When shopping for a silk pillowcase, thread count may seem like a natural way to judge fabric quality. But when it comes to silk, momme vs thread count is a different comparison. Thread count and momme measure different aspects of fabric. Understanding this difference can make it easier to know what to look for when you buy a silk pillowcase.
What is Thread Count vs Momme?
Thread count is a term that is used when comparing fabrics and it is used to describe cotton and bamboo fabrics as being woven with a certain number of threads in a square meter of fabric. Silk however, is generally measured in mommes, which indicates the weight and density of the silk. This distinction is important when considering thread count for silk pillowcases, because thread count does not provide the same insight into silk fabric as momme does.
Why Thread Count Does Not Tell the Whole Story
Thread count is a specification more commonly used for cotton fabrics, where it describes the fabric’s construction. Silk fibers are much finer, so thread count alone does not give a clear and consistent picture of the fabric. Many brands still advertise “600 thread count silk” or “750 thread count silk pillowcases.” While these numbers can be impressive, they don’t necessarily indicate silk quality.
What Does Momme Mean for Silk?
The term “momme” is derived from the traditional Japanese unit “momme”, which is standardized as a measurement of silk weight. For silk, momme (mm) is the weight of silk fabric in grams per square meter and is used to determine the weight and density of the fabric. Generally, higher density means that the same area of fabric contains more silk by weight, resulting in a denser and stronger material. This allows for increased durability, a richer look, and better temperature regulation.
How Does Momme Compare With Thread Count?
Thread count and momme measure different aspects of fabric, so they should not be compared as equivalent specifications. The momme vs thread count silk comparison becomes clearer with these key differences:
| Metric | Cotton Bedding | Silk Pillowcases |
| Measurement | Thread count | Momme weight |
| Good range | 400–600 | 19–22 momme |
| Why it matters | Indicates thread density | Indicates silk fabric weight and density |
| Common marketing claim | High thread counts | “600 thread count silk” or similar claims |
| For pillowcases | Higher thread count is commonly used as a comparison point | 19–22 momme is commonly used for silk pillowcases |
19 vs 22 vs 25 Momme: What Changes?
The 19 vs 22 momme silk pillowcase comparison becomes easier to understand when the differences in fabric weight and feel are considered:
- 19 momme: lighter and more delicate, with a softer, lighter-weight feel.
- 22 momme: more substantial and denser, offering a balance between lightweight comfort and durability.
- 25 momme: heavier and denser, giving the fabric a more substantial feel.
Want to know which momme is right for your silk pillowcase? Explore our guide to 19, 22 and 25 momme.
The Better Way to Compare Silk Pillowcases
Before you buy silk pillowcase, look beyond thread count and consider the fabric as a whole. Silk type, momme, grade, weave, and construction each offer useful details about the material. For a 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase, looking at these specifications together gives a clearer understanding of what you are actually choosing.
Choosing TruSilk With Confidence
Choosing a silk pillowcase means looking beyond a single number and understanding what the fabric specifications represent. From momme and silk type to grade and construction, each detail helps provide a clearer picture of the product. TruSilk brings these considerations together with carefully specified silk pillowcases, including its 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase, giving shoppers a clearer basis for making their choice.
