What does momme mean and how do you choose the right silk weight?

2026 09 22

When choosing a silk pillowcase, silk bedding or a sleep mask, you will often come across numbers such as 16, 18, 22 or 25 momme. At first glance, this may sound quite technical, but momme is actually one of the most important measurements for understanding the density, weight and overall feel of silk.

However, a higher momme number does not automatically mean that a particular product is better. It depends on how the silk will be used, the kind of feel you prefer, and how important lightness, durability or a more luxurious drape are to you.

What is momme?

Momme, often abbreviated as mm, is a traditional unit used to measure the weight of silk fabric.

Simply put, momme indicates how dense and heavy the silk fabric is. The higher the number, the more silk fibre has been used in the fabric.

For example:

16 momme silk is lighter and thinner;
18–22 momme silk has a medium density;
25 momme and above is heavier, denser and more substantial.

It is somewhat similar to fabric weight or GSM, although momme is the traditional measurement used specifically for silk.

Does a higher momme mean better silk?

Not always.

A high momme number tells you about the density of the fabric, but it does not tell you everything about its quality. The quality of silk also depends on the fibre itself, the type of silk, the weaving method, finishing and the quality of the stitching.

For example, high-quality 18 momme Mulberry silk may be a better choice than thicker silk of lower quality.

It is therefore important not to focus only on the number on the label, but to consider the full product description.

What is the difference between different momme weights?

12–16 momme

This is relatively light and thin silk. It can feel very pleasant and soft and may drape beautifully, but it is generally less resistant to intensive everyday use.

Silk of this weight is more commonly used for clothing, scarves and lightweight accessories.

It can be suitable for bedding or pillowcases if you prefer an especially light fabric, although a slightly higher density is often chosen for long-term use.

18 momme

18 momme is one of the most popular choices for silk pillowcases, sleep masks and lightweight silk bedding.

This type of silk remains:

lightweight;
soft;
pleasant against the skin;
beautifully draping.

At the same time, it is dense enough for everyday use.

For this reason, 18 momme is often considered a very practical balance between comfort, softness and price.

19–22 momme

Silk in this range is slightly heavier and more durable.

It often looks more luxurious and has a little more weight, allowing the fabric to drape beautifully over a bed or pillow.

22 momme silk is often chosen by people looking for a more durable and substantial fabric without wanting the silk to feel too heavy.

It is particularly popular for premium silk pillowcases.

25 momme and above

25 momme silk is relatively dense and heavy.

It usually:

feels more substantial;
is less transparent;
has more weight;
may be more resistant to wear.

However, not everyone prefers such a heavy fabric.

If your main priority is very lightweight, soft and barely noticeable silk, a very high momme count may not necessarily be the best choice.

What momme is best for a silk pillowcase?

For a silk pillowcase, around 18–22 momme is most commonly recommended.

Within this range, the fabric is dense enough while still maintaining the characteristic lightness and softness of silk.

18 momme is often preferred by those who want a lighter and softer fabric.

22 momme can be a good choice if greater density and a more substantial feel are more important to you.

It is also worth remembering that your pillowcase remains in contact with your face and hair for many hours while you sleep. For this reason, not only the thickness but also the smoothness and softness of the fabric surface matter.

What momme is best for silk bedding?

For silk bedding, around 19–25 momme is commonly chosen.

A slightly higher density can be useful because bedding is exposed to more friction and more frequent washing than, for example, a sleep mask.

However, very dense silk will also feel heavier.

If you prefer especially lightweight bedding, around 19–22 momme may suit you well.

If you want a more substantial fabric with a heavier drape, you may prefer 25 momme.

What about sleep masks and silk hair ties?

For accessories like these, there is usually no need to choose an especially high momme weight.

The most important thing is that the fabric feels soft and comfortable.

For a sleep mask, 18–22 momme silk is generally more than sufficient.

For silk hair ties, thickness is also not the most important factor. The way the hair tie is made, the amount of silk used and its overall construction often matter more.

Why is 18 momme so popular?

18 momme can be considered one of the most versatile silk weights.

It is neither too thin nor particularly heavy.

Silk of this density is often chosen because it:

feels pleasant against the skin;
remains lightweight;
looks elegant;
is suitable for everyday use;
usually costs less than 22 or 25 momme silk.

This is exactly why 18 momme silk is particularly popular for pillowcases. The SAVAS Home silk collection also uses 18 momme Mulberry silk, valued for its lightness, softness and everyday comfort.

Does thicker silk last longer?

A denser fabric can often be more resistant to mechanical wear.

However, the lifespan of silk depends greatly on how it is cared for.

Even 25 momme silk can quickly lose its appearance if it is washed at the wrong temperature, exposed to harsh detergents or dried in a hot tumble dryer.

Properly cared-for 18 momme silk, on the other hand, can last for a long time.

That is why it is worth checking the care instructions when buying silk.

Momme is not the only indicator of quality

This is important to remember.

Sometimes shoppers see “25 momme” and immediately assume that the product must be of the highest possible quality.

However, there are other factors worth considering.

Type of silk

One of the most highly valued types is Mulberry silk, produced by silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves.

Its fibres are usually long, smooth and uniform.

Silk composition

If you are looking for genuine silk, check that the product composition states 100% silk.

The word “satin” does not automatically mean silk. Satin is a type of weave, which means satin fabric can also be made from polyester.

Fabric finishing

The surface of the fabric is also important.

Good-quality silk should feel smooth, soft and pleasant to the touch, but it does not need to be extremely shiny.

Genuine silk often has a subtle, natural lustre.

Which momme should you choose?

If you want a simple guideline, you can use the following:

For pillowcases:
18–22 momme.

For bedding:
19–25 momme.

For sleep masks:
18–22 momme.

For hair accessories:
momme is not the most important factor – pay more attention to the quality of the silk and the construction of the product.

Is it worth paying more for a higher momme?

It depends on what you are looking for.

If you want a denser, heavier and more substantial fabric, a higher momme may be worth the extra cost.

However, if lightness, softness and comfort matter most to you, there is no need to choose the highest number.

For many people, high-quality 18–22 momme silk is more than sufficient for everyday use.

Final thoughts

Momme helps you understand how dense and heavy silk fabric is, but it is not the only factor worth considering.

When choosing a silk product, it is better to look at the complete picture: the type of silk, composition, momme weight, construction and care requirements.

If you are buying a silk pillowcase for the first time, 18 momme is a very versatile choice – dense enough for everyday use while still retaining the qualities silk is valued for: lightness, smoothness and a pleasant feel.