Silk is a great base-layer material. Here are some attributes of silk:
- silk is the most hypoallergenic of all fabrics
- silk will absorb perspiration while letting your skin breathe
- silk has a smooth surface that resists soil and odors well
Although silk does not have the same tactile warmth as merino or yak wool, it is barely noticeable under your clothing. You can wear it every day during the colder months.
Momme (Silk Weight Measurement)
Momme is a Japanese form of weight measurement. It is pronounced “moe-mie” and abbreviated as “mm”.
Momme expresses the weight (in pounds) of a piece of material sized 45 inches by 100 yards.
For example, with a 30 momme charmeuse pillowcase, the weft and warp of the silk fibers are woven closer together than they would be for 22 momme charmeuse pillowcase. Higher momme silk fabrics are also made with thicker yarn. So momme is similar to thread count.
Silk Quality Grading
Silk quality is graded A, B, or C. Grade A silk is the highest quality silk that comes from cocoons that are pearly white.
Grade A silk is very pure and can be unraveled to great lengths without breaking. Silk grades are also further differentiated by number. Grade A silk comes in A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A. For any given type of silk, Grade 6A is the finest quality available in the marketplace.
Silk Base Layer Bottoms
- 100% Silk Leggings by Terramar — these appear to be made of 100% silk which is labeled “filament silk” which is reportedly strong — $44
- 100% Silk Leggings by REI — nice construction — pure silk jersey — $50
- 100% Silk Base Layer Set by Fashion Silk — v-neck style — 100% mulberry silk — $62
Silk Base Layer Tops
- 100% Silk Base Layer Top by Terramar — $38
- 100% Silk Tall Base Layer Top by Terramar — $58
Silk Boxers
- Intimo Men’s Classic Silk Boxers — 92% silk, 8% spandex — 16.7 momme silk weight — $57
Silk Pants
- Intimo Men’s Classic Silk Pant — 16.7 momme silk weight — $57
Silk Pajamas
- LilySilk 100% Silk Pajama Set — 22 momme silk weight — grade 6A — $180
- LilySilk 100% Silk Pajama Set — 16 momme silk weight — grade 6A – $120
- LilySilk 100% Silk Traditional Pajama Set — 22 momme silk weight — grade 6A —- $216
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Grade A silk is very pure and can be stretched to length without breaking. Types of silk are also distinguished by quantity.
Higher momme silk fabrics are also made with thicker yarn, and so momme is similar to thread count..