Measurement for Silk Momme 2024

How Momme is Measured

HISTORY OF MOMME

14th Century

Momme (匁), a Japanese unit of mass and former unit of currency, first appeared in a family book during the Bunmei era in 1484. While it is no longer used as a currency, it continues to be a standard measure in the pearl industry.

19th Century

The concept of momme emerged as an alternative to thread count due to the high number and variation in threads within cocoons. It entered European parlance among traders in the nineteenth century.

Early 20th Century

In the early 20th-century Japan was when the metric system officially replaced the shakkanho system of weights and measures. The basic unit of mass was the Kan, and other measures, including the monme, were derived from it. The monme, later popularized as momme in the West, remains the traditional unit of measurement for silk and pearls.

Momme (Weight) Range

Momme weight refers to the weight measurement of silk fabric. The higher the momme weight, the heavier and more durable the fabric is.

Light Momme

Thinner, more delicate fabric. May have a more sheer or lightweight feel, offering a delicate and ethereal look.

Medium Momme

Slightly heavier, offering enhanced substance and durability. It strikes a well-balanced combination of lightness and longevity.

Heavy Momme

Significantly heavier and more substantial fabric. Increased weight, durability, and mor structured appearance.

Momme (Weight) Ranges for Different Types of Silk Weaves

Chiffon

Georgette

Crepe de Chine

Silk Twill

Silk Charmeuse

Heavy Crepe de Chine

Double Georgette

Heavy Charmeuse

silk material	Chiffon	Georgette	Silk Charmeuse	Crepe de Chine	Silk Twill	Double Joe	Heavy Charmeuse	Heavy Crepe de Chine
MOMME RANGE	6 - 8 momme	8 - 12 momme	12 - 16 momme	12 - 25 momme	12 - 30 momme	20 - 25 momme	20 - 30 momme	25 - 40 momme
TEXTURE	Lightweight, sheer, and slightly rough	Crinkly, slightly rough	Slightly pebbly, matte finish	Smooth with a distinctive diagonal rib pattern	Smooth, glossy on one side, matte on the other	Heavier, pebbly texture, matte finish	Heavier and more opaque than standard Georgette, crinkly	Extremely smooth, glossy on one side, matte on the other
WEIGHT	Very lightweight	Lightweight to medium	Medium	Medium to heavyweight	Medium to heavyweight	Heavyweight	Heavy weight	Heavyweight
DURABILITY	Low (delicate and can tear easily)	Moderate (stronger than chiffon, but still delicate)	High (more resistant to wrinkling and tearing)	High (robust and durable)	Moderate (prone to snags but generally sturdy)	Very high (resistant to wrinkles and tearing)	High (more robust than standard Georgette)	High (robust despite its sheen)
CHARACTERISTIC	Very light and airy, often used for layers and decorative elements.	Lightweight with a grainy texture, good for fluid, flowing garments	Excellent drape with a matte finish, versatile and durable	Dense and durable with a slight sheen, often used in structured garments	Luxurious with excellent drape, often used where elegance is desired	Dense yet flexible, excellent drape, sophisticated appearance	Heavier and denser, providing more structure while retaining fluidity.	Luxurious with a significant drape, more substantial feel.
USE CASES	Scarves, evening wear overlays, bridal veils, lightweight blouses.	Blouses, dresses, scarves, layered gowns	Blouses, dresses, evening wear	Ties, scarves, suiting, high-end fashion	Lingerie, evening gowns, blouses, high-end bedding	High-end dresses, structured garments, luxury evening wear	Formal dresses, blouses, luxury garments.	Bridal wear, heavy gowns, luxury bedding