If you have shopped for a silk pillowcase, you have probably seen a number followed by the word momme: 16 momme, 19 momme, 22 momme. It is the single most useful number on the label, and it is the one most people have never been told how to read. This guide explains what momme means, how 16, 19 and 22 momme silk differ, why we only stock 22 momme at SILK.co.za, and how to make sure the silk you are buying is the real thing.
What Is Momme?
Momme, abbreviated mm, is a Japanese unit used to measure the weight of silk fabric. It tells you how much silk is packed into the cloth, so it is a measure of density. One momme is roughly 4.3 grams per square metre. That puts 16 momme at roughly 69 grams per square metre, 19 momme at roughly 82, and 22 momme at roughly 95.
Momme is not the same as thread count, which is used for cotton. For silk, momme is the number to look at.
16 Momme Silk
16 momme is a genuine silk weight, and it is the lightest of the three. It has a fine, fluid feel and drapes softly. It is often used for budget silk pillowcases and travel cases. A lighter fabric needs gentle handling to keep it looking its best.
19 Momme Silk
19 momme sits in the middle. It is more substantial than 16 momme while keeping the soft, smooth drape of silk. It is a common weight for everyday silk pillowcases.
22 Momme Silk
22 momme is the densest of the three and is the weight most often associated with premium silk pillowcases and silk bedding. It has a rich, substantial feel. A denser fabric generally holds up better to nightly use and repeated washing, provided it is cared for properly, and it is also less sheer.
Why We Only Stock 22 Momme
At SILK.co.za we made a deliberate choice: every pillowcase we sell is 22 momme, 100% mulberry silk. We do not sell a good, better, best range, because a pillowcase is something you sleep on every night, and for nightly use we believe density matters.
- One standard of quality. You never have to wonder whether the cheaper option is the right one. Whatever size or colour you choose, the silk weight is the same.
- Built for nightly use. A denser silk is better suited to the daily wear and regular washing a pillowcase goes through.
- A more substantial feel. 22 momme has the weight and richness people expect when they think of luxury silk.
- A better gift. Our gift sets are made with the same weight, so what you give is what you would choose for yourself.
Lighter weights such as 16 and 19 momme are real silk, and they may suit you if you specifically want a very light fabric or a low cost travel case. We simply do not stock them. Our focus is a single premium weight, done well.
What Does 6A Grade Mean?
Momme measures weight, while grade describes the quality of the raw silk fibre. 6A is the highest grade commonly used in the silk trade, and it refers to the length, evenness and cleanliness of the fibres. A pillowcase that states both its momme and its grade tells you more than one that gives neither, so ask any seller for both numbers.
How to Spot Real Silk
Because silk is expensive, imitations are common. These checks help you avoid them.
- Read the fibre content. Look for 100% mulberry silk. Silk blend, silky or silk feel do not mean the product is silk.
- Look for a stated momme weight. Real silk pillowcases usually tell you the weight. If a listing mentions silk but never gives a momme number, ask why.
- Check the price. If a price is far below what comparable silk costs, the fabric is probably polyester satin. Our silk vs satin guide explains the difference.
- Feel the fabric. Real silk warms to your skin and feels smooth but not plasticky. Polyester satin often feels slick and does not warm up in the same way.
- Use a burn test on a loose thread only. Hold a single loose thread with tweezers over a sink, away from anything flammable. Silk burns slowly, tends to go out by itself, smells like burnt hair and leaves a soft ash that crumbles. Polyester melts, drips, smells chemical and leaves a hard bead. Never test the pillowcase itself.
Sizes and Care
Standard South African pillows take a 45x70cm pillowcase, and king size pillows take 52x90cm. Our size guide has the detail. To keep your silk looking its best, follow the advice in our silk care and washing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does momme mean?
Momme is a unit that measures the weight and density of silk fabric. One momme is roughly 4.3 grams per square metre, so a higher momme means more silk in the fabric.
What momme are SILK.co.za pillowcases?
Every SILK.co.za pillowcase is 22 momme, 100% mulberry silk. We do not stock lighter weights.
Is 22 momme better than 19 momme?
22 momme is denser and generally more durable than 19 momme, which makes it well suited to nightly use. It also costs more, so the better choice depends on your priorities.
Is 16 momme silk good enough for a pillowcase?
Yes. 16 momme is a genuine silk weight with a light, fluid feel. It is lighter than 19 and 22 momme and needs gentle handling, which is why we focus on 22 momme for nightly use.
What is the best momme for a silk pillowcase?
22 momme is widely regarded as a premium weight for silk pillowcases, with a dense, substantial feel suited to nightly use. Lighter weights such as 16 and 19 momme are also genuine silk.
What does 6A mean for silk?
6A is the highest grade commonly used in the silk trade for raw silk fibre, based on length, evenness and cleanliness.
How do I know if a silk pillowcase is real?
Look for 100% mulberry silk on the label, a stated momme weight and a realistic price. Terms like silk feel or silky do not guarantee real silk.
Sleep on 22 Momme Silk
Browse our 22 momme, 100% mulberry silk pillowcases at SILK.co.za and choose the size that suits your pillows.