What is momme weight in silk?

Momme (pronounced "mummy") is the traditional Japanese unit used to measure the weight and density of silk fabric. One momme equals approximately 4.34 grams per square meter. Unlike thread count, which is commonly used for cotton sheets, momme directly indicates the density and quality of silk — a higher momme number means more silk per square meter, resulting in a heavier, more opaque, and more durable fabric.

For silk products, momme weight ranges typically from 6 to 30. Lightweight scarves and linings are often 6 to 12 momme. For pillowcases, the sweet spot is 19 to 25 momme — this range offers the ideal balance of durability, opacity, softness, and value. Anything below 19 momme for a pillowcase tends to be too thin and wear out quickly, while weights above 25 momme are exceptionally dense and luxurious but come at a significantly higher price. Silk sheets and duvet covers are typically 19 to 23 momme.

At ONDU, Promeed offers pillowcases at 23 and 25 momme — both in the premium-to-luxury range. Their 23-momme options provide an excellent balance of durability and value for nightly use, while the 25-momme variant delivers the densest, most sumptuous sleeping surface available. When shopping for silk, momme weight is a far more reliable quality indicator than thread count, marketing terms, or price alone.