Choosing the right silk bedding may be tricky. Tricky, but so important.
Buy the wrong quilt or bed sheets and your good night's sleep could be interrupted repeatedly. You'll wake up from overheating or shivering, your skin can become dry, or your allergies worsen.
With only a few brick-and-mortar stores offering silk quilts and silk bed sheets, you'll likely buy silk bedding online without seeing and touching it.
In this blog post, we'll dig into the nitty-gritty details like the type and grade of silk, the fancy term "momme weight", how the price compares to other bedding options, and what to consider when shopping for silk bedding online.
Let's dive in.
Quality
When it comes to the quality of silk bedding, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind:
Silk Type and Grade
There are numerous types and grades of silk, but only a few are suitable for bedding.
Make sure the bedding you buy is made from 100% 6A Grade Mulberry silk - the highest quality silk in the world.
Its fibres are smoother, stronger, and more uniformly coloured than any other variety of silk, offering that gorgeous, lustrous shine you're after.
Beware! If a product description, whether a silk quilt or silk bed sheets, doesn't say "100% 6A Grade Mulberry silk", it is, most definitely, made with lower-quality silk.
Momme Weight
Another quality criterion to consider is "momme weight" - a measurement of the weight of the silk (essentially its density), similar to thread count in cotton bedding.
Momme weight is determined by the silk type and can vary from 5 to 30.
Generally, lower momme weights indicate lighter and more delicate silk, and higher momme weights signify a denser and more substantial fabric.
This isn't something you'd know or can calculate yourself, so remember to check the manufacturer's labels. When shopping for silk bedding, look for a momme weight greater than 14, ideally 19-22 (more on silk bedding weight below).
You can find bedding with a higher momme (25 or even 30), but it will cost you much more for a relatively similar quality product - you'll hardly feel the difference.
Furthermore, the higher the momme, the heavier the bedding, so if you are a hot sleeper or prefer lightweight covers, 19 momme is the ideal weight.
Here at Silky U, we believe that 19 momme weight silk fabric has the optimal balance of strength, sheen, and affordability, so all our bedding is made from 6A Grade Mulberry silk with a momme weight of 19.
Certification
Make sure the silk bedding you buy has an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification - a globally recognised certification system for textile products.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified silk bedding:
- meets the highest standards for both safety and performance
- is free from any chemicals that could harm your health
- is produced using environmentally responsible practices
Size
Australian bedding sizes are different from European and American sizes.
Remember to check sizes when purchasing silk bedding online, as some offshore retailers sell silk bedding in Australia.
Refer to the table below for Australian bedding sizes (in cm).
| Single | K Single | Double | Queen | King | Super King | |
| Quilts | 140x210 | NA | 180x210 | 210x210 | 245x210 | 270x240 |
| Quilt Covers | 140x210 | NA | 180x210 | 210x210 | 245x210 | 270x240 |
| Flat Sheets | 195x275 | 220x275 | 240x275 | 260x275 | 285x275 | 330x300 |
| Fitted Sheets* | 91x190 | 108x203 | 137x190 | 152x203 | 182x203 | 203x203 |
| Pillowcases | NA | NA | NA | 48x74 | 48x92 | NA |
*) It is worth noting that the standard depth of single, king single, and double fitted sheets is 40cm, while the depth of queen, king, and super king fitted sheets may vary between 40cm and 50cm. Therefore, we recommend checking your mattress dimensions before purchasing bed linen.
Warmth/Weight
Silk bedding has unmatched natural temperature-regulating properties and is typically available in different thicknesses, ranging from lightweight to heavier options.
When shopping for the weight and warmth of silk bedding, it's essential to consider your sleeping preferences, the climate you live in, and the specific season you're purchasing for.
Bed Sheets
Are you a hot sleeper (or live in an area with a hot climate) seeking a lightweight and breathable option? In this case, silk bed sheets with a lower momme weight, around 19-22, will provide a better sleep experience, keeping you cool all night long.
On the other hand, if you are buying silk bed linen for added weight, consider opting for a higher momme, around 22-30. The additional weight will provide insulation and a cosy feel, making it ideal for cooler seasons or if you tend to get chilly during the night.
Quilts
When it comes to silk quilts, warmth is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you live in a region with distinct seasons or if you tend to have different temperature preferences throughout the year.
The warmth of a quilt is measured by its GSM (grams per square meter). The table below breaks down silk quilts' different weight and warmth options.
| Size | Warmth | Weight (GSM*) |
Temp. (C°) |
Actual Weight (KG) | |
| Tencel | Cotton | ||||
| Queen | Summer | 150 | 17-25 | 2.0 | 2.6 |
| King | 2.3 | 3.0 | |||
| Super King | 2.9 | 3.7 | |||
| Queen | All Season | 300 | 14-20 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| King | 3.1 | 3.8 | |||
| Super King | 3.9 | 4.7 | |||
*) GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre
Here is an example of how critical a quilt's warmth is.
Recently, two customers bought our All Season quilt with a removable cotton cover (300 GSM). One lives in VIC, and the second in NSW; both absolutely loved their new quilts.
However, the Melbournian felt a bit cold, so she purchased a Summer quilt (150 GSM), pulled out the silk filling, and put it in the cotton cover of the All Season quilt she initially purchased. Two silk filling in the same cover with a combined weight of 450 GSM works great for her.
On the other hand, the New South Welshman said that the All Season quilt is perfect for winter, but he and his wife think it would be too hot for summer, so they also bought a Summer quilt to use in warmer months.
Design
Design plays a significant role in the functionality and aesthetic appeal of silk bedding. It caters to both functionality and style preferences.
- Do you prefer pillowcases with an envelope-style or a zip closure?
- Standard bed linen or shams?
- Buttons or a zip closure on your quilt cover?
Each option has its merits, and the choice depends on your desire for a seamless look or the flexibility to change your bedding's appearance.
Let's look at the design of silk quilts.
Here at Silky U, we manufacture silk quilts with two cover choices - TENCEL and cotton.
Quilts with a TENCEL cover are the lightest on the Australian market and are ideal for hot sleepers. The exceptional properties of TENCEL make these quilts a must for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Please note the TENCEL cover is not removable.
Quilts with a cotton cover, on the other hand, are more suitable for people with dry skin. Their uniqueness is that the cotton cover can be easily removed and washed separately.
Ultimately, the designs available in silk bedding allow you to curate a luxurious and comfortable sleep space that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle.
Price
Silk bedding might come with a higher price tag than other options, but it's most definitely worth the splurge.
Here are just a few reasons why:
- Quality and Comfort: Silk offers a luxurious experience like no other bedding material. Picture yourself sinking into a cloud of silky goodness. That's exactly how it feels to snuggle up under a silk quilt. The smoothness against your skin is pure bliss!
- Health Benefits: Silk bedding is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, it'll help you sleep peacefully without any sneezes or sniffles and keep your bed clean and hygienic.
- Better Sleep: Silk bedding has some serious sleep benefits. It keeps you cool in the summer and cosy in the winter, wicks away moisture, and is gentle on your skin and hair. It's like a fancy spa treatment for your sleep routine!
- Longevity: With proper care, silk bedding will last for many years, longer than other quilts that may require more frequent replacement.
- Elegance: Silk bedding oozes elegance. Its timeless beauty and high quality craftsmanship add a touch of sophistication to any bedroom.
As a general guide, you should pay around the $1,000 mark for a 4-piece Queen bedding set and $350-450 for a Queen quilt. Bigger sizes will obviously cost you more.
Lower prices indicate that the silk bedding is manufactured from lower quality silk. And although it may look like you are "saving" by buying it cheap, in the long run, you end up paying more - low quality silks will never have the durability of high quality silk.
Buying Silk Bedding Online
Purchasing silk bedding online offers convenience and accessibility. Consider the following factors to ensure a smooth buying experience:
- Reputable Retailers: Choose reputable online stores specialising in silk bedding. Read the About Us page, check contact information, and look for certifications and transparent information about their products. Calling the company you are purchasing from might also be a good idea.
- Product Descriptions: Thoroughly read product descriptions to understand the silk type, momme weight, and other specifications to ensure they align with your preferences.
- Shipping: Check if the retailer offers reliable and trackable shipping options. Look for information on shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
- Returns: Understand the store's return policy, including any specific requirements for returning silk bedding. Ensure they offer a reasonable return timeframe, as silk bedding is a personal item that must be carefully chosen - due to Australian hygiene standards, it can't be exchanged.
- Warranty: Look for information on warranty, which protects against defects or premature wear. Keep in mind that 1) only a few Australian online retailers offer a warranty, and 2) it's usually for a short time.
- Customer Reviews: Reading customer reviews provides valuable insights and real-life experiences from people who have already used the product. They offer an authentic glimpse into the purchased goods' quality, performance, and overall satisfaction, helping you make well-informed decisions.
At Silky U, we offer free shipping on all orders, 30-day returns, an unmatched 3-year warranty, and have numerous 5-star reviews from happy customers.
Additional Considerations
We're almost there! Here are a couple of extra aspects to think about when buying silk bedding:
- Colour Options: Have fun exploring the variety of colours available. Find something that matches your personal taste and bedroom decor. You deserve to snooze in style!
- Care Instructions: Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the care instructions. Silk bedding needs some extra TLC to maintain its quality and keep it looking fabulous.
Our Recommendations
So, what is the best combination of price, quality, and other characteristics for silk bedding?
We recommend you buy silk bedding:
- made from 100% 6A Grade Mulberry silk
- with a momme weight of 19
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- with free shipping and returns
- with a sound warranty (1 month is not a warranty, really)
- ideal for your sleeping preferences and skin condition
- from a trusted company
And if you have any questions about what silk bedding to buy and where from, call us on 1300 745 598 (8 am – 6 pm, Mon-Fri), book a phone call with us at your convenience, or email our support team.
