Mulberry Silk vs Other Silk Types: Which One Should You Choose?

A Guide Inspired by the Elegance of LUXE ORIENTA

Silk has been a symbol of beauty and refinement for thousands of years. From imperial garments to modern runway fashion, it remains one of the most luxurious textiles in the world. But when shoppers compare mulberry silk vs silk from other categories—tussah, eri, or wild silk—questions naturally arise. What’s the difference? Which type feels better on the skin? And most importantly: is mulberry silk real silk, or just a marketing term?

As a brand deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and craftsmanship, LUXE ORIENTA understands the importance of choosing the right silk. Silk is not merely a fabric in Chinese culture—it is artistry, storytelling, and tradition woven together. That is why LUXE ORIENTA’s premium silk pieces, from Qipao to contemporary silk dresses, rely heavily on authentic mulberry silk, sourced from China’s most renowned textile regions.

To help you shop confidently, here’s a beautifully simple guide to the world of silk—told through the lens of modern Chinese luxury.

The Beauty of Silk Through the Lens of Chinese Craftsmanship

Silk production originated in China over 4,000 years ago, becoming one of the country’s proudest cultural treasures. It shaped ancient trade routes, inspired global fashion, and continues to play a key role in luxury apparel today. This heritage is also the foundation of LUXE ORIENTA, founded by visionary entrepreneur Leah Zhang.

From the early days of Yalanji (雅兰集) in 2015 to the global expansion of LUXE ORIENTA in 2024, silk has remained central to the brand’s identity. Crafted in Hangzhou Sijiqing and Shenzhen Nanyou—China’s most respected fashion hubs—LUXE ORIENTA’s silk garments honor both Chinese tradition and modern luxury.

Understanding the differences between silk types will not only help you shop smarter, but also help you appreciate the craftsmanship behind every premium silk garment.

Introduction to Different Silk Types

There are four primary silk varieties you’ll encounter:

• Mulberry Silk – The highest-grade silk, made from domesticated silkworms fed exclusively mulberry leaves.
• Tussah Silk – A wild silk with a coarser, more textured feel.
• Eri Silk – A soft, matte silk collected ethically after the silkworm leaves the cocoon.
• Wild Silk (generic) – Silk collected from wild silkworms; often uneven in color and texture.

All of these are technically real silk, but they vary dramatically in softness, durability, shine, and suitability for luxury clothing.

Characteristics: Mulberry Silk vs Tussah, Eri, and Wild Silk

1. Mulberry Silk — The Gold Standard of Luxury

Mulberry silk has been China’s crown jewel for centuries. Prized for its luminous sheen and incredibly fine fibers, it’s the silk used in high-end fashion houses, including the premium selections found in the LUXE ORIENTA Mulberry Silk Collection.

Key characteristics:

• Exceptionally soft with a seamless, buttery texture
• Long, smooth, uniform fibers that enhance durability
• Natural bright white color, perfect for vibrant dyes
• Hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin
• Elegant drape and fluid movement, suitable for luxury apparel
• Temperature-regulating, keeping you cool or warm as needed

It embodies the spirit of refined Chinese elegance—precisely what LUXE ORIENTA aims to share with the world.

2. Tussah Silk — Rustic and Organic

Tussah silk is harvested from wild silkworms that live among oak forests.

• Coarser and less smooth
• Naturally darker, beige-toned
• Less durable due to shorter fibers
• Often used for artisanal or rustic-style garments

While beautiful in its own way, tussah silk lacks the polished sophistication expected in contemporary luxury fashion.

3. Eri Silk — Soft but Matte

Also known as “peace silk,” eri silk is harvested without harming the worm.

• Soft with a cotton-like feel
• Matte finish with minimal sheen
• Heavier and less fluid than mulberry silk
• Commonly used for shawls or scarves

While eco-friendly, it doesn’t deliver the glossy, elegant drape used in modern Chinese luxury apparel.

4. Other Wild Silks — Textured and Varied

Wild silks vary in color and thickness, often showcasing irregular textures. They are interesting for handmade crafts but not suitable for high-end garments that require refinement and precision.

Price Comparison & Quality Differences

Here’s where the distinction becomes clearer:

Silk Type	Price Level	Why
Mulberry Silk	$$$–$$$$	Extremely smooth, durable, luxurious
Tussah Silk	$$	Coarser, less refined
Eri Silk	$$–$$$	Soft but matte and heavy
Wild Silk	$–$$	Highly inconsistent texture

 

The craftsmanship of mulberry silk aligns perfectly with LUXE ORIENTA’s values: quality, cultural heritage, and timeless luxury.

Durability & Feel on Skin

Mulberry Silk — Elegance You Can Feel

Mulberry silk is beloved for its:

• Ultra-smooth texture that glides over the skin
• Long-lasting durability, resisting pilling and stretching
• Gentleness for sensitive skin
• Ability to regulate body temperature naturally

This is the fabric of Qipao, Cheongsam, Shujin Jackets, and modern silk dresses—the kind you’ll find throughout LUXE ORIENTA’s collections.

Tussah, Eri & Wild Silks — Less Smooth, Less Luxurious

These silks have more texture and can feel slightly coarse. They are not preferred for garments worn directly on the skin, nor for premium pieces meant to evoke elegance and softness.

Uses in Fashion and Home Textiles

Mulberry Silk — The Choice for Modern Luxury

Its unmatched softness and shine make mulberry silk perfect for:

• Designer dresses
• Qipao and Cheongsam
• High-end office wear
• Silk blouses and skirts
• Premium scarves
• Sleepwear and robes
• Bedding and pillowcases

This is why LUXE ORIENTA uses mulberry silk extensively—it reflects the brand’s mission: “Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance.”

Tussah & Wild Silk — Artisanal, Not Luxurious

These silks work well for:

• Rustic shawls
• Handwoven textiles
• Decorative crafts

But they lack the refinement required for high-end Chinese fashion.

Eri Silk — Casual & Comfortable

Eri silk suits:

• Casual wraps
• Natural-textured scarves
• Eco-friendly pieces

But it won’t achieve the sleek sophistication of mulberry silk garments.

Final Verdict: When Should You Choose Mulberry Silk?

If you value luxury, craftsmanship, comfort, and timeless elegance, mulberry silk is the undeniable winner.

Choose mulberry silk when you want:

• The softest, smoothest feel
• A refined sheen that reflects light beautifully
• A garment that drapes elegantly
• Longevity and durability
• Hypoallergenic comfort
• Premium fashion pieces inspired by Chinese heritage

This is why mulberry silk has become the foundation of LUXE ORIENTA’s luxury collections—it represents both the past and the future of Chinese fashion. It honors tradition while elevating it into modern sophistication, mirroring Leah Zhang’s vision of bridging East and West.

Conclusion

So, is mulberry silk real silk?
Yes—mulberry silk is not only real silk; it is the purest, most refined, and most luxurious form of silk available.

From Imperial China to modern luxury brands, mulberry silk has stood the test of time. Its smoothness, strength, and luminosity make it the pinnacle of silk craftsmanship—especially when combined with the artistry of modern Chinese design.

For anyone exploring the beauty of silk, mulberry silk represents the highest expression of elegance—and LUXE ORIENTA is proud to carry this legacy forward, sharing the richness of Chinese fashion with the world.

Explore the full beauty of premium mulberry silk through the LUXE ORIENTA Mulberry Silk Collection.

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