Silk pajamas are an investment, but the quality, feel, fit and care requirements differ a lot from brand to brand.
Some silk pajamas look and feel amazing when you first buy them, but they don’t wear well over time, especially if the fabric and construction isn’t suited for regular wear.
Why Fabric Quality Matters With Silk Pajamas
There are three common details which determine whether your silk pajamas will feel silky smooth and breathable, or scratchy and irritating; the fiber grade, the weave and also the finish.
Choose long and uniform fibers for fewer snags and less pilling, so the seams will stay smooth against your skin, and the fabric keeps its sheen wash after wash.
Pay attention to the silk weave types; charmeuse will feel glossy and cool, whilst twill feel sturdier and resist wrinkles, affecting how the pajamas wear with time.
When you choose a clean and well-done finish, it’ll reduce scratchy edges, any dye rub-off and early thinning at the cuffs and knees.
With higher quality silk, you’re buying reliable temperature regulation that won’t trap in the heat, plus you’ll get hypoallergenic properties which will be a benefit if you react to rougher fibers or dust.
What Does Momme Mean For Silk Sleepwear?
Momme acts like a silk “weight class”, which tells you how dense and durable the silk fabric is going to feel for your pajamas.
When you choose a higher momme weight, it means there’s more silk yarn per yard, so the silk fabric weave is more likely to resist any snags, thinning and seam stress. With lower momme counts, the fabric will feel lighter and airier, but it can show wear sooner.
You’ll notice momme paired with other silk types like mulberry charmeuse, habotai, or silk crepe.
Momme doesn’t replace the quality checks, but it’s a quick way to get an idea on the key durability factors like the opacity of the fabric, abrasion resistance and how well the fabric is going to hold its shape after sleep and washing.
It can also affect the comfort of the pajamas, as lighter momme weights will feel cool and floaty, which is ideal, if, like me, you struggle with the warmer months.
Choosing Silk Pajamas That Suit Your Sleep Style
Start by matching your sleep temperature preferences to your silk pajama sets style. If you’re constantly hot, like myself, choose short sets, camis or nightshirts with more breathable cuts.
If, however, you tend to get chilly, go for long sleeve sets and full length trousers, but keep the weave smooth, so you don’t feel trapped.
Lighter momme drapes will feel airier and less clingy, whereas higher momme feels denser and more substantial, reducing drafts but adding warmth.
If you toss and turn a lot in bed, choose a more relaxed and baggier fit, so you don’t feel trapped when tossing and turning in bed.
How To Care For Silk Pajamas Properly
Silk pajamas can be expensive, so you need to take care of them as best as you can to keep them feeling smooth and luxurious.
Start with smart silk washing techniques like turning your pieces inside out, using cold water and choosing a pH neutral detergent. If you are machine washing the pajamas, place them inside a mash bag and do a gentle cycle, ensuring you skip fabric softener to avoid any residue.
If you get any spills, act fast – blot (don’t rub) and treat the stain with diluted gentle soap before you rinse.
