Silk is a natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. It is composed mainly of fibroin, a protein that certain types of insect larvae secrete to make cocoons. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity. Silk is produced by several insects, but generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. The silk production process begins with the cultivation of silkworms and ends with the extraction of silk threads from the cocoons. The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fiber, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors. Some properties of silk fabric include:
- Composition: Silk fabric is comprised of fibers created by the silkworm insect.
- Thread count variations: Silk fabric can have up to 600 thread counts, but momme count is more important.
- Breathability: Silk fabric is highly breathable.
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Silk fabric has high moisture-wicking abilities.
- Heat retention abilities: Silk fabric has low heat retention abilities.
- Stretchability (give): Silk fabric has low stretchability.
- Prone to pilling/bubbling: Silk fabric is low prone to pilling/bubbling.
- Commonly used in: Nightgowns, lingerie, robes, eveningwear, blouses, suits, sport coats, curtains, pillow ruffles, parachutes, bicycle tires, medical dressings.
In summary, silk is made of natural protein fibers known as fibroin, which are produced by silkworms.
