Understanding Silk Grades in Chinese Intimate Apparel

If you've ever shopped for luxury lingerie or sleepwear, you’ve probably seen labels boasting "100% mulberry silk"—but not all silk is created equal. As a longtime fashion insider and sustainable intimate apparel blogger, I’ve tested dozens of brands from Suzhou to Shanghai, and let me tell you: the silk grade makes all the difference.

In China, where over 70% of the world’s silk originates, grading follows a strict national standard (GB/T 15551-2016). The top-tier silk? That’s 6A-grade silk. But what does that actually mean for your skin, comfort, and long-term value?

Here’s the breakdown: silk is graded based on fiber length, thickness, luster, tensile strength, and defects per 100 meters. The highest grade—6A—requires a continuous filament of at least 1,000 meters with zero imperfections and a momme weight of 22+. (Momme? That’s the traditional Japanese unit measuring silk density—think of it like thread count for sheets.)

To help you compare, here's how major silk grades stack up:

Now, why should you care? Because 6A silk isn’t just softer—it’s more durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic. In a 2023 study by the Textile Research Journal, 6A silk showed 38% better moisture wicking and 22% higher UV resistance than lower grades. Translation? It keeps you cooler at night and protects sensitive skin better.

But beware: many brands market “premium silk” without disclosing the grade. Always check the product details. If it doesn’t say 6A silk, assume it’s not. And watch out for blends—some use 30% silk mixed with polyester but still slap a “luxury” label on it.

My pro tip? Look for OEKO-TEX® certified pieces made in Huzhou or Hangzhou, where artisan weavers still use traditional looms. Yes, Chinese intimate apparel labeled 6A costs more upfront—but when cared for properly, a 6A silk camisole can last 5+ years. That’s sustainability *and* savings.

Bottom line: Don’t fall for silk hype. Demand transparency. Choose 6A. Your skin—and future self—will thank you.