What is Momme?

Silk is a fine fabric, is generally measured by “momme weight” or "GSM weight"
(GSM refers to grams per square meter of fabric) instead of thread count.  Mommes (mm) are units of weight traditionally used to measure the surface density of silk. It is alike to the use of thread count to measure the quality of cotton fabrics. Silk can also be measured by weight in grams. 1 momme = 4.340 grams per square meter. The higher momme fabric is thicker in texture and of higher value due to the higher content of silk per square meter.

The usual range of momme weight for different weaves of silk are:

• Habutai – 5 to 16 mm
• Chiffon – 6 to 8 mm
• Crepe de Chine – 12 to 16 mm
• Charmeuse – 12 to 30 mm

The higher the weight in mommes, the more durable the weave, and the more suitable it is for frequent use.

In generally, 16 momme is suitable for silk dress and 19momme is good for silk bed linen, 22 momme is excellent for silk bed linen. Silk bed linen under 19momme is not durable.