight.
The momme number is the weight in grams per square meter (grams/square meter).
1 momme (m/m) = 4.3056 grams/square meter
Based on the size and momme number of the fabric, we can calculate its weight.
Assuming you have purchased a 1 square meter piece of silk fabric with 16 momme, then the approximate weight of this fabric is:
16 * 4.3056 = 68.8 grams!
Common momme numbers for silk fabrics are 8MM, 10MM, 12MM, 14MM, 16MM, 19MM, 30MM, etc. Scarves are usually made from silk fabrics with 8-16 momme.
Pyjamas or clothing are usually made from silk fabrics with 16-19 momme.
Bedding is usually made from heavy silk fabrics with 25-30 momme.
The higher the momme number of the silk, the more expensive it is because it weighs more. This is proportional. But more expensive does not always mean better. Only the right one is the right one. If you make a scarf from 30 momme, it will not feel elegant. Thick fabrics are not comfortable to wear.
Such advice can be obtained directly from manufacturers. There, you are not only asked about the cost of a silk scarf, but based on your budget or purpose, you can determine the specific momme weight, thus either lowering or increasing the price.