Mommes (mm), is a unit used to determine the quality of silk fabrics. One momme = 4.340 grams per square meter; 8 mommes is approximately 1 ounce per square yard or 35 grams per square meter.
Momme(mm)=Density
19mm=19lbs 100 yards of silk
Usually the momme weights of different silk fabrics are:
- Gauze-3 to 5 mm
- Organza-4 to 6 mm
- Habotai-12 to 16 mm
- Crepe de Chine-12 to 16 mm
- Charmeuse-12 to 30 mm
- Chiffon-6 to 8 mm, can be made in double density, i.e 12 to 16 mm
- Raw silk-35 to 40 mm
The higher momme weight the better?
That depends. Normally, the higher the momme weight, the more durable the weave, the more luxurious the fabric is, the more suitable it is for heavy-duty use. Generally, all silks can be washed and the heavier ones can be washed repeatedly. The heavier the silk, the more opaque it becomes. However, it does not necessarily mean that the higher momme weight the more suitable. For instance, it would be too heavy to put on 25mm silk sleepwear. It’s a question of making choices according to its purposes.
