Why Choose Mulberry Silk?

The Byserata Material Guide

Why does mulberry silk feel so special? The answer begins with the fiber itself—and continues through the way it is woven, finished, and cared for.

What is mulberry silk?

Mulberry silk comes from the cocoon of the Bombyx mori silkworm, which is raised on mulberry leaves. Unlike a short staple fiber that must be spun together, silk begins as a long natural filament. Its structural protein, fibroin, is wrapped in another protein called sericin in the raw cocoon; processing removes much of the sericin to reveal the soft fiber used in textiles. [1] [2]

That natural origin is only part of the story. A finished garment's feel also depends on its weave, weight, cut, lining and any other fibers in the fabric.

Why choose it for the moments closest to you?

1. A smooth, fluid touch

Fine silk filaments can be made into fabrics that feel smooth and drape gently over the body. A satin weave can heighten that fluidity and soft surface shine, which is why silk charmeuse is often chosen for slip dresses and sleepwear. Weave matters: different silk fabrics do not all feel or look the same. [3]

2. A fiber that takes up moisture

Silk is an absorbent natural fiber. The FAO's silk testing manual uses an 11% standard moisture-regain coefficient for raw silk; the value for a finished fabric can differ with processing and conditions. This helps explain why silk can feel comfortable against skin, but it does not mean every silk garment is automatically cool or temperature-regulating. Fabric thickness, weave, fit, humidity and personal preference all matter. [1] [4]

3. Lightness with a considered glow

Silk can be lightweight while retaining a graceful fall. In a satin weave, longer yarn floats reflect light and help create the familiar soft sheen. It is a versatile look: a simple slip dress can feel relaxed at home and refined when styled for the day. [3] [4]

Silk is a fiber. Satin is a weave.

A satin finish does not, by itself, tell you what a garment is made from. Satin weaves can use silk, polyester or other fibers. Look at the material composition on the product page: 100% silk and a silk blend describe different fabrics, each with its own feel and care needs. Byserata's current collection uses 100% mulberry silk as its main fabric; check each product page for details of that specific piece. [3]

How to care for silk

Start with the care label on your particular garment. Some silk pieces require professional cleaning. If yours is labeled washable, handle it gently with cool water and a detergent suitable for delicate silk; avoid twisting or scrubbing, and dry it away from strong sun or heat. Let perfume or deodorant dry before dressing, and blot spills instead of rubbing. Silk's beauty comes with a little care. [5] [4]