Wondering how to tell the difference between real silk and fake? Here are some tests you can take, as well as some common myths about silk!
In today’s world, where the range of accessories is extremely rich, choosing the perfect silk scarf can be a difficult task. The differences between real silk and imitation silk are subtle, but crucial to the quality and durability of the product. Today, we’re going to look at how to differentiate real silk from fake so that every purchase is conscious and satisfying.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the increase in online shopping has caused a whole lot of companies to cheat and misrepresent their products – something that should be silk is just an artificial mixture. We’re witnessing a flood of fake silks on eBay and Amazon, and the problem is that shoppers simply have no idea what they’re buying and who they’re buying from. Also, many online companies outside of sales platforms present their brand so that it gives the impression of being trustworthy, and yet the actual products they sell are not like that at all.
Here are some tests that can show you the difference between real silk and fake:
Tests to check for the presence of real silk
Burn test
Unfortunately, the most reliable test to distinguish rayon from real silk is to try to burn it. Of course, no private customer will want to do this with their beautiful new scarf – but we as a brand always do such a test on the selected product with a new order.
When trying to burn, pay attention to:
Visual effects: Silk tends to burn slowly and there is little fire.
Smell: Burning silk has the same smell as burning hair.
Touch: Feel the tiny dark beads with your fingertips. They are easy to grind into powder.
It is a method of determining whether a fiber is a protein. In addition to mulberry silk, the most common protein fibers are wild silk, cashmere, and wool.
Another test is:
HCIO Disinfectant/Bleach Test
In HCIO, real silk dissolves completely – so this is another test that is unfortunately not suitable for a private customer.
So, what aspects can you as a customer pay attention to before buying silk products?
Another issue is to check the company that sells silk products. It’s a good idea to look through tabs such as “about me”, “about us”, “FAQ” – there should be information about where the brand gets its materials from. If they don’t share any information anywhere, then the so-called red light.
We invite you to our tabs: “o sine”, “FAQ”.
Silk Myths
Tests to check the difference between real silk and rayon are very popular, and they just don’t work! Here are some myths you may have heard of.
Myth 1: The “shine” of real and fake is different
It can be quite difficult to tell the difference between rayon and real silk just by eyesight. Even silk experts can have a problem with this. It is a myth that real silk changes color depending on the light falling on it, while rayon gives a white shine no matter what. However, the shine and shine of silk can vary from fabric to fabric. For example, habotai silk does not have a shiny appearance, but it is 100% real silk. Twill silk and silk in a satin finish also have a completely different perception of luster.
Myth 2: Real silk is warm when rubbed
Rubbing almost any fabric will generate heat to the touch as a result of the underlying friction. Different rubbing speeds also result in different levels of heat, so this is not a standard test that can be run every time and get reliable results. In addition, there are about 30 types of real silk available, and each one will have a different temperature when rubbed.
Myth 3: Real silk color doesn’t fade because it doesn’t contain chemicals
No fabric is completely free of chemicals, and experts agree that real silk tends to fade even more. Some tests suggest that if you dip silk in detergent and the color doesn’t get in, then it’s real silk. However, it depends on the intensity and the specific color.
Myth 4: The ring test
Ring tests are most commonly used for pashmin, but not for all types of silk. The highest rating of cashmere can be detected through a ring test. Silk can come in different sizes and thicknesses, so a simple silk scarf might work, but certainly not a thicker silk sheet.
Myth 5: Silk made in China is a fake
80% of all the world’s real silk production takes place in China, so this is definitely a myth. It is much more likely that the silk imported from China is real. Additionally, silk originally comes from China, where silkworms were bred and silk was produced for many centuries. The first mention of silk comes from ancient Chinese texts dating back to around 2700 BC.
Myth 6: Silk doesn’t crease
The most common types of silk are actually less prone to creases, e.g. Charmeuse. However, thinner silks tend to crease more than other types. Although silk fiber is by far the smoothest natural fiber, silk sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases can crease. Of course, they are so pleasant to the touch and have so many benefits that it doesn’t really matter!
Summarizing
When buying a silk scarf or silk accessories, it is worth paying attention to the above aspects. Sine Silk always cares about the highest quality and authenticity, offering silk products that impress not only with their beauty, but also with their durability.
