Fabric: Silk
Silk. Yes please! Who wouldn’t want to wear a fabric next to their skin that conjures up thoughts of elegance, luxury and quality. Silk, to me, a child of the early 70’s…it includes images of women like Mrs. Chancellor from the Young and the Restless and Alexa Carrington from Dynasty. Those with sex-appeal, great style and dollars to spare would wear sleep sets of silk and likely French embroidery as well. To the rest of us…silk was almost unattainable, certainly not for the ‘every-day-folk.’
Fast forward to the 2020’s. Most of us now have heard of the benefits of wearing renewable natural fabrics, including silk. This fabric is second to none, it is strong. In fact in the days of Genghis Khan, his warriors wore silk garments under their leathers to protect them from the arrows of the enemy. No kidding, read ‘The Silk Road’ by Billy Wellman for more interesting facts on how the road not only brought silk but furthered science, religion and philosophy!
Breathability and Temperature Regulation
SAXX 22nd Centre Silk Lounge pants
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Silk has been proven to aid in a good night’s sleep, thanks to it being composed of more than 97% animal proteins. These proteins are often referred to as the ‘sleep factor’ (or albumen) and they help to nourish your skin, revitalize cells, and can help prevent skin aging. They also work to soothe your nerves, promoting a deeper and more restful sleep.
Hypoallergenic Properties and Health Benefits
Silk’s smooth surface reduces friction against the skin (and hair!), minimizing the risk of irritation. This makes it an ideal fabric for individuals with sensitive skin or other skin conditions like eczema. Silk is naturally antifungal, mite-resistant, and allergen-free, providing a safe and soothing option for those prone to allergies.
Because silk is smooth and tightly wound so it helps to lock in your skin’s natural oils (and any moisturizers you apply). This ensures that your skin stays hydrated throughout the night/day. Moreover, silk’s natural antibacterial properties can help those who suffer from acne and other skin inflammation, as it keeps the skin cool (less sweating!) while preventing bacteria buildup.
Care and Maintenance
Silk does require some special care to maintain its luxurious quality. It can undergo slight shrinkage, if not cared for properly. To prevent this, always wash your silk in cool temperatures with a mild detergent. Hand washing is the best way to preserve the integrity of the fabric. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of your silk items for many years to come.
And for those who choke (roll their eyes) at the price of silk…I’ll let you in on something. The TIME involved in creating a simple silk thread is beyond comprehension. After visiting a silk farm in Cambodia with my husband and sons in 2010, we all swore that we’d Never Again complain about the price of silk. From start to finish these little silk worms and the men and women who harvest the raw/natural silk, clean and spin it, dye it and create the fabric…it can take up to 4 year! And still it has not found its fabric supplier, the garment designer or the seamstress. Although Silk is a natural and renewable product, just like trees for modal fabrics, the investment in time attributes to the cost. And once you’ve worn it you will never want anything else. The investment is well worth it.