Understanding Momme (mm): A Complete Guide to Silk Weight

1. What Is Momme (mm)?

In the world of silk fabrics, “mm” does not refer to micrometers. Instead, it stands for momme—a traditional Japanese unit used to measure the weight and density of silk.

Momme (pronounced “mo-mee”) reflects how heavy a piece of silk is.
One momme equals 4.3056 grams per square meter, which means:

• A higher momme number = denser, heavier, more durable silk

• A lower momme number = lighter, airier, more breathable silk

For example:

• 16 mm silk is lightweight and soft

• 30 mm silk is rich, dense, and luxurious

When you see “mm” on silk specifications, it represents momme, not micrometers—highlighting a unique measurement system used exclusively in the silk industry.

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2. How to Verify Momme? Don’t Trust the Hand Feel — Trust the Weight.

Hand feel can be misleading.
If you want to confirm whether your silk truly matches the claimed momme, the most reliable method is weight verification.

Example: 30 Momme Silk, 114 cm Width, 3 Meters Length

Step 1: Calculate the Area

• Convert width: 114 cm = 1.14 m

• Area = 1.14 m × 3 m = 3.42 m²

Step 2: Convert Momme to Grams per Square Meter

• 1 momme = 4.3056 g/m²

• 30 momme = 30 × 4.3056 = 129.168 g/m²

Step 3: Calculate the Expected Total Weight

• Expected weight = 129.168 g/m² × 3.42 m²

• Result = 441.78 g (approximately)

Step 4: Weigh Your Fabric
If the fabric weighs close to 442 g, the silk is truly 30 momme.

It’s a simple, scientific way to confirm authenticity—because with silk, real quality can always be measured.

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3. Momme Is Not the Only Indicator of Quality

Although momme measures thickness and density, it is not a complete measure of silk quality.
A higher momme number does not automatically mean better silk—it only means heavier silk.

Several other factors matter just as much:

1. Choose the Right Momme for Your Purpose
   Thick, high-momme silk is durable, strong, luxurious, and more expensive.
   Light, low-momme silk is breathable, soft, versatile, and affordable.
   In silk, the best choice is always what fits your intended use.

2. Silk Grade Makes a Big Difference
   Mulberry silk comes in different grades. High-grade silk offers dramatically better softness, durability, and comfort compared to lower-grade silk.

3. Dyeing Technique Greatly Affects Quality
   Whether the fabric is dyed with acid dyes or natural botanical dyes influences its skin-friendliness and long-term comfort.

4. Degumming Determines Softness and Color Fastness
   In the refining process, silk sericin is removed through cooking.
   The longer the degumming, the softer the silk feels, and the better it absorbs color.

We will explore each of these factors in future articles to give you a deeper understanding of how silk quality is defined beyond momme.