Momme [mom-ee] is a Japanese word used as a unit of weight measurement for real silk. Momme, often abbreviated as mm, is defined as the weight in pounds of a piece of fabric sized 45 inches x 100 yards. That is an incredibly long piece of fabric — about the length of a football field! To put it terms closer to the size of sheets: one momme equates to about 4.340 grams per square meter. Eight momme fabric weighs about 1 ounce per square yard or 35 grams per square meter.
The higher the momme, the heavier and denser the weave will be. During the process of silk production, the silk factory will adjust the density and yarn count of the silk thread to control the weight — or momme — of the fabric. With 30 momme charmeuse pillowcase, for example, the weft and warp of the silk fibers are woven closer together than they would be for a 19 momme charmeuse pillowcase. Higher momme silk fabrics are also made with thicker yarn. In this way, momme is similar to thread count, which is commonly used to measure the weave of cotton sheets.
Momme ranges for different Silk Weaves
A quick look at the typical momme (mm) range for common weaves of pure silk can further clarify the meaning:
Anything under 19 momme is considered lightweight silk. 19 momme to 28 momme is considered midweight, with anything above 28 momme is categorized as heavy. When considering a specific weave or type of silk, higher momme is generally considered to be of better quality. Most silk sheets and bedding are made with charmeuse silk, a particular type of weave that allows extra luster and shine on the “front” of the fabric with a dull finish on the back. It is often used for items that don’t require showcasing both front and back of the fabric, such as pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers. Silk Charmeuse bedding made of 30 momme silk will be stronger, smoother, and have a richer luster than that made of 19 momme.
The Importance of Knowing the Momme of Your Silk Products
Most silk accessories — eye masks, scrunchies, pillowcases, and face masks — are made from mid-weight silk ranging between 19 momme and 25 momme. Knowing the momme of your silk sheets can help you choose the fabric weight to suit your style, comfort, and budget.
At June The Six, our silk pillowcases are made from 100% pure mulberry silk charmeuse in weights of 19 – 22 momme. These Charmeuse silks products are soft and lustrous, delivering the ultimate in comfort. With the higher momme products, the silk threads are woven more tightly, making the products more durable and luxurious to the touch. All our products can be machine washed (but please follow the washing instructions).
The Benefits of Silk for Hair and Skin
t’s important to note, however, that pure mulberry silk sheets and pillowcases have wonderful benefits for skin, hair, and health regardless of momme. Along with being the ultimate in luxury, silk redefines the term “beauty sleep” for hair and skin as well as overall wellness:
Silk tames “bed head.” If you wake with a head full of tangles, it’s likely due to friction from your cotton pillowcase. Silk pillowcases let your hair glide across their surface instead of snagging, no matter how much you toss and turn. You’ll get a new morning look: smoother, silkier, and tangle-free. Silk also protects fragile or newly regrown hair from breakage.
Silk keeps hair and skin moisturized. Cotton is absorbent and pulls moisture from hair and skin while you sleep. Silk is protein-based and helps hair and skin retain precious moisture.
Silk minimizes “sleep wrinkles.” Cotton pillowcases tug and pull at delicate facial skin, leaving it creased and wrinkled. Over time, those lines can become permanent. Silk greatly reduces that friction; minimizes the incidence of sleep wrinkles; and slows the damage they cause.
Silk helps regulate body temperature. When you sweat, silk wicks away moisture and keeps you cool. In cold weather, silk creates a thin insulated layer that maintains warmth. It’s the ideal fabric for year-round comfort.
Silk is healthful. Silk is hypoallergenic and non-irritating. It’s gentle on even the most sensitive or acne-prone skin. Silk is also naturally resistant to mold, dust, and mites.
Silk is luxurious. No fabric on earth can compare to the look, comfort, and indulgent feel of silk. Sleeping on silk is a luxury like no other.
With that said, higher momme sheets are more densely woven, which means a greater concentration of silk thread; a richer luster; and an overall softer feel. We believe they are a worthwhile investment in your health, beauty, and sleep!
Where to Find the Best Silk Fabric
When it comes to silk, quality is everything. At June The Six, all of our products are made from 100 percent, long-strand mulberry silk, which is widely recognized as the finest on Earth. Our Grade 6A silk from cocoons of a specific species of silkworm — Bombyx mori — whose diet consists of mulberry leaves. The environment of these silkworms is carefully controlled and monitored to allow the larvae to spin threads finer, smoother, and more consistently colored than any other.
The silk fabric used for our sheets and pillowcases is also OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals. This global testing and accreditation program sets the standards for the screening of harmful substances in consumer textiles and ensures that the silk products that you bring into your home are safe, natural and healthy.
June The Six: Accessible and Affordable Luxury Silk
We founded June The Six with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price. And we’ve done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our sheets and pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals.