What are the 4 types of silk fabric?

Created on 11.26

Overview: How Many Types of Silk Fabrics Exist?

Although dozens of natural and synthetic silk-like materials exist worldwide, the modern textile and garment industry primarily recognizes four major types of silk fabric: Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, and Muga. These four categories not only dominate global production but also set the standard for luxury garments, scarves, home textiles, and specialty industrial uses.

Global Production Structure

A significant portion of the world’s silk originates from a single category:

Mulberry Silk accounts for nearly 90% of global silk output

, mainly produced in China and India.

Tussar, Eri, and Muga

—known collectively as wild silks—constitute the remaining 10%, but they play a crucial role in niche luxury markets, artisanal textiles, and high-end cultural garments.

Growing Market Demand

According to recent industry reports, the global silk market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6–7% from 2024–2029, fueled by premium fashion manufacturing, sustainable materials, and the development of high-value blends such as cotton silk fabric and eco-friendly raw silk fabric variants.

For garment manufacturers, wholesalers, and international buyers, understanding the differences among the four major silk types is essential for sourcing, quality control, and cost optimization.

The 4 Main Types of Silk Fabric

Below is a detailed B2B analysis of the four primary types of silk fabric, covering origin, fiber properties, applications, cost structure, durability, and buyer-focused considerations.

1. Mulberry Silk (Bombyx mori)

Mulberry silk remains the gold standard among all silk fabric types. Sourced from the domestic silkworm Bombyx mori, which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves, this silk category offers exceptional consistency and quality—attributes that global apparel manufacturers rely on for large-scale production.

Key Features

Highest production volume & most stable quality
Naturally

white, uniform, fine fiber structure

Smooth, soft hand-feel with luxurious natural sheen
Excellent dye uptake, enabling rich color expression
Suitable for premium apparel and large-order manufacturing

Common Applications

High-end fashion (blouses, dresses, gowns)
Luxury scarves & shawls
Bedding products (silk sheets, pillowcases, duvets)
Underwear and lingerie
Bridal textiles

Mulberry silk is also widely used in blended materials such as cotton silk fabric, which combines softness with breathability and cost efficiency, and 100 silk fabric, which refers to pure, unblended silk yarns.

Market Advantages

Mulberry silk offers the best yield, the most predictable quality control, and the most stable supply chain, which is why it dominates B2B procurement channels across Asia and Europe. Manufacturers looking for bulk orders, consistent color quality, and repeatability typically rely on Mulberry silk.

2. Tussar Silk (Wild Silk)

Tussar silk is produced by wild silkworms of the Antheraea genus, found in forests across India and Southeast Asia. Unlike the domesticated Mulberry variety, Tussar silk is harvested from cocoons collected in the wild, giving it a distinct texture and natural color palette highly valued by cultural and artisanal textile sectors.

Key Features

Natural shades of gold, beige, brown, and honey
Coarser and more textured than Mulberry silk
Stronger yarn character with a rustic appearance
Natural luster with a slightly matte finish
Ideal for structured garments

Tussar silk’s unique texture is also used in fabrics such as dupioni silk fabric, which features irregular slubs and a crisp, luxurious feel known for use in formal wear and high-value garments.

Common Applications

Traditional garments (saris, kurtas, ethnic wear)
Fashion accessories (scarves, shawls)
Premium upholstery
Artisanal textiles & handcrafted fabrics

Buyer Considerations

Tussar silk can be less uniform than Mulberry silk, meaning buyers should expect variations in slub, texture, and color. However, these characteristics are part of its natural beauty and are often preferred by designers needing a distinctive, organic look.

3. Eri Silk (Peace Silk)

Eri silk—often called Peace Silk—is one of the most sustainable silk varieties due to its cruelty-free collection method. Unlike other silks where cocoons are boiled before the moth emerges, Eri silk is harvested only after the moth exits the cocoon, making it a preferred choice for ethical brands and environmentally conscious manufacturers.

Key Features

Wool-like, soft, and warm texture
Shorter and spun-style fibers
Ivory or cream natural color
Highly durable and breathable
Eco-friendly and ethically produced

Eri silk is often used in categories similar to raw silk fabric, which preserves the natural, slightly irregular texture of the fiber. Its versatility allows for blending with wool, cotton, or plant fibers.

Common Applications

Winter shawls and scarves
Outerwear
Eco-fashion garments
Home textiles requiring warmth and softness

Market Demand Trend

With sustainability becoming a dominant trend in the textile supply chain, Eri silk has seen significant growth. Ethical fashion brands in Europe and North America are increasingly choosing Eri silk to align with cruelty-free production values.

4. Muga Silk (Golden Silk from Assam)

Muga silk, produced by the Antheraea assamensis silkworm in India’s Assam region, is globally recognized for its naturally radiant golden color. It is one of the rarest and most expensive silk fabric types in the world.

Key Features

Natural golden-yellow sheen
Fiber becomes more lustrous with age
Extremely high tensile strength
Rare and highly valued
Minimal dyeing required due to natural color beauty

This unique brilliance also influences high-value specialty fabrics such as diamond silk fabric—a premium textured silk known for its shimmering effect.

Common Applications

High-end ceremonial garments
Luxury scarves & accessories
Premium home decorations
Heirloom textiles (passed down for generations)

Buyer Considerations

Muga silk has low global availability and fluctuating prices, so buyers should plan for advance sourcing and premium budgeting. Its longevity and exclusivity make it suitable for high-end boutique production rather than bulk manufacturing.

Comparison Table: Mulberry vs Tussar vs Eri vs Muga

Feature	Mulberry Silk	Tussar Silk	Eri Silk	Muga Silk
Global Market Share	~90%	~8%	~1%	~1%
Natural Color	White	Beige/Gold	Cream/Ivory	Golden Yellow
Texture	Smooth, soft	Textured, crisp	Wool-like, warm	Glossy, strong
Strength	Medium-High	High	Very High	Extremely High
Dye Uptake	Excellent	Moderate	Good	Low (natural gold)
Typical Use	Apparel, bedding	Ethnic wear, upholstery	Winter wear, eco-fashion	Luxury, ceremonial
Price Range	Moderate	Moderate-High	Moderate	High-Very High

This table provides a clear comparative overview, ideal for procurement decision-making, cost evaluation, and product planning.

How to Identify Real Silk from Artificial Silk

As the silk industry expands, synthetic imitation materials such as polyester satin, viscose, and acetate often enter the market disguised as premium silk fabric. Here are reliable testing methods used in professional textile sourcing:

1. Burning Test

Real silk smells like

burning hair or feathers

Produces crispy ash that crumbles
Synthetic fibers smell like burning plastic and form hard beads

2. Heat Resistance

Real silk chars but does not melt
Artificial silk melts quickly under heat

3. Touch & Hand-Feel

Silk feels soft, smooth, and temperature-responsive (warm/cold changes)
Fake silk often feels overly slippery or plastic-like

4. Visual Luster

True silk displays a

multi-tonal pearl sheen

Artificial silk has a uniform shine with less depth

5. Weave Structure

Certain fabrics such as china silk fabric, recognized for its ultralight smoothness, have natural irregularities and subtle variations. Synthetic copies often appear too perfect or too stiff.

Identifying real silk is essential for preventing sourcing risks, increasing buyer confidence, and maintaining high product authenticity.

Which Type of Silk Is the Best?

There is no single “best” silk fabric; the ideal choice depends on manufacturing needs, product positioning, and budget.

Best Overall – Mulberry Silk

Most versatile
Best for large-scale manufacturing
Excellent for apparel and home textiles

Best for Natural Texture – Tussar Silk

Perfect for rustic aesthetics
Preferred by cultural and artisanal brands

Best for Sustainability – Eri Silk

Cruelty-free sourcing
Popular with ethical fashion labels

Best for Luxury & Exclusivity – Muga Silk

Rare, golden, heritage-rich
Ideal for ceremonial and luxury collections

Best Choices for Blended Fabrics

cotton silk fabric

 → breathable & cost-efficient

dupioni silk fabric

 → textured luxury

raw silk fabric

 → natural and artisanal

Manufacturers should define their target segments—fashion, home textile, accessories, or eco-fashion—and choose the appropriate silk type accordingly.

FAQs

1. Is 100% silk the same as 100 silk fabric?

Yes. 100 silk fabric is simply another term for pure, unblended silk fiber without synthetic or natural additives.

2. What is the most common type of silk used in clothing production?

Mulberry silk dominates global production and is widely used in apparel manufacturing due to its consistency and cost-effectiveness.

3. Is china silk fabric real silk?

Yes. china silk fabric traditionally refers to a lightweight, plain-weave Mulberry silk originally exported from China. It is known for its fine, smooth hand-feel.

4. What type of silk is best for formal wear?

Tussar silk and dupioni silk fabric are often chosen for formal dresses due to their rich texture and structured drape.

5. Which silk is most sustainable?

Eri silk is the most environmentally and ethically sustainable option.

6. How can buyers verify silk quality?

Professional methods include burning tests, microscopic fiber inspection, and third-party lab verification. (You can learn more on our lab testing page: https://www.hawwintex.com/lab)

Conclusion

The four major types of silk fabric—Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, and Muga—each serve different functions within the global textile market, offering unique qualities, textures, and production characteristics. For buyers and manufacturers in the apparel and home textile industries, choosing the right silk type depends on product positioning, sustainability requirements, and desired visual aesthetics. As demand for natural fibers continues to rise, silk remains a timeless and high-value material unmatched in elegance and performance. Understanding these four categories ensures better sourcing decisions, improved cost control, and superior product development outcomes.

About Hawwintex Fabric — Your Trusted Silk & Textile Partner

At hawwintex fabric, we specialize in premium woven textiles, sustainable fabric solutions, and custom-engineered materials for global B2B clients. With advanced production facilities, strict quality standards, and professional testing capabilities, we support brands, wholesalers, and manufacturers with reliable sourcing and competitive pricing.

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