Types Of Silk

Most Expensive Sarees In The World

Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk is the most common and widely used silk around the world. It accounts for about 90% of the world’s supply. The bulk of silk produced around the world comes from the mulberry variety. Thus, the term “silk” generally refers to the silk from a mulberry worm. This type of silk is produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm who feed on mulberry bushes. hence the name. The silkworms are entirely domesticated and reared indoor. Mulberry silk is popular around the world, though especially in China, Japan, and Korea. The production of the silk involves the killing of the worms in their cocoons to extract the silk fiber. The disadvantage of using mulberry silk is that it requires extra care to maintain its smooth texture.

Tussar Silk

Tasar or tussah silk is a type of wild silk produced by caterpillars other than the mulberry worm. The silk has a feel and quality different from the mulberry silk. It is produced from a Tasar silkworm which belongs to the genus Antheraea. The Chinese Tasar silkworm produces the largest quantity of non-mulberry silk followed by the Indian Tasar silkworm. The Japanese Tasar silkworm produces a green silk thread. Most of the taser silk are copperish in color and are mainly used in furnishing and interior since they are the strongest fibers in the world. Tasar silk is produced by reeling the cocoons of the Tasar silkworm. The silk is available in its natural form since it is tough to dye.

Eri Silk

Eri silk, also known as the Endi or Errandi silk, is a creamy white-colored silk. It is derived from two domesticated species of silkworms known as Samia ricini and Philosamia ricin. Eri silk is a peace silk since it is spun from the cocoon of the silkworm without destroying the worm unlike mulberry and Tasar silk. The castor silkworm which produces Eri silk is reared on the castor oil plant. The silk has a matt appearance of wool or cotton. The castor silkworm and the mulberry silkworm are the only domesticated silkworms with both relying on human intervention to develop. Eri silk is durable and makes great material for clothing and soft furnishing such as curtains. However, the silk is heavy to wash and may harbor microorganisms since it is easier for them to stick to the fabric.

Pure Silk Sarees Of India

Muga Silk

Muga silk is golden yellow in color. The Muga silkworm also belongs to the same genus as the Tasar silkworm. The silkworm is semi-domesticated, especially in Assam and feeds on aromatic leaves of soalu plants. Muga silk is known for the glossy texture and its golden brown color. The silk is limited in supply and is only used in the state of Assam for making traditional dresses, especially for the royal families. Its high quality makes it popular for making sarees and chaddars. Mass production of muga silk is possible since its production is eco-friendly and the silkworm does not require delicate care. The porosity of the muga silk can sometimes be a disadvantage as it sometimes limits bleaching.

Spider Silk

Spider silk is a non-insect silk variety that is soft and fine in texture. It is the most difficult silk to produce as spiders cannot be bred like silkworms and do not produce as much yarn as silkworms. Spider silk is produced from Madagascan species including Nephila madagascarensis. The accumulated fiber is reeled from the abdominal segment four or five times a month. The cost of producing the silk is so high that it is not used in the textile industry. However, it is one of the most durable types of silk use in the production of bulletproof vests, telescopes, optical instrument, and wear-resistant clothes.

Want To know the most expensive sarees in the world click here.
most expensive sarees.