Charmeuse Silk vs Mulberry Silk: Which Is Better to Buy?

Charmeuse silk vs mulberry silk–which is better?

It’s a trick question—and here’s why.

It’s a trick question: you’re not choosing between two fabrics. Charmeuse describes how the silk is woven; mulberry silk refers to what the silk is made from.

You can absolutely have charmeuse made from mulberry silk—just like the premium products Blissy offers.

Not All “Silk” Is Equal—And Not All Charmeuse Is Real Silk

When shopping for silk, the real decision isn’t charmeuse vs. mulberry. It’s about checking for:

Fiber source – Is it real silk (like mulberry), or synthetic (like polyester satin)?
Weave type – Do you prefer a glossy charmeuse finish or a more matte texture?
Quality indicators – Look for 100% pure silk, ideally 22-momme or higher.
Feel vs. function – Want shine and drape? Go charmeuse. Want durability and softness? Mulberry in any weave will deliver.

Understanding Silk Fabric

Infographic comparing charmeuse and mulberry silk—charmeuse is a satin weave, mulberry is the highest quality silk spun from silkworm larvae fed on mulberry leaves

Silk is a natural fiber spun by silkworm larvae, known for its softness and breathability—perfect for sensitive skin.

Still, silk quality varies by species, conditions, and weave pattern.

Mulberry silk comes from mulberry silkworms reared in a strictly controlled environment and fed mulberry leaves, producing mulberry silk fibers that are fine, smooth, and uniformly colored—easily beating steel fibers of the same diameter.
Charmeuse silk is a weaving technique, not a fiber type. Its satin weave gives silk a glossy front and dull back and may use mulberry silk or other varieties.

Types of Silk Fabrics

Assortment of silk fabric swatches showing different colors and textures, illustrating how not all silk types are created equal

The world of silk includes many variations:

Mulberry silk: The highest quality, valued for softness, strength, hypoallergenic properties, and a smooth feel.
Charmeuse silk: A silk fabric woven for extra luster and an elegant drape.
Satin: Technically a weave, often synthetic—not always real silk.
Dupioni silk: Crisp and textured, used in luxurious garments.
Habotai silk: Lightweight and budget-friendly, ideal for linings.
Tussar silk: Coarser than mulberry silk, with a warm, rustic tone.
Eri silk: A matte, wooly silk favored for ethical fashion.

Note: Charmeuse and satin are weave types, not silk types. Always check fiber content—many satin fabrics are synthetic.

Characteristics of Charmeuse Silk

Women wearing charmeuse silk garments including dresses and blouses, showcasing elegant drape and glossy finish

Charmeuse silk is a soft and luxurious fabric known for its lightweight drape and signature glow. Woven in a particular way using a type of satin weave, charmeuse silk features a lustrous front and a matte back, giving it a smooth surface with a slight sheen that drapes beautifully.

Because of these unique characteristics, charmeuse silk is often used in:

Evening gowns and wedding dresses
Luxury lingerie and robes
Blouses, scarves, and flowing skirts

Charmeuse is a go-to for silk bedding and duvet covers, especially for those with sensitive skin, thanks to its breathability.

Charmeuse made from mulberry silk—spun by silkworm larvae strictly controlled and fed mulberry leaves—offers premium softness and durability. Though less durable than plain-woven mulberry silk, charmeuse adds more aesthetic appeal for those who love its glossy finish.

Different Silk Types: Silk vs. Charmeuse vs. Satin Comparison Chart

The difference between charmeuse silk vs silk vs satin.

Aspect	Silk (Material)	Charmeuse (Weave)	Satin (Weave) — polyester.
What it is	A natural fiber spun by silkworm larvae	A satin weave with lightweight drape and high sheen	A weave with a glossy front and matte back
Category type	Material	Weave style (usually made from silk)	Weave style (often made from synthetics)
Made from	Cocoons of mulberry silkworms (highest quality)	Often silk (ideally mulberry)	Often polyester, nylon, or low-grade silk
Common usage in marketing	"Silk" = real silk required	Usually means real silk charmeuse	Usually means synthetic satin (not real silk)
Pro tip	Look for “100% mulberry silk”	Look for “100% mulberry silk charmeuse”	Check the fiber content—most are not real silk

Charmeuse is a type of satin weave—but not all satin is charmeuse, and not all satin is silk. Most satin today is made from polyester, not silk, affecting softness and breathability.

Products labeled charmeuse silk are more likely to be real silk—often mulberry, the highest quality. Still, always check: some silk satin isn’t silk at all.

If you're shopping for silk pillowcases, bedding, or garments and want a luxurious fabric for sensitive skin with a smooth surface, choose charmeuse made from 100% mulberry silk.

Close-up of Blissy white silk pillowcase with subtle striped pattern, highlighting the silky finish and quality textiles

The Difference Between Charmeuse Silk and Mulberry Silk

The below chart explains the difference between mulberry silk vs charmeuse silk. Namely, that mulberry silk is a material and charmeuse silk is just one way to spin silk threads into fabric.

Feature	Mulberry Silk	Charmeuse Silk
Source	Silkworm breed (mulberry)	Weave style (satin weave)
Texture	Ultra-soft, matte	Glossy front, matte back
Durability	Extremely strong	Moderate
Appearance	Natural sheen	High luster
Best For	Longevity, sensitive skin	Drape, elegance, style

Charmeuse silk and mulberry silk aren't mutually exclusive. When charmeuse is made from mulberry silk, you get the best of both worlds: elegance and performance.

Dupioni Silk

While it's less smooth than mulberry silk or charmeuse silk, dupioni is valued for its body and luster—making it ideal for structured garments and formalwear.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Silk Fabric

Hand gliding across charmeuse silk fabric with a smooth texture and lustrous sheen

When evaluating silk clothing or accessories, think beyond just looks:

Softness: Especially important for comfort against skin.
Durability: Mulberry silk fibers hold up over time, resisting tearing and wear.
Hypoallergenic benefits: Silk resists dust mites and harmful substances, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Budget vs. longevity: Charmeuse offers style; mulberry silk offers enduring quality.

Benefits of Silk Fabrics

Silk isn’t just a luxurious fabric—it’s a smart upgrade for skin, hair, and overall comfort:

Helps reduce frizz and split ends by minimizing friction
Reduces fine lines and facial irritation
Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust and allergens
Regulates temperature better than synthetic fabrics
Enhances moisture control and allows skin to breathe

Silk Pillowcases

Smiling woman holding a luxurious white mulberry silk pillowcase—ideal for sensitive skin and sleep comfort

When it comes to silk pillowcases, the choice between charmeuse and mulberry silk can impact both comfort and beauty benefits.

Mulberry silk pillowcases (like Blissy) are made from the highest quality silk fibers, which are soft, strong, and gentle on the skin. They’re particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Charmeuse silk pillowcases offer a glossy finish and smooth surface that feels luxurious to the touch. When charmeuse is woven from mulberry silk threads, it delivers both visual appeal and performance.

For anyone investing in silk bedding, choosing pillowcases made from mulberry silk charmeuse ensures a soft, breathable, and elegant sleep experience that supports skin and hair health.

Silk Fabric Care and Maintenance

To preserve your soft and luxurious fabric, follow these care tips:

Wash by hand or use gentle machine cycles with silk-safe detergent
Air dry or use a cool, no-heat setting
Use a pressing cloth and low heat if ironing is needed

Luxurious Fabric: What You’re Really Choosing

Purple ombre charmeuse silk pillowcase from Blissy featuring rich hues and a smooth, lustrous surface

Silk is the fiber. Charmeuse and satin are weaves.

For sensitive skin, choose 100% mulberry silk—a luxurious fabric from silkworm larvae fed mulberry leaves.
For shine, try the charmeuse weave, but beware: most satin is polyester.
Best of both? Pick charmeuse made from mulberry silk.

Blissy’s silk bedding blends luxurious feel with lasting quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Charmeuse and Mulberry Silk

What is mulberry silk made of?

Mulberry silk is made from the fibers spun by mulberry silkworms, which are strictly controlled and raised on a diet of mulberry leaves. These silk threads are carefully harvested to create a soft and luxurious fabric with a smooth surface and slight sheen—ideal for pillowcases, bedding, and other skin-friendly textiles.

Is mulberry silk real silk?

Yes, mulberry silk is real silk—and it’s considered the highest quality. It’s produced by mulberry silkworms and spun into long silk threads that result in a smooth, strong, and luxurious fabric. Its tightly monitored production process sets it apart from other types of silk like dupioni or wild silk.

Is charmeuse silk real silk?

Charmeuse silk can be real silk if it’s made from mulberry fibers, but “charmeuse” refers to the weave, not the material. Charmeuse silk has a smooth, glossy front and a dull finish on the back. Always check the label—some charmeuse is made from synthetic satin, not natural silk.

What is the difference between mulberry silk and charmeuse silk?

Mulberry silk is a premium fiber spun by mulberry silkworms, while charmeuse refers to a weaving style. You can have charmeuse made from mulberry silk—combining the best of both: the soft, luxurious texture of mulberry silk with the smooth drape and slight sheen of the charmeuse weave.