What Is Momme and Why It Matters in Silk Quality

One of the most important but often overlooked factors in the quality of silk is its momme. If you're shopping for mulberry silk bedding, silk pillowcases for skin and hair health, or luxury silk sleepwear, understanding momme will guide you to the perfect combination of softness, durability, and indulgence.

How to Say Momme

Momme is either pronounced "moe-mee" or “moe-may”, and is often abbreviated as "mm." While the term might be unfamiliar to those outside the textile world, it has been used in Japan for centuries to measure the quality and density of silk. Once you know how to say it, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a silk connoisseur.

How Momme Is Measured

Momme is a unit of weight that describes the density of silk. One momme equals 0.125 ounces per square yard or 4.340 grams per square meter. The higher the momme, the more silk is used in the fabric, which generally means the fabric is thicker, more durable, and often more luxurious to the touch.

In practical terms, this means that a 19-momme silk sheet weighs 19 pounds per 100 yards of fabric, with a width of 45 inches (45 inches is the standard width of silk). Compare that to a 12-momme silk scarf, which is light, delicate, and ideal for something airy and decorative.

How You Can Measure Momme Yourself

While the average consumer is not expected to weigh their silk fabrics, there are ways to get a sense of the momme count based on feel and use. Heavier silk will feel more substantial and opaque. Lower momme counts tend to be more transparent and lighter. Many high-quality silk products will list their momme count right on the label or in the product description. When in doubt, always check with the retailer.

If you're curious and want to attempt a DIY approach to momme measurement, you can estimate the momme of a silk fabric using a kitchen scale.

If you’re using inches and ounces:

• Cut a 36-inch by 36-inch square (1 square yard). Precision is important, as any deviation will affect your calculation
• Weigh the fabric on a digital kitchen scale, measuring in ounces.
• Multiply the weight by 8 to get the momme count (since 1 momme = 0.125 oz/yd²)

If measuring in grams and meters:

• Cut a precise square of fabric, ideally 100 cm x 100 cm (1 square meter). 
• Weigh the fabric on a kitchen scale, measuring in grams.
• Divide the weight in grams by 4.340 to get the approximate momme count.

For example, if your 1-square-meter piece of silk weighs 86.8 grams, dividing that by 4.340 gives you a momme count of 20. 

This approach could be handy for vintage or custom silk pieces that may not come with labeled specifications. However, for most shoppers, relying on labeled momme counts from trusted retailers is the simplest and most accurate method. 

Where Different Weights of Momme Are Used

Silk’s versatility comes from its range of weights. Each momme count often serves a different purpose:

• 12-16 momme. Light and airy. Ideal for accessories like scarves or fashion items that require flow and movement. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and delicate.
  

• 19-22 momme. Premium quality. Common in mulberry silk sheets, pillowcases, and high-quality sleepwear. It strikes the right balance between luxury and practicality. This weight resists wear and tear, making it ideal for nightly use.
  

• 25+ momme. Ultra-luxury. Best for heavy-duty luxury goods such as premium silk bed sheets, tailored robes, or statement pieces. It’s the go-to for customers who want their silk to last for years and feel indulgently soft every time.
  

At Copper North, we carefully curate our silk offerings with this in mind. Whether you’re selecting a silk pillowcase to reduce wrinkles and hair breakage or investing in a silk robe that redefines comfort, the momme count is your guide to making the right choice.

How Does Momme Compare to Thread Count

Momme in silk plays a similar role to thread count in cotton, but the two are not directly comparable. Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric (often cotton), and is often used as a shorthand for quality. However, a high thread count does not always mean better quality if the fibers themselves are weak or poorly spun.

In contrast, momme gives a more reliable indicator of silk fabric quality because it measures the actual weight and density of the fabric, not just the number of threads. A higher momme generally means more silk was used in the weave, which typically results in a more luxurious feel and longer lifespan.

Choose Silk with Confidence

Understanding momme allows you to shop with clarity and confidence. Rather than guessing based on how a product looks or feels online, you can use the momme count as a trustworthy measure of quality.

Every silk product carried by Copper North is crafted to meet high standards of natural luxury. By paying attention to the momme, you're not just buying silk, you're choosing an experience defined by elegance, comfort, and enduring quality.

For more shopping guides and silk tips, check out:

• How to Style a Bedroom Like a Boutique Hotel
• How to Clean Silk
• Where Silk Comes From
• The Ultimate Guide to Pillowcases: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Bed