MOMME:
WHAT IS IT?
HOW TO CHOOSE IT?
People may be confused by the momme when they are purchasing silk. What is it? And what are the differences between different momme? To help our customers select the products that meet their needs most, this article is going to provide answers to the questions above.
What is Momme?
Momme is the unit of measurement for silk. It describes the weight in pounds of a piece of silk fabric if it were sized 45 inches by 100 yards (1.2 m by 90 m). According to the definition, 1 momme = 4.34 g/m2, which means, for instance, 8 momme is approximately 35 g/ m2, or 1 once per square yard.
The usual range of momme weight for different weaves of silk are as follows:
The Higher the Momme Weight, the Better the Silk?
Technically speaking, yes. A higher momme weight indicates the silk fabric uses more silk. We can explain this with simple mathematics. 22 momme silk weights 22 x 4.34 g/m2 = 95.48 grams per square meter, while 19 momme silk weights 19 x 4.34 g/m2 = 82.46 grams per square meter, which means 22 momme silk uses 13.02 grams of silk more than 19 momme silk per square meter. The advantages of higher momme are obvious. It is thicker and denser, has more sheen and a longer life.
However, when talking about usage, the momme weight should not be the only standard for purchasing. For example, when selecting a silk shirt for summer, a 19 momme one is definitely better than a 30 momme one. Why? Even though a 30 momme shirt is more durable and luxurious, it is too thick to offer breathability. A 19 momme shirt, instead, can contribute to not only a neat style, but also a cozy dressing experience.
How to Choose Momme when Purchasing Silk Products?
There are two considerations when choosing momme. First, the usage. If you are purchasing beddings, you’d better choose 19 momme or higher to make sure of durability. But if you are buying scarves, the best choice is between 12 – 14 momme. Second, the budget. The higher the momme, the more expensive the silk. Choose the suitable momme according to the budget to avoid overspending.
The recommended range of momme weight for different silk products are as follows:
- Scarves: 12 – 14 momme
- Pajamas: 19 momme is preferred
- Beddings: 19 momme and above
- Sleep Masks: 19 – 22 momme
- Clothes: 16 – 19 momme for summer, and 22 momme and above for winter
