The Ultimate Guide to Mulberry Silk: From Cocoon to Kimono

When you slip into a silk robe, you're not just wearing a garment—you're experiencing a material that's been treasured for over 4,000 years. Among all silk types, mulberry silk stands apart for its unmatched softness, strength, and purity.

But what exactly is mulberry silk? How is it made? And why is it the preferred choice for high-quality robes, like the ones at Tara Sartoria?

Let’s take a deep dive into the luxurious world of mulberry silk—from cocoon to kimono.

What Is Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm, which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves. This diet results in long, smooth silk fibers that are incredibly soft, durable, and hypoallergenic. It is widely considered the highest quality silk available due to its consistency and smooth texture.

How Mulberry Silk Is Made

The process of making mulberry silk is rooted in tradition and craftsmanship:

1. Cultivation of silkworms – Silkworms are raised in controlled environments and fed only mulberry leaves.

2. Spinning cocoons – After about 25 days, each worm spins a cocoon from a single, continuous thread up to 1,500 meters long.

3. Harvesting silk – The cocoon is carefully unwound to preserve the silk thread’s integrity. This step is crucial to maintaining the smooth, unbroken fibers that give mulberry silk its signature feel.

4. Weaving – The silk threads are spun into yarn and woven into fabric—typically charmeuse, satin, or habotai weaves, depending on the desired finish.

At Tara Sartoria, we use traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations of artisans to honor the heritage of silk-making.

Understanding Momme (mm)

When talking about silk, one of the most important measures of quality is "momme" (pronounced “moe-mee”). Momme is a Japanese unit of measurement that indicates the weight and density of silk. The higher the momme, the more silk is used, which means the fabric is heavier, more opaque, and more durable.

Most mass-produced silk robes are made with 19 momme silk, which is lightweight and prone to tearing with frequent use. In contrast, Tara Sartoria robes are crafted with 27 momme artisan silk—significantly heavier, more luxurious, and longer-lasting. This premium weight gives our robes a smooth drape, substantial feel, and increased durability.

Why Mulberry Silk Is Perfect for Robes, Pajamas, Boxers, and Pajama Pants

Silk garments made from 100% mulberry silk aren’t just luxurious—they’re functional too. Whether you're wearing a robe, pajama set, boxers, or pajama pants, mulberry silk offers benefits you can feel day and night.

Hypoallergenic – Naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and allergens—ideal for sensitive skin.

Temperature-regulating – Keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Perfect for sleeping or lounging comfortably in any season.

Long-lasting – The long fibers of mulberry silk and higher momme weight mean your garments won’t pill or wear out quickly with proper care.

Moisture-retaining – Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils—helping to keep your skin hydrated through the night.

Ultra-soft against the skin – The smooth texture reduces friction, making it ideal for sleepwear like pajama sets and boxers where comfort matters most.

Not All Silk Is Created Equal

There are many types of silk out there—Tussah, Eri, wild silk, and synthetic “silks” like polyester satin. Only mulberry silk offers the combination of purity, softness, and strength that discerning customers look for. And when paired with a high momme weight like 27, it becomes the ideal fabric for luxurious loungewear and robes.

How to Care for Mulberry Silk

Caring for your silk robe is easier than you might think. Despite its luxurious feel, silk is a surprisingly strong natural fiber. At Tara Sartoria, we recommend the following simple steps to help your 27 momme mulberry silk robe last for years:

1. Washing
· Hand wash your silk robe in cold water with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent.
· You can also use a machine wash on a delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.
· Avoid bleach or fabric softeners—these break down the silk fibers.

2. Drying
· Do not wring your robe. Gently press out excess water with a clean towel.
· Hang or lay flat to air dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken the fibers and fade colors.

3. Ironing
· Iron on the reverse side using a cool setting, or use a handheld steamer for a wrinkle-free finish.
· Avoid spraying water directly onto silk, as it may cause spots.

4. Storing
· Store in a cool, dry place.
· If hanging, use a padded hanger to maintain the garment’s shape.
· Keep your silk robe away from rough surfaces to prevent snags.

For our full silk care instructions, visit our Silk Care Guide

Final Thoughts

Whether you're investing in your first silk robe or adding to your collection, mulberry silk is the gold standard. Its beauty, comfort, and craftsmanship reflect a legacy that transcends trends—and it's at the heart of everything we do at Tara Sartoria. Explore our collection of luxurious 27 momme mulberry silk robes and experience the difference for yourself. 

Also see
· Silk Sleepwear
· Our Silk Story

Everything about this robe is just gorgeous! The robe itself is so soft, and the blue color is so rich and beautiful! The little matching silk bag is a really nice touch. This would make a wonderful gift! Or a nice, luxurious gift for yourself- you deserve it!

~B.Olive