The Silk Edit

Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms, reeled from their cocoons into a continuous filament thread and woven into fabric. Its sheen comes from the fiber's triangular cross-section, which refracts light differently than the round cross-section of cotton or linen fibers, giving silk its distinctive luster.

India produces four major commercial silk varieties: mulberry, the smoothest and most common; tussar, a coarser wild silk; eri; and muga, found only in Assam and carrying a natural golden sheen no other silk has. Regional weaving traditions, Banarasi brocade from Varanasi and Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu among them, build on these base fibers.

Silk is a natural protein fiber from silkworm cocoons; satin, viscose, and other synthetic look-alikes are manufactured to mimic silk's sheen and drape using different fiber bases. Genuine silk feels warmer to the touch, creases differently, and takes natural and vegetable dye with more depth than synthetic alternatives.

Most silk should be dry-cleaned, especially pieces with embroidery, zari, or dense weave, since water and agitation can damage both the fiber and any metallic thread. Simpler, unembellished silk can sometimes be hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent, but check the garment's specific wash-care label first.