Silk has a natural royal feel to it. No wonder it was the dress of the emperor and the elite for many years. Even now, these garments are considered to be the most exotic and extravagant material used to make strikingly beautiful clothing. Wearing a silk attire exudes elegance and charm and has a majestic appeal. It is a luxury you must own, which has a unique place in every wardrobe.

History of silk

It was accidentally discovered by Xiling, wife of the Chinese Emperor Huang-Di who accidentally discovered it when a cocoon fell into her tea cup. And thus started the magnificent journey of the grandiose material. China has been a pioneer in silk for many centuries before it was imported to other countries, which is believed to be around the thirteenth century. However, usage of silk by Egyptians, Mongolians has been discovered even before thirteenth century. Today, India, China, Japan, Brazil and Thailand are the world's leading producers of silk.

It is being used for many purposes and everyday tasks, some of which may be surprising, including optics, parachutes, fishing lines, bullet proof vests, surgical sutures, etc.

Types of silk

The resilient, glossy and elegant silk fibre is obtained from different species of silkworm. There are different kinds, depending up on the source and process in which they are obtained.

Muga silk

Indigenous to India, Muga silk is obtained from Muga silk worms. It is golden yellow in colour, highly durable and its luster improves with every wash. For this reason, Muga silk is considered superior and expensive.

Tasar silk

Processed in the same way as Mulberry silk, Tasar is made from moths that feed on Asan or Ashok trees. The fibres of Tasar are short, coarse and light in weight. The silk has a dull copper sheen, wrinkle-free and suitable for warmer climates.

Coarse silk

It is obtained from the scraps that accumulates during the process of silk production. The fibres contain the remains of cocoons. The fibers are generally short and the clothing made out of it is considered to be cheaper and inferior in quality.

Mulberry silk

One of the highest quality of silk available, Mulberry silk is obtained from bombyx mori that feed on mulberry leaves. It consists of extremely fine and regular fibers and is used generally for commercial purposes.

Japanese Silk

The Japanese silk moth lives in the Eastern parts of the globe. The silk fiber obtained from this species is thicker, coarser and less shiny and its colour appear refracted.

Caring for silk garments

It is durable but handling and caring it correctly will make it last for years without any loss of colour, sheen or strength.

Cleaning at home

Never bleach silk. Dissolve a mild detergent into lukewarm or cold water. Avoid soaking the silk garment as it may cause colour to fade. Rinse the garment in detergent containing water. Avoid extreme variation in water temperature to prevent damage to silk fibre. If there is any sign of alkali damage, rinse the garment in vinegar containing water.

Never wring up it. Leave the washed garment until the excess water is removed either by hanging it or pressing it with a cotton cloth. Hang the garment to dry naturally but do not place it directly under the sun. Iron the garment while still moist and always iron the cloth inside out. Dry cleaning is recommended for most types of silk. If you are giving your silk cloth for dry cleaning, make sure the dry cleaner is informed and your silk is given special care.

Storage

For long time storage, wrap your silk garment in a cotton cloth. Add cedar or naphthalene balls to the rack where your silk garments are stored. Do not spray perfume or deodorant directly over your silk clothing. Follow these instructions and your silk clothing will look as good as new even after many years.