Silk – this word alone exudes elegance. It is a material that has been delighting for centuries with its unique shine and softness, but it hides much more than just a beautiful appearance. Today we will discover all its secrets. You'll find out why it's so prized around the world, which makes it one of the most versatile and desirable materials in fashion, home décor, and even body care! We will also tell you how to recognize high-quality silk, as well as how to take care of it so that it serves and pleases the eye for as long as possible. Start!

What is silk?

Silk is a natural protein fiber that is invariably synonymous with luxury and elegance. It is formed, m.in, thanks to silkworms, i.e. butterfly caterpillars, which produce silk thread by building their cocoons. The most famous is silk obtained from the mulberry silkworm. Its name comes from mulberry leaves, which is their main food. Interestingly, during the spinning process, the silkworm produces a single thread up to several hundred meters long! Silkworms are bred under strictly controlled conditions that provide them with an optimal environment for growth and spinning of threads. Once spinning is complete, the cocoons are gently unrolled to produce continuous silk strands. There are also wild varieties of silk, obtained from silkworms living in their natural habitat. Their fibers, however, are less regular and have a different shade. The silk production process is a perfect example of the harmony between nature, technology, and of course human precision! 

The history of silk in a nutshell

Silk has its roots in ancient China, where around 3000 BC it was discovered by accident. According to legend, the empress noticed how a silkworm cocoon developed in hot water or tea. This initiated silkworm breeding and production of this unique material. For centuries, silk production was a closely guarded secret. It quickly became a key export commodity in trade on the Silk Road, reaching the Middle East and subsequently Europe. It was not until the 6th century AD that the secret of silk production left China, when, according to another legend, monks smuggled silkworm cocoons to Byzantium. Soon, silk production developed in Italy, which became the European center of silk production during the Renaissance. Over the following centuries, silk spread to other countries, from India to France, maintaining – to this day – its position on the textile market as a noble and luxurious material. And everything indicates that he will not lose this position! 

Silk in the world of fashion – why is it so desirable?

The place of this fabric in the world of fashion is a vast topic. For centuries, it was used by court tailors and designers to sew robes for crowned heads. Thanks to this, he gained the prestige he deserved and did not lose it even when he became more accessible material. The fact that the production process itself is quite long, complicated and requires great attention and precision has particularly interested high fashion designers. In the collections of Valentino, Dior and Chanel, it still leads the way. Silk, delicate suits, elegant shirts or long evening dresses are considered luxury goods. However, the elegant appearance of the fabric is not the only reason why designers decide on silk. Although delicate, it is extremely durable and has thermoregulatory properties. This means that it retains heat in winter and cools pleasantly in summer. What more could you want? 

Silk DIY 

Does its position in the textile world mean that it is reserved only for the big fashion houses from the front pages of magazines? Of course not! Many wholesalers offer high-quality silk, from which you can create real gems at home. If you are fascinated by tailoring and the sewing machine is your friend from the heart, you can also sew something amazing. There are many possibilities: 

• Evening dresses: Light, flowing and elegant. They are beautiful for special occasions such as weddings.
• Blouses and shirts: Plain or with delicate patterns, it will add splendor to the outfit for any occasion.
• Scarves and scarves: Silk accessories never go out of style. They will liven up any autumn outfit. You can even fancifully tie the scarf at the handles of the bag.
• Underwear, pajamas, bathrobes: The exceptional softness of silk makes it the perfect material for nightwear.
• Skirts and dresses: From classic to more modern cuts, silk gives lightness to any creation.
• Ties and bow ties: Silk accessories for elegant men are a great gift idea!
• Bedding covers: Perfect for any season – in winter they will warm you up, and in summer they give a pleasant feeling of coolness and are very gentle on the skin. 

As you can see, there are many options. If you want to sew something unique for yourself or someone close to you, go ahead and reach for silk. Choose a high-quality material such as natural silk from Izpol. Here you will find a wide selection of fabrics in different patterns and colors that will make your project absolutely unique! 

How to recognize high-quality material, i.e. silk is not equal to silk

Recognizing high-quality silk, especially when shopping online, can be challenging, but there are a few tips to help evaluate the material before making a purchase. First of all, the price is often a good indicator – natural silk is an expensive material to produce, so a seemingly attractive price may suggest that we are dealing with a lower quality or a synthetic substitute. It is also important to double-check the product description. High-quality silk will typically be described as 100% silk rather than being a blend with other materials, which can affect its properties. Another important aspect is the appearance of the material. True quality silk has a natural shine and uniform texture.  In addition, although we do not have the opportunity to touch the material when shopping online, pay attention to the weight of the fabric given in the description. High-quality silk is light, but well-fitting and fleshy. With these few simple steps, you're sure to recognize real silk!

How to care for silk? Some useful tips 

Silk is a very delicate fabric that needs to be properly cared for to be able to enjoy it for the next seasons. First of all, when washing, choose a program for delicate fabrics. After washing, make sure that the material can dry naturally – do not expose it to the sun! If you need to iron a silk garment, it is best to turn it inside out and take care of additional protection, e.g. by ironing through a towel. Also remember not to set the temperature of the iron too high. When it comes to storing silk, choose a dry and cool place, away from moisture. This way, your silk outfits will serve you for years!