Today, synthetic fabrics are so evolved that they look like real silk. They have the same softness and shine as silk so even the touch and the human eye can sometimes be deceived.
But real silk has something more: it lives in the light, breathes, changes tone as it moves. It is not just fabric and natural material.
If you buy fabrics online, it is normal to ask: How can I tell if it is really 100% silk?
Light Proof
First of all, if you look closely at silk fibers, they are thin and uniform, they may have small natural irregularities, and they reflect light in a soft and delicate way, changing color according to the angle. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, reflect light in a flat and uniform way and as a rule do not have imperfections.
Trial of the “Fuego”
A surefire method to tell if the fabric you’re about to buy is 100% silk is called “fire test” and involves burning a small fiber of the fabric you want to examine.
If it is silk, it will burn slowly, almost pulverizing like paper, emitting an odor similar to that of burnt hair.
After burning, a small black ball of crunchy ash will remain and will turn into powder once rubbed. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, will burn faster, curling on themselves and in some cases could melt, creating a hard and sticky ball and emitting plastic and/or synthetic odors.
Chlorine test
In addition to fire, there is also the chlorine test. Basically, you have to immerse the fabric sample in a basin that contains chlorine in the puroc state. If the fabric dissolves gradually then it is silk, because silk is a natural fiber. If it is not silk the fabric sample will not dissolve.
Wedding Ring Trial
The test consists of passing the fabric in the wedding ring or in the case of larger or heavier fabric through the napkin ring. If it is real silk, which is a very flexible and adaptable fabric, it will pass easily through the ring or napkin ring, without being too wrinkled. Another fabric will find it more difficult and will have creases and wrinkles once it comes out of the ring or napkin ring.
Why choose our silk
Choosing our silk means choosing quality, authenticity and responsibility.
We source exclusively from the main silk factories in the Como district, internationally recognized as an area of excellence for silk production. Lake Como and its territory have been a point of reference for the art of silk for centuries: tradition, innovation and craftsmanship meet in fabrics of the highest level.
But it’s not just a question of quality.
Our fabrics come from the leftovers of large textile industries in the district: they are deadstock, existing materials that deserve a new life. This means reducing waste, enhancing precious resources and making a more conscious and sustainable choice, without sacrificing excellence. In addition, thanks to this careful selection, we can offer fine silks at competitive prices, making a noble and refined fabric accessible even to those who want to create with care and awareness.
Choosing our silk means bringing an authentic piece of Como tradition into your projects, with an eye to the future.
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