Pure silk fabric

To ensure you are purchasing genuine 100% mulberry silk, you must evaluate the Momme (mm) weight, which indicates the density and quality; for bedding, 19mm-25mm is standard, while for garments, 12mm-16mm is common. Always request a Burn Test report: natural silk should smell like burning hair and leave a brittle black ash that crumbles easily. Additionally, verify the grade of the raw silk, with 6A grade being the highest international standard for uniformity and strength.

Buyers should prioritize suppliers who hold the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, which guarantees the fabric is free from harmful chemicals and safe for skin contact. For organic silk requirements, look for the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). If you are importing into the EU or US, ensure the dyes used comply with REACH or CPSIA regulations regarding lead and azo dye content.

When ordering customized silk, specify the Color Fastness rating (aim for Grade 4 or higher) to prevent bleeding. For printed silk, inquire whether the supplier uses Digital Inkjet Printing or Screen Printing; digital printing is more cost-effective for small MOQs and complex designs. Ensure the shrinkage rate is disclosed, typically expected to be within 3-5% for high-quality weaves like silk satin or crepe de chine.

The primary risk is material substitution (blending silk with polyester or rayon). To mitigate this, use Made-in-China.com's Secured Trading services and insist on a Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) by a third party like SGS or Intertek. Another risk is moisture damage during sea freight; ensure the supplier uses vacuum packaging or moisture-proof PE bags inside reinforced export cartons.

Silk is a high-value commodity with fluctuating raw material costs. Negotiate based on current market silk indices. For custom-dyed fabric, suppliers usually require an MOQ of 50-100 meters per color. To reduce costs, ask for 'Ready to Ship' (RTS) stock colors which often have no MOQ. Always clarify if the quoted price is FOB (Free On Board) to maintain control over your international logistics and insurance.

Due to its high value-to-weight ratio, Air Freight is often preferred for silk to reduce lead times and minimize the risk of mildew in humid shipping containers. If using Sea Freight, ensure the bill of lading specifies 'Top Load Only' to prevent heavy machinery or crates from crushing the delicate fabric rolls, which can cause permanent creasing or fiber breakage.