THE SILK FILES
We are all trying to make better choices.
Buy second hand, vintage and sustainable brands but the most sustainable option is to take care of what is already hanging in your closet.
There is not a sexier feeling then your favorite silk slipdress hanging loosely around your body or your silk buttoned shirt catching a summer breeze.. Here some advice to keep your silk pieces feeling like this forever..
Washing Tips for Silk Clothes
Hand Wash When Possible
Use lukewarm or cold water (never hot)
Choose a gentle, pH-neutral detergent (look for ones labeled for delicates or silk).
Gently agitate the garment in water—do not scrub or wring.
Avoid Bleach & Harsh Detergents
These break down the silk fibers and cause discoloration.
Limit Soaking Time
Do not soak for more than 5–10 minutes. Over-soaking can weaken silk fibers.
Rinse With Cool Water
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Use a Vinegar Rinse (Optional)
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 liter of cool water to help restore the silk’s shine and neutralize any detergent.
Dry Flat & Away From Sunlight
Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel, roll it up to absorb excess water, then reshape and air dry flat.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken the fabric.
Machine Washing Silk (Only If Label Allows)
water.
Ironing & Steaming Silk
Storing Tips for Silk Clothes
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Avoid damp areas or places exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
Use Breathable Storage Materials
Use cotton garment bags instead of plastic to allow airflow and prevent yellowing.
Avoid Hanging for Long Periods
For heavy silk garments, fold them to prevent shoulder stretching. Use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing.
Keep Away From Moths
Store with natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
Don’t Store Dirty
Even invisible oils (from skin or perfume) can degrade silk over time—always clean before storing.
Sustainable options for traditional Silk
A sustainable alternative to traditional silk (which is made by boiling silkworms in their cocoons) includes a few innovative and eco-friendly options.
Here are the most notable ones:
Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk)
What it is: Made from the same silkworm species as traditional silk, but the worms are allowed to emerge naturally from their cocoons.
Pros: More ethical; no killing of silkworms.
Cons: Lower yield, slightly rougher texture, more expensive.
Eri Silk
What it is: Harvested from the Samia ricini silkworm, which is not killed during production.
Pros: Ethical, durable, insulating.
Cons: Less shiny than traditional silk, not suitable for all silk applications.
TENCEL™ (Lyocell)
What it is: A fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (often eucalyptus or beech).
Pros: Biodegradable, soft, breathable, low environmental impact in production.
Cons: Doesn’t replicate the sheen and texture of silk exactly, but is often used as a vegan silk alternative.
Cupro (Cupra Rayon)
What it is: Made from cotton linter (a waste product of cotton production).
Pros: Silky feel, vegan, biodegradable.
Cons: Still chemically processed; some concerns around manufacturing if not done responsibly.
Orange Fiber
What it is: A fabric made from citrus byproducts from the juice industry.
Pros: Vegan, sustainable, similar feel to silk, uses waste materials.
Cons: Still emerging, limited availability.
Bamboo Silk (Viscose from Bamboo)
What it is: Processed bamboo pulp turned into rayon.
Pros: Soft, biodegradable, fast-growing source.
Cons: Chemical processing can be harmful unless closed-loop systems are used.
Spider Silk (Bioengineered)
What it is: Lab-grown silk made by genetically engineered yeast, bacteria, or even plants.
Brands: Bolt Threads’ “Microsilk,” Spiber’s “Brewed Protein.”
Pros: No animals involved, high-performance properties.
Cons: Still in development or limited commercial scale; expensive.
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