If you have ever shopped for silk, you have probably seen the word "momme" next to a number - 19, 22, 25 - with very little explanation. It sounds technical, but it is the single most useful number for judging silk quality. Here is what it means, and why we chose 22 momme for the At Dusk Deep Sleep Silk Mask.
What is momme?
Momme (pronounced "mummy", sometimes written as "mm") is the traditional unit used to measure the weight and density of silk fabric. Technically, one momme equals 4.34 grams per square metre. If a length of silk measuring 45 inches by 100 yards weighs 22 pounds, that silk is 22 momme.
In plain terms: the higher the momme, the more silk thread is woven into the fabric, and the denser, more durable and more lustrous it feels.
Think of it the way you would think about thread count in bedding, with one important difference - thread count can be inflated with marketing tricks, while momme is a straightforward measure of weight. More silk is simply more silk.
What do the different momme numbers mean?
- 12-16 momme: Lightweight silk, often used for scarves and delicate linings. Too thin for anything that needs to last.
- 19 momme: The most common grade for silk pillowcases and entry-level sleep masks. Good, but noticeably lighter and less durable with regular use.
- 22 momme: The point where silk starts to feel genuinely luxurious. Dense enough to drape well, hold its shape, and stand up to nightly use and gentle washing.
- 25-30 momme: Very heavy silk. Beautiful, but the extra weight adds cost without much practical benefit for something worn against the face.
Why 22 momme for a sleep mask?
A sleep mask works harder than almost any other silk item you own. It is worn for hours every night, pressed gently against the delicate skin around your eyes, and washed regularly.
At 22 momme, the fabric is dense enough to block light properly and keep its contoured shape, while staying soft and breathable against the skin. It is also where durability changes in a way you can feel: a 22 momme mask keeps its smoothness and structure long after a lighter mask has started to look tired.
In short, 22 momme is the sweet spot between everyday comfort and long-term quality - not the heaviest silk money can buy, but the right weight for something you rely on every single night.
Momme is not the whole story: meet 6A grade
Momme tells you how much silk is in the fabric. Grade tells you how good that silk is.
Mulberry silk is graded by the quality of the raw fibres, from 6A at the top down to lower grades. 6A is the highest grade available: the longest, most uniform strands, which produce a smoother, stronger and more even fabric. Lower grades contain shorter fibres and more impurities, which show up as roughness and weaker fabric over time.
The At Dusk Deep Sleep Silk Mask uses 22 momme, 6A grade mulberry silk - the weight that performs best for nightly wear, made from the highest quality fibre available.
How to spot real quality when you shop
When you are comparing silk products, look for three things:
- A stated momme weight. If a brand does not mention it, there is usually a reason.
- Mulberry silk specifically. It is the highest quality cultivated silk, with long, uniform fibres. "Silk blend" or unnamed silk is a different product entirely.
- A grade, ideally 6A. Weight without grade only tells half the story.
The takeaway
"22 momme" is not marketing language - it is a measurable promise about the fabric itself: dense, durable, and soft enough for the most delicate skin on your face, night after night.
The At Dusk Deep Sleep Silk Mask is crafted from 22 momme, 6A grade mulberry silk, with a breathable bamboo filling and a contoured fit designed in South Africa. Standard delivery across South Africa is R100 (3-5 business days).