6 Myths About Silk Debunked (plus one surprising fact!)

April 02, 2021 3 min read

There is nothing quite like the feeling of wearing one of your favorite silk dresses. An outdoor brunch with friends, a neighbor’s garden party, finally taking that trip. We are excited to reclaim our lives and naturally we want to enjoy every moment to its fullest when we do so!

You know you’ll be comfortable when you're wearing silk but unfortunately, there are a number of myths about silk that take away from the properties that make it a very desirable fabric for everyday life. I'd love to debunk a few of those myths for you...

silk dress

MYTH: Silk is fragile

Because of its light weight, silk is often thought of as unable to withstand everyday wear. On the contrary, silk is one of nature's strongest natural fibers and pound-for-pound stronger than steel. A well-made silk dress can hold up well for decades and even become an heirloom piece.

MYTH: Silk is difficult to maintain

Some believe silk is too complicated a textile to care for, but in reality; it is far easier to maintain than it’s been given credit for. A well-constructed silk dress can be hand-washed and air-dried overnight and ready to go the following morning—which makes silk one of the best choices for travelers who enjoy packing lightly.

silk dress

MYTH: Silk doesn’t hold its shape

We’ve all worn garments that don’t hold up in hot weather, but a silk dress is likely not among them. Silk’s long, continuous fibers have the ability to spring back and—as a result—hold their shape and resist wrinkling remarkably well. Whether you’re out to lunch on a hot day or on a sightseeing tour during vacation, you will look just as fresh at the end of the day as you did at the start!

MYTH: Silk is too luxurious for everyday wear

While silk can be the epitome of luxury, it doesn’t mean it isn’t suitable for more casual occasions. Silk is breathable and one of nature's greatest thermal regulators; it will keep you cool on a warm summer day and warm on a cool summer night. This makes silk the perfect companion for travel as well as everyday life — a practical luxury as you will, because what could be better than being comfortable?

silk shirt

MYTH: Silk is harmful for the environment

Silk has received a bad reputation as a pollutant, but its production is actually one of today’s cleanest textile industries. The mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms don’t require fertilizers or pesticides, which means it’s possible to harvest cultivated silk without introducing any toxic chemicals into the environment. Plus, the material is 100% biodegradable, making your silk dress a sustainable choice.

MYTH: Silk is not suitable for heat.

Silk has a reputation for being precious; however its moisture retention properties tell a different story, and make silk very comfortable to wear in hot weather since it can absorb a considerable amount of moisture before it starts feeling wet. This property is also responsible for silks ability to readily absorb dye, which leads to the brilliant colors for which silk is known.

silk dress

FUN FACT: Audrey Hepburn adored silk

Audrey Hepburn believed silk was a woman's best friend, and was often quoted as saying:

Audrey Hepburn quote
“When I wear a silk scarf I feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman.” -- Audrey Hepburn                                                                                                                
Audrey Hepburn
                                                                                                                               
P.S: She’s right! Silk is an amazing material that makes you feel comfortable wherever you go.                                                                                                         
P.P.S: What is your most pressing question about silk? Submit a comment and I would be happy to assist you!

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