Which Fabric Is Better, Silk or Cotton?

By Bruce Thomsan

When you go about choosing a dress or any fabric to adorn your space, what do you look for? Is it just the design and visual appeal that you fall for? Indeed not. The choice depends on numerous factors including look, warmth, durability etc.

Especially for furnishings, the material or the fabric has a great impact on the overall result that is how it will complement your space and your comfort levels with the choice. While many of us get carried away by just the visual appeal, it is wise to keep the fabric as the major consideration.

Some time ago the use of silk for furnishing was lesser known but its benefits have made people venture into the domain and prefer it over other options. Eri silk manufacturers across India are involved in the production of pure silk furnishings that offer versatility, functionality, and appeal.

Even when we say fabric, there are a lot of aspects to be considered. Here are some key differences that set the two main fabrics (silk and cotton) apart:

Presence of allergy-causing agents:

Silk doesn't attract dust mites at is hence hypoallergenic. Its moisture-wicking capabilities also keep the bacteria at bay. On the other hand, cotton offers a breeding ground for bacteria owing to its high moisture absorption. If the possibility of allergies bothers you, you must choose silk. There are various silk fabrics available that are ideal for furnishings. Out of these Assam, Eri silk has superior moisture wicking properties.

Durability and care:

While the charm and delicate appeal that silk exudes, says otherwise, it is a highly durable material that exhibits exceptional strength. Even with low maintenance, it is more likely to retain its strength and sheen than cotton. It also requires less frequent washing as compared to cotton making it easy to maintain and long-lived too.

The Splurge

If you go by the upfront costs, silk fabrics cost higher and your furnishings will be on the costly end if compared to the cost of cotton furnishings. However, if you consider life, maintenance, and other factors, silk works out to be the reasonable alternative that is more durable than cotton and hence replaced less frequently.

Insulation

No one wants to sweat in summers and shiver in winters. Contrary to the common perception that silk is warm, the truth actually is that it is warm in winters and cool in summers. That makes silk a win-win with its superior insulation properties as compared to silk. You can close your eyes and choose silk irrespective of your local climate.

Environment friendliness:

Cotton cultivation and extraction has a major footprint on the environment whereas peaceful extraction and weaving of silk is absolutely pro-nature. Assam Eri silk is known to be the fabric of peace as it is extracted in a way that the silkworms stay safe too.

While both silk and cotton are popular fabrics, silk is a clear better choice when it comes to furnishings. This is because it is pleasant to touch and feel and stands the test of time. It also gives a royal charm to your spaces and thus a perfect choice for furnishings.