If you've ever shopped for bed sheets, you've probably encountered the term "thread count" and wondered what it really means. And if you're considering a silk pillowcase, you might be asking yourself whether thread count matters for silk, too. This article from Mulberry Park Silks demystifies thread count and explains why it doesn't "count" at all for silk fabric.
Key Takeaways
- Thread count doesn’t apply to silk bedding — Unlike cotton, silk is measured by momme weight, which reflects both fabric density and durability.
- Momme is the true measure of silk quality — Silk pillowcases are typically offered in 19, 22, and 30 momme weights, with higher momme providing a thicker, longer-lasting fabric.
- All momme weights deliver silk’s core benefits — Whether you choose 19, 22, or 30 momme, you’ll enjoy silk’s gentle, hypoallergenic surface that helps prevent hair breakage and skin creases.
- Mulberry Park Silks offers three premium options — Choose from 19 momme (lightweight and affordable), 22 momme (our signature balance of softness and strength), or 30 momme (our most indulgent and durable).
- Our silk is always 100% pure Grade 6A mulberry — Charmeuse woven, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, and handcrafted with French seams for unmatched beauty and safety.
- Silk care is simple and sustainable — All our pillowcases are machine washable using gentle detergent and a mesh laundry bag for lasting luxury.
What is Sheet Thread Count? The Basics:
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of woven fabric. It's calculated by adding together the horizontal threads (called the weft) and the vertical threads (called the warp). So if a cotton fabric has 100 horizontal threads and 100 vertical threads per square inch, you get a thread count of 200.
For years, higher thread count has been marketed as synonymous with better quality cotton sheets. The logic seems simple: more threads should mean a denser, softer, more durable fabric. But here's where it gets tricky - when evaluating the best sheets, thread count alone doesn't tell the whole story, even for cotton.
Why Thread Count Can Be Misleading
The quality of any sheet depends on much more than just the number of threads. In fact, the type of cotton fiber, the quality of the yarn, and how the fabric is woven and finished all play crucial roles. You could have 200-thread-count sheets made from premium Egyptian cotton that feel infinitely better than a high thread count sheet made from inferior cotton.
Some manufacturers even inflate their thread count numbers by using multi-ply yarns (multiple strands twisted together) and counting each strand separately. This creates artificially high thread counts that don't reflect actual quality. A sheet advertised as 600 thread count might actually be 300 thread count made with two-ply yarn.
Learn Why Thread Count Doesn't Apply to Silk
Now, here's where silk pillowcases and silk sheets are completely different. Thread count simply doesn't apply to silk fabric because silk is measured using an entirely different system. While cotton sheets rely on thread count, silk uses a measurement called "momme" (pronounced "mom-ee").
This isn't just a technicality - it's because silk and cotton are fundamentally different materials with different properties. Silk fibers are naturally longer, smoother, and finer than cotton fibers. The way silk is woven and the characteristics that make it luxurious can't be captured by counting threads per square inch.
In an article from Wired Magazine entitled, High Thread Count Doesn't Really Matter, our Associate Brand Manager, Zoe Doyle, discusses the nuances of momme.
“Silk momme actually takes both weight and density of the weave into consideration,” explains Doyle. “Momme is calculated by the weight of a 100-yard length of silk that is 45 inches wide,” she says. “If 100 yards of silk fabric at 45 inches wide weighs 19 lbs, it is considered 19 momme.”
— Zoe Doyle, Associate Brand Manager at Mulberry Park Silks
So, if you're shopping for a silk pillowcase, look for momme weight instead of thread count.
Understanding Momme: The Right Way to Measure Silk
Momme is a Japanese unit of measurement that indicates the weight and density of silk fabric. Specifically, it's defined as the weight in pounds of a piece of silk measuring 45 inches by 100 yards. To put it in more relatable terms, one momme equals about 4.34 grams per square meter.
The higher the momme count, the heavier and denser the silk fabric will be. During silk production, manufacturers control the momme by adjusting how densely the silk threads are woven together. Various momme is established using thicker or thinner silk yarn.
Most silk bedding falls into these categories:
- Under 20 momme: Lighter weight, cooler silk
- 20-28 momme: Mid-weight silk is good for most purposes
- Above 28 momme: Heavy-weight silk that is thick and indulgent
Choosing the Perfect Momme Weight Silk Pillowcase
When it comes to silk pillowcases, you'll typically find options ranging from 19 to 30 momme. At Mulberry Park Silks, we offer three distinct momme weights, each designed for different preferences and budgets.
19 Momme Silk Pillowcase: Your Gateway to Silk
Our 19 momme silk pillowcase is the perfect entry point for anyone new to silk. It's our most affordable option while still delivering all the incredible benefits silk is known for - preventing hair tangles and breakage, helping skin retain moisture, and minimizing sleep wrinkles.
This lighter-weight silk has a beautiful feel and offers excellent value. While it contains less silk than higher momme weights, it's still luxurious and beneficial for your hair and skin. At Mulberry Park Silks, even our 19 momme pillowcases are composed of Grade 6A mulberry silk and are available in six gorgeous color options, making it an ideal first silk pillowcase.
22 Momme Silk Pillowcase: The Sweet Spot for our Signature Silk
Our 22 momme silk pillowcase represents the perfect balance of luxury, durability, and value. This weight contains 16% more silk than the 19 momme option, resulting in a tighter weave and enhanced durability while remaining affordable.
The 22 momme weight is the same as our most popular sheet sets, making it easy to coordinate your entire bedding collection. With seven color options available, you can easily match your pillowcase to your sheets for a cohesive, elegant look.
30 Momme Silk Pillowcase: Ultimate Luxury
For the ultimate indulgence, our 30 momme silk pillowcase is unmatched. With 58% more silk than the 19 momme option, this is our most premium pillowcase. The extra density creates the tightest weave and uses the thickest silk strands, resulting in exceptional durability and the richest, most luxurious feel.
New to Silk?
Not Sure Which Momme is Best?
New to Silk?
Not Sure Which Momme is Best?
Get All the Benefits, Regardless of Momme
Here's the beautiful thing about our pure mulberry silk pillowcases: regardless of which momme weight you choose, you'll experience all of silk's incredible benefits. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. It helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night, keeping you cool when it's warm and providing insulation when it's cool.
Your hair and skin will thank you, too. Unlike cotton pillowcases that can cause friction and lead to tangles and breakage, silk allows your hair to glide smoothly as you move during sleep. You'll wake up with less frizz, fewer tangles, and healthier-looking hair over time. Silk also helps prevent wrinkle formation on your face while you sleep.
Caring for Your Silk Pillowcase
Regardless of which momme weight you choose, caring for your silk pillowcase is simpler than you might think. All of our silk pillowcases are hand- or machine washable - just turn them inside out, place them in a mesh laundry bag, and use a gentle cycle with cool water and silk-specific detergent.
Shop Mulberry Park Silks: Your Best Silk Pillowcase
When shopping for silk pillowcases or a silk sheet set, forget about thread count entirely. Instead, focus on the momme weight to understand the quality and characteristics of the silk. Whether you choose our 19, 22, or 30 momme option, you're investing in better sleep, healthier hair, and more beautiful skin. The "best" momme weight is the one that fits your preferences and budget. Even our lightest 19 momme option delivers all of silk's renowned benefits - the higher momme weights simply offer increased durability and luxury feel.
You can trust the quality and value of our silk pillowcase and bedding collections. We use 100 percent pure mulberry silk of the highest grade, 6A, in a lustrous charmeuse weave and a variety of momme weights. Our silk is naturally hypoallergenic, but we've taken the extra step of having it OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified for safety. Unlike many other silk pillowcase companies, we are USA-based, with headquarters, warehouse, and customer service division located in Branford, CT.
Ready to experience the difference a silk pillowcase can make? Consider starting with our 22 momme option for the perfect balance of quality, luxury, and value. Your hair and skin will thank you every morning. Our team of silk specialists is here at Mulberry Park Silks, ready to answer questions and offer recommendations. We'd love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Count
How does thread count work for cotton sheets compared to silk?
For cotton sheets, thread count measures how many threads are woven into each square inch. A good thread count for cotton typically ranges from 200-400, though the best cotton sheets often focus more on fiber quality than high thread count numbers. Egyptian cotton sheets, percale sheets, and sateen sheets all use thread count as a quality indicator, but the weave matters just as much. A percale weave creates crisp, breathable sheets perfect for hot sleepers, while a sateen weave produces a silky, lustrous finish. However, thread count doesn't matter for silk because silk uses the momme measurement system instead.
What's the difference between cotton pillowcase and silk pillowcase benefits?
A cotton pillowcase can cause friction that leads to frizzy hair, tangles, and sleep wrinkles, especially for those with delicate or acne-prone skin. Silk pillowcases are gentler and help prevent hair breakage while allowing skin to retain moisture throughout the night. Dermatologists often recommend silk for sensitive skin because it's naturally hypoallergenic and less likely to harbor bacteria that can contribute to breakouts.
How do I wash my silk pillowcase properly?
You can wash silk pillowcases in your washing machine using cold water or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. While hand washing is always an option, machine washing is perfectly safe when done correctly. Place your pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag, turn it inside out, and use silk-specific products designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh detergents and never use hot water, which can damage the silk fibers.
What sizes are available for silk pillowcases?
Most silk pillowcases come in standard, queen, and king sizes to fit your pillow perfectly. At Mulberry Park Silks, we offer all three sizes across our different momme weights, so you can find the right fit whether you sleep on a standard pillow or need a king-size option.
Is silk better than satin for pillowcases?
Pure silk pillowcases are superior to satin alternatives. While satin can be made from silk, it's often made from polyester or other synthetic materials that don't offer the same benefits. Real silk provides better temperature regulation, is more breathable, and offers superior hair and skin benefits compared to polyester satin alternatives.
Are expensive options always better for pillowcases?
Not necessarily. While premium options like our 30 momme silk pillowcases offer exceptional luxury, even our more affordable 19 momme option provides all the essential benefits of silk. The best choice depends on your budget and preferences. Quality silk pillowcases are an investment, but you don't need the most expensive options to experience significant improvements in your hair and skin health.
How do silk pillowcases compare to popular brands?
When comparing silk pillowcases, focus on momme weight, silk grade, and certifications rather than brand names alone. Look for 100% pure mulberry silk that's Oeko-Tex certified to ensure you're getting safe, high-quality products. Many options are available through various retailers, but the key is understanding what makes quality silk rather than just comparing prices or brand recognition. We proudly welcome comparisons of our silk pillowcase to other premium brands like Slip or a Blissy silk pillowcase.
Does thread count matter for any type of bedding?
Thread count does matter for cotton bedding, but it's just one factor among many. When shopping for cotton sheets, a sateen sheet might have a higher thread count than percale, but that doesn't automatically make it better - it just means it has a different feel and characteristics. The best approach is to consider thread count alongside fiber quality, weave type, and personal preferences. However, for silk sheets, thread count doesn't apply at all since silk uses the momme measurement system.
Why don't higher thread count sheets apply to silk?
Higher thread count sheet sets work differently than silk because cotton and silk are fundamentally different materials. While cotton sheet quality can be influenced by thread count (along with factors like long staple cotton and weave type), silk quality is determined by momme weight, silk grade, and fiber purity. A high thread count cotton sheet might have 400-600 threads per square inch, but this measurement system simply doesn't translate to silk fabric construction.
Can silk pillowcases help with wrinkles and hair problems?
Yes! Silk's smooth surface reduces friction that causes both facial wrinkles and hair damage. The slippery texture allows your hair and skin to glide across the surface throughout the night, preventing the tugging and pulling that leads to sleep wrinkles and frizzy hair. This makes silk particularly beneficial for those who wake up with tangled or damaged hair from tossing and turning.
How long do quality silk pillowcases last?
Quality silk pillowcases, especially higher momme weights, can last for years with proper care. The durability depends on the silk grade, momme weight, and how well you maintain it. Our 30 momme options offer the longest lifespan due to their dense weave and thick silk strands, while even our 19 momme pillowcases provide excellent value when cared for properly. Regular washing with appropriate products and gentle handling will extend the life of any silk pillowcase significantly.
