Indulging in silk lingerie

Due to its luxurious feel, silk lingerie is has become a favorite, even a staple, in every woman’s lingerie drawer. Silk lingerie is especially sensual because the composition of silk is very similar to the structure of the human skin. Silk contains 18 different amino acids, which is why silks are so gentle to the touch and preferred by most lingerie buyers.

The shininess and luster of silk lingerie adds to its sensual appeal. Cross-sections of silk fiber show a prism-like shape when observed under a microscope, which explains why it can reflect light and create different shiny shades and varieties of colors. Silk likewise contains protein layers called fibroins, which are also found in pearls. This molecular structure gives silk its beautiful luster.

According to Chinese history, the discovery of silk came around 2600 BC when Yuen Fei, the concubine of an Emperor, dropped the cocoon into hot tea and unraveled what was to be one of the most sought after fabric in the world. Many other ways of producing silk has since been discovered since, and these innovations have helped mass-produce silk so that we can enjoy them in apparel, especially silk lingerie, today. Tussah silk, for example, is produced by silkworms that feed on oak leaves. Dupioni silk – one of the more popular materials used in silk lingerie – is produced by two silkworms that spin a cocoon together make a strong double-thread. The finest quality silk used in high-end silk lingerie is made by mulberry silk moth called the Bombyx mori, which, of course, feeds on mulberry leaves.

Caring for your silk lingerie

As in all apparel using silk fabrics, you must protect your silk lingerie from the sun to protect it from fading, so try not to hang dry your silk lingerie.

Also, avoid storing your silk lingerie for long periods of time. Its colors can fade by oxidation if unaired in storage.

If your silk lingerie is made with Dupioni silk, do not try to remove the black specks that may occasionally appear on the fabric. These specks are part of the original cocoon of the silk worm, and removing them will both weaken the fabric and destroy part of your silk lingerie’s character. Remember that these characteristics are inherent to Dupioni silk fabric and should not be considered as defects in weaving.