Why Silk?
What is silk made of?
Silk is a natural protein fibre composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the silkworm. The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colours.
What are silk properties?
SOFT & ENDURING
Silk is a strong natural fibre with good tensile strength. It can withstand great pulling pressure with moderate abrasion resistance. The strength of the silk yarns is mainly due to the continuous length of the fibre. It is a textile that retains shape and resists pilling and has moderate resistance to wrinkling. Aided by its elasticity and resilience, silk has liability and suppleness that gives it excellent drapability.
INSULATING & LIGHT
Silk fabrics are protein in nature with excellent absorbency. Silk fibre can generally absorb about 10-30 per cent of its weight in moisture. The absorptive capacity of the silk fabric makes comfortable apparel even for warmer atmospheres. Clothing made from silk is comfortable in the summer and warm in the winter. The low density of silk (1:25 -1:34 gm/cc) makes the fabric light in weight. The silk fibre is less dense than cotton, linen and wool.
HYPOALLERGENIC
Silk is a material that is very agreeable with people who suffer from allergies and have sensitive skin. Silk cocoon is composed of the proteins, sericin and fibroin. Sericin is the glue-like substance that helps form the cocoon shape and naturally repel bacteria and fungus to keep the silkworm safe. When woven into a cloth, it protects the allergy-prone to human as well.
BIODEGRADABLE
Silk is a fibre that comes from nature. It is made from fibres from the cocoons of silkworms. At Ethical Kind, we ensure our environmentally conscious silk manufacturers only use organic and eco-friendly dyes certified by GOTS and REACH standards to ensure it is biodegradable and can be composted at the end of its life.