Silk originated in China and, according to legend, the idea to spin threads from the cocoons of silkworms to produce cloth was born by the emperor Fu-Xi in around 3000 BC. Silk fibres were unparalleled in their luxury and value thanks to their natural lustre and fineness, and required an elaborate process to gather the thread to create a garment. Silk quickly became one of the most valued and traded goods in the world. Still known today as the ʻSilk Roadʼ, the most important trade route through the Orient to the West was first used to transport silk in 126 BC, and later many other luxury goods. Silk was first primarily produced in Europe in Italy, and then on a more industrial scale in France, but today China still exports 90% of the worldʼs annual demand for raw silk. Sixty per cent of the worldʼs trade in silk fabrics also comes from China. Other significant silk fabric producing countries are India, Brazil, Uzbekistan and Japan.

Silk is very soft to touch. The irregular surface of the silk yarns means that silk has a unique appearance. This is by no means regarded as a defect in the fabric, but rather organic individuality. The fabric is easily creased or crushed which is a very sought after style feature for many products.

The correct way to clean silk depends on the type of silk used for a product. Some silks are machine washable, for others dry cleaning is recommended. For more information, read our silk bedding care guide.