As smooth as silk. We’ve all heard the phrase countless times, but why is the fabric known for being so luxuriously soft and what makes it extra special?

First developed in China, with the earliest surviving example of the fabric dating back to around 3600 BC, silk is a natural protein fibre, produced by Bombyx mori larvae. The silkworms produce a long, continuous thread with a prism-like structure, giving the fibre its shimmering appearance and luxuriously soft feel, which is then woven into textiles. So sought after was the fabric in ancient times that The Silk Road was borne to facilitate its trade, and while many alternative materials have been created in the years since, it remains one of the most desirable choices to this day.

As a single strand of silk is around 1/10th thickness of human hair, usual measurements of fabric density, such as thread count, can’t be applied to silk. Instead, it is measured in momme. Introduced by the Japanese, one momme equals 4.34 grams of silk per square metre, so the higher the momme, the tighter the weave and the more silk used in the product’s production.

The lowest density available is around 6 momme and the highest can be as thick as 40. However, a higher momme isn’t always better. While a 6 momme piece will be very lightweight and gauze-like, something as high as 40 will be too dense to drape nicely. Our pyjamas and bed linen are crafted from 19 momme silk, which strikes the ideal balance of being fluid without being too fine.

Aside from its luxurious feel, the fabric is also renowned for its ability to help skin and hair retain moisture, as it doesn’t wick moisture away in the way that other materials do. The smoothness of the fabric means it minimises the friction between the person wearing it and its surface, making it harder for hair to snag and tangle. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic (so a good choice for allergy sufferers), and temperature-regulating, making it an all-year round hero.

Timeless and elegant, whatever the season, white is an easy choice when it comes to what to wear to bed. Made that little bit more special by piping in contrasting colours, embroidery in delicate designs and subtle lace trims, find a favourite lightweight linen nightie on warm nights and cosy long-sleeved PJs when the temperature dips. Just add cashmere bed socks in winter, or a silk eye mask as the mornings get brighter.