If thread count is the number everyone knows for cotton, momme (pronounced "moe-me", written mm) is the one to know for silk. It measures the weight - and by extension the density, durability and drape - of silk fabric. Understanding it takes two minutes and makes you a far more confident silk buyer.
What momme actually measures
Momme is the weight in pounds of a piece of silk 45 inches wide by 100 yards long. One momme is about 4.34 g/m2. More silk thread woven into the same area means a higher momme: a denser, more opaque, more durable fabric.
The momme scale at a glance
- 6-12 mm - sheer and airy: chiffon, organza, scarf-weight silks. Delicate and translucent, perfect for silk scarves.
- 16-19 mm - the everyday sweet spot: most quality blouses, dresses and sleepwear. Fluid drape, good durability, breathable. Our slip dress and charmeuse blouse live here.
- 22-25 mm - substantial and opaque: premium sleepwear and heavier dresses, like our piped pajama set and heavy satin skirt. Weightier hand, richer drape, longer life.
- 30 mm+ - heavyweight: mostly bedding and upholstery-grade silk.
Is higher momme always better?
No - it's about fit for purpose. A 30 mm scarf would hang like a curtain; a 12 mm pajama would wear through in a season. For garments, 16-19 mm balances drape and durability; for nightly-wear sleepwear, 19-22 mm is worth the investment.
Momme is not the whole story
Quality also depends on the fibre (long-strand mulberry silk is the benchmark - it's all we use), the weave (charmeuse, crepe de chine, twill), and finishing. A high-momme fabric made from short, broken fibres will still disappoint. Fibre first, momme second, weave third.
Quick buyer's checklist
- 100% mulberry silk on the label
- Momme stated for the garment's purpose (16+ for clothing, 19+ for nightly sleepwear)
- Sensible care instructions - see our silk care guide
- A price that reflects real silk - if in doubt, read silk vs satin
Explore our mulberry silk collection - each piece chosen with the right weight for its purpose.