You may have already caught its luster out of the corner of your eye, but if you haven’t, mulberry silk is about to have a monumental moment. This fabric is popping up in home goods and summer-ready fashions, looking absolutely enticing and feeling even better (trust me on this). But what is mulberry silk? Why is it held in such high esteem? Is it purely an aesthetic luxury, or are there other benefits that make it a worthwhile investment?

Well, mulberry silk is often regarded as the highest-quality silk there is. That’s largely because the silk worms are nurtured in a way that creates a textile that’s nourishing to humans.

“It’s the earliest animal fiber used for clothing, so the most genuine ‘silk,'” says Danielle Wu, founder of More Sunday, which makes loungewear and pillowcases out of the material. “It’s unique because the silk worms that we harvest the fibers from are only fed mulberry leaves. Mulberry leaves are rich in nutrients and protein, so the result is a thread that is long, continuous, and contains 18 amino acids and proteins that can nourish our hair and skin.”

In a way, it’s the ultimate feel-good fabric, one that’ll help you radiate in all different way. Below, is an entire thread on why mulberry silk is so wonderful, and how to incorporate it in your own life.

5 benefits of mulberry silk

1. It’s nourishing for your skin

Silk has a reputation for mitigating break-outs and smoothing out wrinkles, which is reason enough to love it. “Mulberry silk is one of the softest natural silks available, and therefore, will have benefits to the skin,” says Nava Greenfield, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “The silk likely will not irritate areas with sensitive skin such as the axilla, groin, and neck. It won’t cause overheating, which can result in a heat rash, and may even help keep moisture in.”

2. It’ll give you your own silky hair

“Silk pillowcases work wonders for all kinds of hair types and textures as they keep the cuticle layer of the hair intact,” celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin previously told Well+Good. “With regular use, I’ve slept better, my hair is shinier, and it’s less prone to breakage.”

The convergence of hair and silk also means an easier glide for your follicles. Less frizz, less dehydration, just a glossy, gorgeous mane.

3. It’s friendly to the environment

If you feel guilty about how your shopping habit is impacting the environment, remember this: Silk is considered a relatively sustainable fabric because it uses silk worms, a renewable,  biodegradable resource. And manufacturing it utilizes less water than your garden variety synthetics.

4. It’s hypoallergenic and antibacterial

Do you suffer big time from allergies? Well, mulberry silk is both hypoallergenic and antibacterial, and may even help with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (aka eczema).

5. It feels like absolute heaven

Let’s not front about this. I’ve curated a number of mulberry silk items in my life (I’m a Taurus, sensual fabrics are my thing), and can verify that there’s nothing else like it. It’s airy light and lustrous, and as Wu points out, breathable and moisture-wicking.

7 ways to use mulberry silk in your life immediately

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase — $59.00

Ready for your dreamiest sleep yet? After a night with Brooklinen’s Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for this fabric. And giving your hair and skin a little TLC will definitely give new meaning to “beauty sleep.”

More Sunday The Sunday Silk Slip Dress — $230.00

Slip dresses are going to be summer’s scintillating uniform. This one from More Sunday transforms anyone into an effortless seductress, and though all their hues are gorgeous, I high-key love the Mulberry Muse. Plus, it has a built-in bra and adjustable straps, so everyone can get a bit of support from this otherwise feather light product.

Cilque Amethyst Top Knot Headband — $29.00

This headband has you covered no matter the situation. When you’re dolling up, it’ll keep stray hairs out of your way. With a bold lip and equally slick camisole, it’s the crown of a good going-out outfit. Love an all-purpose accessory.

Not Just Pajama Silk Striped Short Pajama Set — $240.00

Classic with deep verdant stripes, slipping into these jammies is like spending a night at the Waldorf Astoria. Go ahead, order some macarons and have a little night.

Pure Mulberry Silk Scrunchie Jade — $27.00

Oversized silk scrunchies aren’t only deliciously on trend, they’re also uniquely elegant despite being…oversized scrunchies. Love this light mint hair tie to hold back your most voluminous ponytail yet. How very.

Myk Beauty Silk Eye Mask with Velvet Band — $20.00

Want to give your peepers the royal treatment? A Mulberry silk eye mask will block out the light—without absorbing as much face cream as cotton or satin.

I know, I know, it’s not particularly fun to think about how we still kinda need face coverings. But if mascne is a real concern of yours, this luminous option might be your savior.

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