3 Reasons Why Silk Clothing is Generally More Expensive than Other Fabrics

We all know that silk is one of the most, if not the most, expensive fabrics that we can lay our hands on. But do we really know why it is more costly than other materials, like cotton or polyester? If you know how silk producers make the fabric and how long it takes to makes a yard of it, you will understand why it is very expensive. There are many things you can make from silk: neckties, robes, silk pyjama sets, dresses, etc. But before you complain about the price, know the reasons why silk clothing is expensive.

It is one of the oldest fabrics

The Chinese discovered silk around 8,500 years ago, so you can imagine that these people already wore silk clothing back in the day. Silk is a very prominent fabric in Chinese royalty. If you see emperors, princes and other royalty wearing intricate silk costumes, it is because they are the first ones who discovered the fabric.

It is a natural material

Silkworms are the primary producers of silk. Since silk is from natural sources, it is generally more expensive. Compared to synthetic products that use man-made materials, silkworms are the only ones that can create silk. These silkworms produce a type of protein called fibroin. Mulberry silkworms produce the purest form of silk, where the worms chew on mulberry leaves, which they then turn into silk. Moth caterpillars are the secondary source of silk. To the untrained eye, it cannot distinguish the difference between these two producers of silk. But they are both pure forms.

It takes time to produce

Silkworms and moth caterpillars are tiny insects, so you can imagine how long it takes to create this fabric. There are no methods or techniques that can speed up the process of producing silk. If a fabric takes time to create, it automatically becomes more expensive than others because of its exclusivity.

It is like human skin

About 16% of protein comprises the human body; our hair, nails, and skin. And because protein makes up silk, many consider at as like the human skin. Some people also say that burning silk smells just like burning hair.

It is a biomaterial

Silk is an eco-friendly fabric. It does not harm the environment. Besides fashion, silk is beneficial in the medical field. Doctors use it for surgeries because it does not react with bodily enzymes, and does not cause allergic reactions to humans. Some synthetic fabrics make use of chemicals that are harmful to the earth’s atmosphere, but not silk.

Just like any product that you can buy in the market, there is also fake silk. You have to know what to look for to ensure that you are parting ways with your hard-earned money for genuine silk. One indicator of fake silk is its price. If it's too cheap for "real" silk, then it is probably a knock-off. There is no cheap silk, mainly because of the reasons stated above. If someone offers you a low price for what they say is genuine silk, be wary. It may be a knock-off.