Silk has been the world's most sought-after textile since it was first discovered in 3000 BC. This is an amazing fabric, very strong and versatile, with a wide range of benefits and uses. Silk is premium luxury and its sheer elegance and quality make it attractive to those looking to purchase a high-end product that will last a lifetime.
It can be hard to know if what you're buying is actually real silk before you part with your hard-earned money, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you tell the difference between high-quality silk fabrics and synthetic man-made materials.
Generally speaking, the production cost of silk is at least ten times that of synthetic fibers, so you are unlikely to get a bargain when buying silk. So, there's a good chance that that £10 silk shirt you want to buy is made from a similar polyester fabric.
Silk fiber is prized for its shimmering properties, and its triangular prism-like structure not only helps it shine, but also allows it to reflect light in different ways. This gives it a colorful sheen because it refracts light from different angles, creating a variety of colors.
Silk is usually handmade, so some minor imperfections may occur during the weaving process. False silk is usually mass-produced by machine and is almost always flawless.
We must point out, however, that this is not a foolproof method of detection – as silk can also be machine-produced.
Plus, if you mash it up with your hands, you'll hear a crunching sound-a sound that tells you it's the real thing.
For extra assurance, rub the silk with your fingers for a while. Real silk will heat up and feel warm to the touch - if the temperature doesn't change, it's fake.
