Silk, Silk dress, Silk fabric, Silk dress, Silk scarf

What are the various types of silks?

Mulberry – This type of silk is obtained from the silk worm Bombyx mori L. that primarily survives on the leaves of the mulberry plant. These silk worms are cultivated and reared indoors. Besides this variety, the others are usually called non-mulberry silks. India is one of the primary producers of mulberry silk.

Tasar – Pronounced Tussah, this is copper brownish in color and is slightly coarse in texture. Tasar is mainly used for the upholstery and interior décor. Though it does not have the sheen of mulberry silk there is a unique appeal about this variety. It is obtained from the silkworm Antheraea mylitta which mainly survive on the food plants Asan and Arjun. Unlike the mulberry variety, these worms are reared outdoors in the open.

Oak Tasar – This is a finer variety of the previous one and is obtained from the silk worms Antheraea proyeli J. and Antheraea pernyi. China is the major producer of this silk type.

Eri – Eri is a unique variety and is spun from open ended cocoons. The silk worm species Philosamia ricini that thrives on castor leaves generate this variety. It is also primarily produced in India and used for the manufacture of wraps (called chaddars).

Muga – This has a lovely golden yellow color and generated from the semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm, Antheraea assamensis. They thrive on the leaves of aromatic plants Som and Saolu and found in Assam, India.

Types of silk fabrics
Charmeuse – This silk type is one of the most widely recognized fabrics that are available in the market today. It is typically characterized by its lustrous shine and sumptuous feel and is primarily used for the manufacture of skirts, dresses, eveningwear, nightgowns, lingerie, and gently shaped tops.

Crepe de Chine or CDC – This kind of silk has a ‘matte’ surface and a ‘pebbled’ texture; besides it is also extremely durable and wrinkle resistant. Due to its light weight, it is a hot favorite among the designers and is primarily used for fashionable and sophisticated skirts, dresses, suits and evening wear.

Filament silk or reeled silk - Made of individual strands that vary in length, this versatile knit fabric maximizes silk’s superb ability to insulate your body and wick away moisture. It is characterized by its light in weight yet highly durable. Its elastic and luxurious texture makes it ideal for the chic and opulent lingeries slips, and camisoles. The natural elastic quality of this fabric ensures all day comfort and is perfect for beneath casual & business clothes.

Georgette – Georgette reminds one of crepe de Chine. It is soft and lustrous that drapes very easily and falls into soft ripples. It is characterized by a ‘grainy’ texture and is used for the manufacture of dresses, skirts, blouses, tops and evening wear.

Habutai – “Habutai”, meaning ‘soft and downy’ in Japanese was first used for the making of Kimonos. It is soft, light, and lustrous with a very graceful drape and smooth surface and is utilized for making blazers, skirts, lingerie, suits, quilts, jacket linings, dresses and evening wear.

All China Tea Asian dress Robe Chinoise Custommade dress Chinese clothing, Chinese dress Cheongsam, Qipao Chinese blouse Chinese home decoration Chinese jacket Chinese traditional relics Chinese arts and crafts Chinese clothing for kids Chinese prom dresses Chinese culture Chinese fabric Chinese gifts Chinese jewerly Chinese kungfu Chic Oriental Shanghai expo 2010 Chinese silk Chinese wedding

Silk100.com 2007