With the popularity of online shopping, we often see merchants claiming that they sell real silk products on major online sales platforms. Faced with the similarities between imitation silk and real silk, how can consumers accurately distinguish them? Next, we will introduce you to the most comprehensive silk identification method in history in detail.
Visual observation method:
First, observe the gloss. The gloss of real silk presents a soft and uniform characteristic. It is bright but not dazzling, giving people a warm and natural feeling. In contrast, although artificial silk is also bright, its gloss is not so soft and often appears a bit dazzling. Although the gloss of polyester silk is uniform, a careful observation will reveal the presence of flashes or bright silk. The gloss of nylon silk fabrics is poor, and it feels like it is coated with a layer of wax, which is significantly different from the natural gloss of real silk.
Hand touch method:
The touch of real silk is soft and smooth. When you touch the silk surface with your hand, you will feel a slight pull. In contrast, the touch of imitation silk is slightly tougher. In addition, when dry silk rubs against each other, it will make a sound similar to stepping on snow. This sound is called "silk sound", which is a unique characteristic of silk.
Burning method:
Pull a bunch of silk threads from the edge of the fabric and light it with a match. When the silk fiber burns, it will slowly curl up into a ball and emit a unique smell similar to burnt hair or bird feathers. Once the silk bundle leaves the flame, it will stop burning immediately, leaving a small dark brown ball-like residue, which will break into powder with a light press of the hand. The polyester fiber commonly used in imitation silk has a sweet smell when burning, and its residue is hard and black round beads, and the hard lumps are difficult to crush. In addition, when cellulose fiber filaments such as viscose burn, they will produce a burning smell of paper, and their residue is a little grayish white ash.
Dissolution method:
The main component of silk fabric is mulberry silk, a protein fiber that can be dissolved in 84 disinfectant. Therefore, fabrics made of 100% mulberry silk can be completely dissolved in 84 disinfectant. However, some silk fabrics contain spandex to increase elasticity, and such fabrics may be partially insoluble in 84 disinfectant. In addition, when using this method, it is recommended to cut the fabric into small pieces so that the dissolution can be observed more quickly.
The burning method and the dissolution method are the most intuitive and effective methods for identifying silk products. Although it is difficult to intuitively judge whether a silk product is qualified, obtaining relevant inspection certificates will greatly increase the confidence in purchasing. As a professional silk company, Kailaishi has designers and factories, and we are familiar with the standards of the products we produce. Before making clothing, we will strictly test the various indicators of the fabric to ensure that only fabrics that meet the standards are used. Consumers are requested to recognize the Kailaishi brand and buy with peace of mind.
