Habotai Silk vs Mulberry Silk: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

When shopping for silk bedding, pillowcases, or luxury sleep products, you’ll often come across terms like Habotai silk and Mulberry silk. While both are genuine silk fabrics, there are significant differences in their quality, fibre structure, feel, durability, and price.

Choosing the right silk is particularly important when buying bedding, as the fabric is in direct contact with your skin and hair every night. High-quality options such as Silkweb luxury silk bedding use premium Mulberry silk because of its superior softness, strength and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between Habotai silk and Mulberry silk, including the role of sandwashed Habotai silk, silk weight (momme), and why Mulberry silk is considered the best choice for luxury bedding.

Habotai Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Quick Comparison

Before exploring each silk type in more detail, this table provides a quick overview of the main differences.

Which Silk Is Better?

For lightweight clothing and decorative textiles, Habotai silk can be an excellent choice. However, for everyday luxury bedding, Mulberry silk is the superior option because of its longer fibres, smoother surface, increased durability and premium feel.

For products used against your skin every night, such as a 22 momme Mulberry silk pillowcase, choosing a higher-quality silk can make a noticeable difference in comfort and lifespan.

What Is Habotai Silk?

Habotai silk (sometimes spelled Habutai silk) is a lightweight, plain-weave silk fabric that originated in Japan. Traditionally used for kimono linings, it is now commonly used for scarves, fashion garments, linings and other lightweight silk products.

Key Characteristics of Habotai Silk

• Lightweight and soft
• Smooth surface with a subtle sheen
• Less dense than premium silk fabrics
• Affordable compared with higher-grade silks
• Less durable for heavy everyday use

Habotai silk provides the luxurious feel associated with real silk, but its lighter construction means it does not have the same strength, density or longevity as premium Mulberry silk.

What Is Sandwashed Habotai Silk?

Although standard Habotai silk is not normally treated, you may occasionally come across sandwashed Habotai silk. This refers to Habotai silk that has undergone a finishing process designed to change its texture and appearance.

What Does Sandwashed Mean?

Sandwashing is a textile finishing technique where fabric is treated using fine abrasives or other softening processes. The purpose is to create a softer, more relaxed feel.

The process can:

• Make the silk feel softer and more comfortable
• Reduce the natural shine of the fabric
• Create a slightly matte or peach-skin texture
• Give the fabric a more casual, lived-in appearance

Where Is Sandwashed Habotai Silk Used?

Sandwashed Habotai silk is generally used where a softer, less glossy finish is preferred, including:

• Loungewear and clothing – for a relaxed, comfortable feel
• Scarves and accessories – where a matte appearance is desirable
• Summer garments – due to its lightweight and breathable nature
• Decorative textiles – where a subtle finish is preferred

Sandwashed Habotai Silk vs Standard Habotai Silk

• Standard Habotai: smooth, lightweight and naturally silky with a soft sheen
• Sandwashed Habotai: softer, more matte and slightly textured

While sandwashing can improve softness, the treatment is generally chosen for appearance and feel rather than improved durability. For this reason, it is not usually the first choice for everyday luxury bedding.

What Is Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk is widely considered the highest-quality silk available. It is produced by Bombyx mori silkworms that are fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, producing long, uniform silk fibres.

These long fibres create a smoother, stronger and more durable silk compared with many other silk varieties.

Key Characteristics of Mulberry Silk

• Exceptionally smooth and luxurious
• Strong and highly durable
• Naturally breathable
• Temperature regulating
• Gentle on skin and hair
• Available in premium momme weights

Mulberry silk is the preferred choice for luxury bedding, including silk pillowcases, silk duvet covers and silk sheets.

Habotai Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Detailed Comparison

1. Fibre Quality

The biggest difference between the two silks is the fibre structure.

• Habotai silk: lighter construction with less uniform fibres
• Mulberry silk: long continuous fibres creating superior strength and smoothness

Winner: Mulberry silk

2. Feel and Texture

• Habotai silk: soft and lightweight
• Mulberry silk: noticeably smoother, richer and more luxurious

Winner: Mulberry silk

3. Durability

• Habotai silk: suitable for lighter-use products
• Sandwashed Habotai: softer but focused more on texture than strength
• Mulberry silk: designed for long-term everyday use

Winner: Mulberry silk

4. Appearance and Finish

The appearance of silk is influenced by the fibre quality, weave and finishing process.

• Habotai silk: has a softer sheen and can appear more matte, especially when sandwashed.
• Mulberry silk: has a natural lustre and elegant shine created by its smooth, long fibres.

Winner: Mulberry silk

5. Breathability and Temperature Regulation

Both Habotai and Mulberry silk are naturally breathable, but Mulberry silk generally performs better due to its superior fibre structure.

• Habotai silk: lightweight and comfortable but less insulating.
• Mulberry silk: helps regulate body temperature by keeping you cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

This makes Mulberry silk particularly suitable for bedding, where temperature regulation can improve sleep quality.

Winner: Mulberry silk

6. Price

One of the reasons Habotai silk remains popular is its affordability.

• Habotai silk: a more budget-friendly way to experience real silk.
• Mulberry silk: costs more due to the quality of the silk fibres and longer production process.

While Mulberry silk requires a higher initial investment, its durability means it often provides better long-term value.

Winner: Habotai silk for affordability, Mulberry silk for value.

What Is Momme and Why Does It Matter?

When comparing silk bedding, one of the most important measurements to understand is momme (mm). Momme refers to the weight and density of silk fabric and helps indicate its quality and durability.

• 12–15 momme: lightweight silk, often used for fashion garments
• 16-19 momme: a good balance between softness, durability and affordability
• 22-25 momme: premium luxury silk with increased thickness and longevity

For everyday bedding, many customers choose a 22 momme Mulberry silk pillowcase because it provides a luxurious feel while offering excellent durability.

Learn more about silk quality in our guide: What Does 22 Momme Silk Mean?

Which Silk Is Best for Bedding?

When choosing silk for bedding, including pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers, the best option is usually high-quality Mulberry silk.

Although Habotai silk feels soft, it is generally lighter and less durable, making it better suited to clothing, scarves and decorative textiles rather than products used every night.

Mulberry silk is the preferred choice for luxury bedding because it offers:

• Exceptional softness
• Long-lasting durability
• Reduced friction against skin and hair
• Natural temperature regulation
• A premium luxury feel

Explore Silkweb's collection of:

• Mulberry silk pillowcases
• Silk duvet covers
• Luxury silk bedding

Benefits of Mulberry Silk for Skin and Hair

One of the main reasons people choose Mulberry silk pillowcases is the way the smooth surface interacts with skin and hair during sleep.

• Helps reduce hair friction: the smooth surface can help reduce pulling and snagging, helping minimise frizz and breakage.
• Gentler on skin: silk creates less friction than many traditional bedding fabrics, which may help reduce sleep creases.
• Helps retain moisture: unlike some absorbent fabrics, silk is less likely to draw moisture away from your skin and hair.
• Naturally hypoallergenic: silk is naturally resistant to dust mites and can be a good option for sensitive sleepers.

Read more: Do Silk Pillowcases Help Your Hair?

Silk Bedding for Hot Sleepers

Silk is particularly popular with people who struggle to sleep comfortably in warmer temperatures.

Unlike heavier fabrics, Mulberry silk naturally helps regulate temperature by allowing heat and moisture to escape while still providing comfort during cooler nights.

For more advice on staying comfortable during warmer weather, read: How to Sleep When There Is a Heatwave

Choosing the Right Silk Pillowcase Style

Once you have chosen the right silk quality, the style of pillowcase is another important consideration.

The two most popular styles are:

• Housewife pillowcases: a simple fitted design with a neat edge around the pillow.
• Oxford pillowcases: a decorative border around the edge, creating a more luxurious appearance.

Both styles can be made from premium Mulberry silk, so the choice often comes down to personal preference and bedroom style.

Learn more: What’s The Difference Between Oxford & Housewife Pillowcases?

When Should You Choose Habotai Silk?

Habotai silk remains a useful fabric for specific purposes. It can be a good choice if you are looking for:

• A lightweight silk fabric
• A more affordable silk option
• Clothing or fashion accessories
• A matte finish, especially with sandwashed Habotai

However, if you are buying silk bedding designed for nightly use, Mulberry silk remains the better choice.

Final Verdict: Habotai Silk vs Mulberry Silk

Both Habotai silk and Mulberry silk are genuine silk fabrics, but they are designed for different purposes.

• Choose Habotai silk for lightweight clothing, scarves and affordable silk products.
• Choose sandwashed Habotai silk if you prefer a softer, more matte and relaxed finish.
• Choose Mulberry silk for premium bedding, long-lasting quality and everyday luxury.

For silk pillowcases, sheets and duvets, investing in high-quality Mulberry silk offers the best combination of comfort, durability and luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Habotai silk real silk?

Yes. Habotai silk is genuine silk, but it is generally considered a lighter and less durable silk compared with premium Mulberry silk.

What is sandwashed Habotai silk?

Sandwashed Habotai silk is Habotai silk that has undergone a finishing process to create a softer, more matte and slightly textured surface.

Is sandwashed Habotai silk suitable for bedding?

Although sandwashed Habotai silk feels soft, it is not usually the preferred choice for everyday bedding. Mulberry silk offers better strength, smoothness and durability.

Why is Mulberry silk better than Habotai silk?

Mulberry silk uses long, continuous fibres which create a smoother, stronger and more luxurious fabric. This makes it better suited for premium bedding products.

What is the best momme for a silk pillowcase?

A 22 momme Mulberry silk pillowcase provides an excellent balance of luxury, softness, durability and long-term value.

Does silk help hair and skin?

Mulberry silk pillowcases create less friction than many other fabrics, which can help reduce hair breakage, frizz and sleep creases while helping skin and hair retain moisture.

Conclusion

While both Habotai silk and Mulberry silk offer the natural benefits of silk, the difference in quality is significant.

Sandwashed Habotai silk provides a softer, more casual finish and works well for fashion and lightweight textiles. However, for luxury bedding that you use every night, Mulberry silk remains the superior choice.

Discover the benefits of premium silk bedding with Silkweb luxury Mulberry silk products and experience the comfort, softness and quality of true silk.