What Is Momme? How Silk Weight Affects Quality

Quick answer: what is momme?

Momme (pronounced "mom-ee," abbreviated mm) is the unit used to measure the weight, and therefore the density, of silk fabric. One momme equals about 4.34 grams per square meter. The higher the momme, the more silk is woven into the fabric, which generally means a thicker, more durable, more opaque material. For silk hair accessories like bonnets and scrunchies, 22 momme is widely considered the ideal balance of durability, softness and breathability.

At LINA LENNOX, silk is the only fabric we work with, so momme is something we think about every day. Our organic silk bonnets and silk scrunchies are made from 22-momme, grade 6A organic mulberry silk. Here is exactly what that means, and why it matters for your hair.

Key takeaways

• Momme measures silk weight and density, not softness or purity on its own.

• 1 momme ≈ 4.34 g/m², so 22 momme silk weighs roughly 95 g/m².

• 19 momme is the entry point for quality silk; 22 momme is premium; 25–30 momme is heavy luxury.

• Higher momme is not always better. For hair accessories worn overnight, 22 momme hits the sweet spot.

• Momme tells you only part of the story. Look for grade 6A mulberry silk and certifications such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 too.

Where does the word "momme" come from?

Momme is a traditional Japanese unit of weight (1 momme = 3.75 grams) that the silk trade adopted to grade fabric. Technically, a silk's momme number is the weight in pounds of a piece of that fabric 45 inches wide and 100 yards long. So when silk is labelled 22 momme, a bolt of that size weighs 22 pounds.

You can think of momme as silk's version of thread count. Thread count doesn't translate well to silk because silk is woven from long, continuous filaments rather than short spun fibers, which is why the industry measures silk by weight instead.

How does momme affect silk quality?

Momme affects four things you can feel and see:

1. Durability. More silk per square meter means a stronger fabric that resists pilling, snagging, thinning and seam slippage through repeated wear and washing.

2. Opacity and richness. Higher-momme silk looks more lustrous and less sheer, with a deeper, more saturated color.

3. Drape and hand-feel. Heavier silk has a fluid, weighty drape and a cushioned, "buttery" feel. Very low-momme silk can feel thin and flimsy.

4. Temperature and breathability. Silk regulates temperature naturally, but very heavy silk (30 momme and up) holds more warmth and feels less airy against the scalp.

What momme does not measure: fiber quality, whether the silk is real, or how it was produced. That's where grade and certifications come in (more on that below).

Silk momme chart: what each weight is used for

Is higher momme always better?

No. Higher momme means more silk, not automatically better silk for every purpose. The right weight depends on what the fabric has to do.

A silk bonnet is worn for eight hours a night, gets tugged by your pillow, and is washed often. It needs to be dense enough to survive that friction and stay opaque, but light enough to breathe so your scalp doesn't overheat. That's why we chose 22 momme for every LINA LENNOX bonnet: it is noticeably more durable and luxurious than 16 or 19 momme, without the heat and weight of 25–30 momme.

The same logic applies to scrunchies. A 22-momme oversized silk scrunchie has enough body to hold a bun or ponytail securely while staying gentle enough to leave hair crease-free. Lower-momme scrunchies tend to lose their shape and slip.

What momme is best for hair care?

22 momme is the best silk weight for hair care. Here's why it matters for your strands:

• Less friction, less breakage. Dense, smooth silk lets hair glide rather than catch, which helps reduce frizz, split ends and hair breakage.

• Better moisture retention. Unlike cotton, silk doesn't wick moisture and oils away from your hair, which supports the hydration your scalp needs.

• Longer-lasting protection. A thin silk bonnet can wear through within months. A 22-momme, double-lined bonnet holds up night after night, protecting curls, braids, locs and blowouts.

If you wear protective styles or have long, thick hair, pair the right momme with the right size. Our guide to when you need an XL bonnet and our XL bonnet collection can help, or take the Find Your Perfect Fit quiz.

Momme vs. silk grade: what's the difference?

Momme and grade measure two different things, and quality silk needs both.

• Momme = density. How much silk is in the fabric.

• Grade = fiber quality. Mulberry silk is graded A, B or C, with sub-grades from 1 to 6. Grade 6A is the highest, meaning the longest, most uniform and purest fibers.

A high-momme fabric woven from low-grade fibers can still feel coarse and pill quickly. A 6A fabric at a low momme will feel lovely but won't last. That's why we specify 22-momme, grade 6A mulberry silk: top-tier fibers at a premium density.

Is satin the same as high-momme silk?

No. Satin is a weave, not a fiber. Most satin bonnets are made from polyester woven in a satin pattern, so they have no momme rating at all. Momme applies only to real silk. Polyester satin can look shiny, but it doesn't breathe or regulate moisture like silk. We break down the differences in Silk Bonnet vs. Satin Bonnet and Organic Silk vs. Other Fabrics.

How can you tell the momme of silk?

You can't measure momme precisely at home, but you can spot red flags:

1. Check the label or product page. Reputable brands state the momme clearly. If a "silk" product lists no momme, grade or fiber content, be cautious.

2. Hold it up to the light. Low-momme silk is noticeably see-through. 22-momme silk is opaque with a soft, pearly sheen.

3. Feel the weight. Quality silk feels substantial and fluid, not papery.

4. Sense-check the price. 22-momme, 6A mulberry silk is a premium material. A "pure silk" bonnet priced like a polyester one is unlikely to be either.

5. Look for certifications. GOTS certification verifies organic fiber and production; OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 confirms the fabric was tested for harmful substances.

For a deeper checklist, read our expert guide on how to tell if silk hair accessories are real or fake.

Why organic silk matters as much as momme

Momme tells you how much silk you're getting. It doesn't tell you what was used to produce it. Conventional silk can involve pesticides on mulberry farms and harsh chemicals in processing. LINA LENNOX silk is GOTS-certified organic and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, which also makes it a gentle choice for sensitive skin and scalps. Learn more on our Our Materials and Science of Silk pages.

How to make high-momme silk last longer

Even 22-momme silk needs gentle care to stay soft and lustrous:

• Hand wash in cool water with a pH-neutral, silk-safe detergent.

• Never wring. Press out water with a towel.

• Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Store in a breathable pouch or the keepsake case it came in.

See our full silk care instructions and how to wash silk scrunchies.

Frequently asked questions about momme

What does 22 momme silk mean?

22 momme silk weighs about 95 grams per square meter. It's considered premium-weight silk: denser, more durable and more opaque than 16 or 19 momme, while still soft and breathable enough for bonnets, scrunchies and pillowcases.

Is 19 or 22 momme silk better?

22 momme is better for items that face daily friction and frequent washing, like silk bonnets and scrunchies. It contains roughly 16% more silk than 19 momme, so it lasts longer and feels richer.

Is 30 momme silk better than 22 momme?

Not for hair accessories. 30 momme is heavier and warmer, which suits bedding or outerwear, but it can feel hot and bulky as a bonnet. 22 momme offers the best balance of durability and breathability for overnight hair protection.

Does momme measure silk quality?

Momme measures silk weight and density, which strongly influences durability and feel. For a full picture of quality, also check the silk grade (6A is highest), fiber type (mulberry) and certifications such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX.

Does satin have a momme weight?

No. Momme applies only to real silk. Satin is a weave usually made from polyester, so it doesn't carry a momme rating.

What momme are LINA LENNOX silk bonnets and scrunchies?

LINA LENNOX bonnets and scrunchies are made from 22-momme, grade 6A organic mulberry silk that is GOTS-certified organic and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.

The bottom line

Momme is the single most useful number for comparing silk products, but it works best alongside grade and certifications. For hair care, look for 22-momme, grade 6A, certified organic mulberry silk: dense enough to protect your hair and last for years, light enough to wear comfortably every night.

Ready to feel the difference? Explore our organic silk bonnets, silk scrunchies and silk scarves, or start with our bestselling Onyx Black Organic Silk Hair Bonnet.