Why We Only Use 6A Silk

What silk grades actually mean

Silk grades measure the quality of the raw silk fibers. The scale runs from 6A (highest) down through 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, A, and off-grade. For fabric that feels good against your skin, 3A and above is the practical range.

Higher grade means longer fibers, fewer flaws, better shine, smoother feel, and more strength.

Think of it like hair. Long, healthy, smooth hair vs. short, frizzy, brittle hair. Both are hair. Only one feels amazing to touch.

What the other grades actually feel like

3A — The budget option. Rougher, less consistent. Fine for decorative pieces. Not what you want against your face or hair every day.

4A — Where silk starts feeling like silk. Smooth and soft. Okay for scrunchies and hair ties.

5A — Noticeably glossier and smoother. The grade most high-end brands use. Good for sleep masks and pillowcases.

6A — The top. Longest fibers, fewest imperfections, softest feel. It almost feels weightless against your skin.

So why do we skip everything below 6A?

Why we only use 6A

Because for us, 6A is the only grade that delivers what silk actually promises.

Silk is supposed to be smooth, gentle, and kind to your skin and hair. At 3A or 4A, you're paying for the idea of silk more than the experience. The fibers are shorter, the surface is less consistent, and the fabric wears down faster.

6A is different:

• Longer fibers — fewer ends sticking out, so nothing catches on your skin or hair
• Fewer flaws — a smoother, more consistent surface
• Better luster — that soft, natural shine silk is known for
• More strength — it holds up wash after wash

If you're buying silk for your skin and hair, we believe 6A is the grade that does the job best. Anything lower is a compromise we're not willing to make.

What we make with 6A

Every TOWNSSILK piece is made with 6A mulberry silk — because that's the grade that matters for the things you use every day.

• Silk pillowcases — 6A, 22–25 momme. Soft enough to sleep on all night.
• Silk sleep masks — 6A, 19–22 momme. Soft enough to forget you're wearing it.
• Silk scrunchies — 6A. Gentle on your hair, no creases, no pulling.
• Silk sleepwear — 6A. Light, breathable, and kind to your skin.

We don't make 4A. We don't make 5A. Not because they're bad — but because "good enough" isn't what we're here for. If we're putting our name on it, we want it to be the best it can be.

The other number that matters: momme

Momme tells you how heavy and thick the silk is.

• 19 momme — light, drapey, used in clothing
• 22 momme — the standard for good pillowcases and sleep masks
• 25 momme — heavier, more durable, feels more luxurious

For a pillowcase, 22 momme is the minimum. 25 is better. For a sleep mask, 19–22 is enough.

Grade and momme work together. For a pillowcase, we believe 6A + 22–25 momme delivers the best experience for skin and hair.

One last thing: mulberry, not tussah

All TOWNSSILK pieces are made from mulberry silk — the fine, soft kind that's actually good for your skin.

Tussah silk comes from wild silkworms. It's coarser and more durable, but it's not the smooth, luxurious silk you're imagining. Tussah silk uses a different grading scale (4A down to off-grade), and it has no 6A grade. If a listing says "6A tussah silk," that's a red flag.

Certified, not just claimed

A grade claim is only as good as the proof behind it. Every TOWNSSILK piece is backed by third-party verification — not just our word.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — tested for harmful substances, safe for human use
• ISO 9001 — certified quality management system
• SMETA — audited ethical trade and labor standards
• GOTS / FSC / GRS — responsible sourcing and production

When we say 6A mulberry silk, we can show you the paperwork behind it.

FAQ

Is 6A always better?

For anything that touches your skin and hair for hours — yes. That's why we only use 6A.

How can I tell if a product is really 6A?

Look for the grade on the label, check the momme, and confirm it's mulberry silk. But here's the honest truth: a "6A" label on a finished product can't be independently verified by you. The best proof is a batch-specific test report from an accredited lab. If a brand can't provide one, treat the grade as a claim, not a fact.

Is 6A silk hard to care for?

No. Hand wash in cold water with a pH-neutral detergent, or use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle. It's delicate, but it's not fragile.

Why don't you make 5A?

Because 5A is "good enough" — and we're not here for good enough. We'd rather make one grade, and make it right.

The bottom line

Silk grade is real. And it matters most for the things you use every day — your pillowcase, your sleep mask, your scrunchie.

That's why we only make 6A. Because if it's going to touch your skin and hair, it should be the best it can be.

At TOWNSSILK, every piece is 6A mulberry silk. No compromises. Start with a pillowcase or sleep mask — the two pieces where grade matters most.