2 simple Ways to Tell Real Mulberry Silk from Fake, Guide to Authentic Silk
Silk, especially mulberry silk, is highly cherished for its delicate texture, softness, breathability, health benefits, luxurious appearance, and more. These multiple advantages make it a favorite among many, leading to a steady increase in market demand.
However, when a product becomes popular, some individuals attempt to profit through illegal means. Due to the many benefits of mulberry silk, its price is naturally high, which leads some to try to artificially replicate mulberry silk fabric, selling it at a high price for low costs. Therefore, buyers need to be cautious.
As a manufacturer, we are happy to share a couple of methods for identifying authentic mulberry silk fabric. Here are two simple Ways to Tell Real Mulberry Silk from Fake, Guide you to get authentic mulberry silk.
Method 1: Burning Test
Take a small piece of mulberry silk fabric and ignite it.
- Genuine silk will produce white smoke and smell like burning hair, as silk is primarily composed of protein.
- When ignited, it will not produce a bright flame, and the burning speed is relatively slow. Once removed from the flame, it will immediately extinguish and cannot continue to burn. The ash will be loose and powdery and can be easily crushed into powder by hand without being hot.
Synthetic Fabrics: If black smoke is produced, there is a pungent smell, and the ash is a black hard lump, it is a fake product. Furthermore, synthetic fibers burn faster and will continue to burn even after being removed from the flame.
Method 2: Bleach Test
Prepare a bottle of 84 disinfectant or any solution of bleach, Place a small piece of silk into the solution.
- Genuine silk will completely dissolve as it is a protein fiber and can be broken down by the sodium hypochlorite in bleach. During the process, you will observe small irregular bubbles around the silk, and the resulting solution will be a light yellow color.
- If the fabric does not dissolve or produces a large amount of bubbles, it is likely a fake or silk that has been weighted with additional substances.
Practical Tips for Identifying and Purchasing Mulberry Silk Products
The two methods above are useful for identifying mulberry silk fabrics. However, customers often purchase ready-made products such as clothing, accessories, or bedding, where these methods may not be practical. In such cases, experience becomes essential. Here are some tips for buying mulberry silk products:
- Price Check
Start with the price—if it’s extremely low, there’s a 99% chance it’s fake or an imitation unless the seller is truly liquidating due to business closure. - Breathability Test
Mulberry silk fabrics are highly breathable when worn close to the skin. Wrap the fabric around your arms for a while; if it doesn’t feel stuffy or hot, it indicates good breathability. - Touch Test
Genuine silk feels smooth, soft, and naturally glossy. It is incredibly comfortable to the touch. The surface is sleek and not sticky. - Luster Observation
Real silk has a natural sheen with a pearlescent effect, and its gloss varies softly under different lighting conditions. If you have access to ultraviolet (UV) light (like a UV keychain, certain smartphone lights, or older pager lights), you can use it to examine the fabric. Genuine mulberry silk exhibits a unique fluorescent reaction under UV light. - Temperature Regulation
Mulberry silk garments feel neither icy cold in winter nor overly warm in summer. This fabric naturally adjusts its temperature based on the environment. - If you’ve already purchased the product, you can try a water-washing test at home: When soaked in water, genuine silk may cause the water to take on a slightly yellowish tint, but there will be no significant color changes. After washing, silk does not shrink easily, and its surface remains smooth.
Lastly, to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit products, it’s best to shop from well-known brand stores or online shops with proper certifications.
Hope this information can help you get a perfect mulberry silk product.
