How much does genuine silk bedding cost — and what determines its price?
Online you can find silk bedding for 15 euros and for 300 euros. Both sellers say it is silk. Both images look equally shiny. So what really lies behind this price difference — and how do you avoid paying too much for exactly what you want?
Why the price of silk varies so much
Silk is not one material — it is a broad spectrum, at one end of which sits a 6-euro polyester satin and at the other a 300-euro 25-momme mulberry silk bedding set. Between them are dozens of variants whose quality, benefits and lifespan differ dramatically.
When you look at the price of silk bedding, it is made up of several very specific factors — and knowing them allows you to understand whether you are paying the right price or overpaying for polyester covered by a label.
Momme — the most important number most people ignore
Momme (abbreviated mm) is the unit of measurement for silk density. The higher the number, the more silk threads in the fabric, and the thicker, more durable and softer the fabric.
On the market you will most often find three groups. The cheapest options — 12–16 momme — are thin, of transparent texture, wear out quickly and are generally not suitable as bedding. They may look beautiful, but begin to tear after a few washes. Middle quality — 19–22 momme — this is standard, general-use silk, suitable for everyday bedding. Firm, soft, with clear benefits for skin and hair. Highest quality — 23–25 momme and above — this is the premium segment chosen by those for whom maximum longevity and appearance matter. It more closely resembles satin gloss and retains its form significantly longer.
Savashome's silk products are made from 22-momme mulberry silk — this is the optimal point between quality and price, where the fabric is thick enough to last a long time and soft enough to deliver all of silk's benefits.
Mulberry vs other silks — the difference you feel
Not all silks are equal. Mulberry silk comes from silkworms that feed exclusively on mulberry tree leaves — this creates uniform, long, strong threads that give the fabric its characteristic lustre and softness. This is the highest silk grade and is stated on the label in most quality silk products.
Tussah or "wild silk" is a cheaper variant from wild silkworms. The threads are shorter, of more uneven texture, the fabric coarser and less shiny. It is not bad — simply different. Tussah silk is often used for decorative textiles but not for bedding where skin contact matters.
An even cheaper category — blended silk, where silk is mixed with cotton, polyester or viscose. Such bedding can cost 30–60 euros but provides only partial silk benefits — and usually loses them after a few washes.
Country of manufacture and certifications
The majority of the world's silk is produced in China and India — this is not in itself a sign of low quality, but it requires checking certifications. The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification means the fabric contains no harmful chemicals — important particularly for those buying silk because of sensitive skin. The GOTS certification confirms an ecological production chain from silkworms to final product.
If a seller does not state the momme number, silk type or certification — this is a signal that the actual composition may differ from "100% silk" on the label.
What quality silk realistically costs
A genuine 19–22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase typically costs between 40 and 80 euros. This is the market price reflecting the cost of the material, the production process and appropriate quality control.
A bedding set (duvet cover and two pillowcases) in 22-momme mulberry silk — from 150 to 300 euros depending on size and manufacturer.
If you see "silk bedding" for 20–40 euros per set — this is almost certainly polyester satin or a low-momme blended fabric. It may shine like silk but lacks its thermoregulation, antibacterial properties and effect on the skin.
What you are really paying for
When buying quality silk bedding, the price reflects several things simultaneously. First — the cost of the raw material. Silk production is labour-intensive: one silkworm produces only about 1 gram of silk thread during its lifetime. Thousands of cocoons are needed for one kilogram of silk. This explains why genuine silk can never cost the same as polyester.
Second — weaving quality. High-momme silk is woven more densely, the process is slower and the equipment more expensive. The price correlates directly with fabric density.
Third — longevity. Quality silk bedding, properly cared for, lasts 5–10 years. Low-quality silk usually starts showing signs of wear after 6–12 months. When calculating the price per year, the difference between a cheap and expensive option often loses its significance.
How to avoid mistakes when buying
Before purchasing it is worth checking four things. The momme number must be stated — if it is not, ask. The composition must read "100% mulberry silk" — not "silky", not "silk-like", not "satin". Certification — OEKO-TEX® or GOTS. And the price — if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
In Savashome's silk bedding collection every product states the exact momme number, silk type and holds an OEKO-TEX® certificate. This is not marketing — it is information you need to have before making your decision.
In summary
Genuine silk bedding costs more than cotton — and that is justified. The price reflects a unique raw material, craftsmanship and properties that no synthetic fabric can replicate. But more important than the price is knowing what you are paying for. The momme number, the silk type and the certification are the three things that separate genuine silk from shiny synthetic — and knowing them allows you to make a decision that every night with that bedding will justify.