19 vs 22 Momme Silk Pillowcases: What’s the Difference?

By the Muse & Airy Editorial Team

If you have been shopping for a silk pillowcase, you have probably seen numbers like 19 momme and 22 momme in the product description.

At first glance, the difference may seem small. Does three momme really change how a pillowcase feels? Is 22 momme always better? And is the heavier option worth paying more for?

The short answer is that both 19 and 22 momme can make a beautiful silk pillowcase. The better choice depends on how substantial you want the silk to feel, how often you plan to use it, and how much you would like to spend.

Here is a practical comparison without the unnecessary silk terminology.

What Does Momme Mean?

Momme—often abbreviated as “mm”—is the traditional measurement used to describe the weight of silk fabric.

It is not the same as thread count. Thread count measures the number of threads within a given area, while momme tells you how much a standard-sized piece of silk fabric weighs.

Technically, momme refers to the weight in pounds of a piece of silk measuring 45 inches wide and 100 yards long.

That means:

A piece of 19 momme silk in that standard size weighs 19 pounds.
The same size piece of 22 momme silk weighs 22 pounds.

For the same fabric area, 22 momme contains approximately 16% more silk by weight than 19 momme.

In everyday terms, the 22 momme fabric will generally feel denser and more substantial. However, momme is only one part of silk quality. The silk fibers, weave, dyeing, finishing, stitching and care instructions all matter too.

[Add an original close-up photograph comparing the drape and appearance of the two fabrics.]

19 vs 22 Momme Silk Pillowcases at a Glance

Feature	19 Momme Silk	22 Momme Silk
Overall feel	Light and fluid	More substantial and dense
Fabric weight	Lighter	Approximately 16% heavier for the same area
Appearance	May look slightly more delicate	Usually looks fuller and more opaque
Everyday use	Suitable for regular use with proper care	Well suited to frequent nightly use
Care	Requires gentle washing	Still requires gentle washing
Price	Usually more accessible	Usually more expensive
Best for	First-time silk buyers and lighter preferences	Buyers wanting a richer, more substantial feel

What Does a 19 Momme Pillowcase Feel Like?

A 19 momme silk pillowcase usually feels light, smooth and fluid.

It can be a good introduction to genuine silk, particularly for someone who wants a lighter pillowcase or is buying within a more limited budget. It also tends to have the delicate drape that many people associate with silk.

But lighter does not mean poor quality.

A well-made 19 momme pillowcase can still feel beautiful and perform well. The quality of the silk fibers, the consistency of the weave and the construction of the pillowcase remain important.

The main difference is that 19 momme contains less silk by weight than 22 momme. As a result, it may feel thinner and slightly more delicate when handled side by side with a heavier option.

What Does a 22 Momme Pillowcase Feel Like?

A 22 momme silk pillowcase generally feels a little heavier, denser and more substantial in the hand.

The difference is noticeable without making the fabric feel excessively heavy. This is one reason 22 momme is often positioned as a balance between everyday practicality and a more luxurious feel.

Compared with 19 momme silk, a 22 momme pillowcase will typically:

Feel more substantial when held.
Appear slightly denser and less sheer.
Have a fuller drape over the pillow.
Feel better suited to frequent nightly use.
Cost more because it contains more silk by weight.

It is important to remember that a higher momme number does not automatically guarantee softer silk. Softness also depends on fiber quality, weave, finishing and how the pillowcase is washed.

Is 22 Momme Better Than 19 Momme?

Not necessarily for everyone.

If you prefer a very light, delicate feel—or want to try genuine silk at a lower price—19 momme may be a sensible choice.

If you want a pillowcase that feels fuller and more substantial for nightly use, 22 momme may be worth the additional cost.

Think of it less as “good versus bad” and more as “lighter versus denser.”

Both can be high-quality products when the silk and construction are good. Momme should help you compare pillowcases, but it should not be the only detail you check.

What Else Should You Look for?

When comparing silk pillowcases, look beyond the momme number.

Fiber content

Check whether the pillowcase is made from genuine silk or simply described as “silky” or “satin.”

Silk is a natural fiber. Satin describes a type of weave and may be made from silk, polyester or another material. A low-priced satin pillowcase is often made from synthetic polyester rather than silk.

Look for a clear fiber description such as “100% mulberry silk.”

Construction

Inspect how the pillowcase is sewn and finished.

The seams should appear neat and secure, without loose threads or exposed rough edges. If the pillowcase has a zipper, it should open smoothly and sit in a position that does not interfere with sleep.

A hidden zipper can also help keep the pillow securely inside the case.

Silk on both sides

Some products use silk on only one side and a different fabric on the reverse. This may reduce the price, but it also changes the overall product.

If you want a consistent feel on both sides, check whether the pillowcase is made with silk on the front and back.

Care instructions

Genuine silk requires thoughtful care, regardless of whether it is 19 or 22 momme.

Look for clear washing instructions before buying. Avoid assuming that a higher momme pillowcase can be treated like ordinary cotton bedding.

Transparency

A trustworthy product description should clearly state the fiber content, momme weight, dimensions, closure style and care requirements.

Be cautious when a listing uses words such as “luxury,” “premium” or “silky” without explaining what the fabric is actually made from.

Which Momme Is Better for Everyday Sleep?

For frequent nightly use, we generally prefer the more substantial feel of 22 momme silk.

It offers a noticeable step up in fabric weight from 19 momme without moving into the much heavier—and usually more expensive—30 momme category.

However, your personal preference still matters.

Choose 19 momme if:

You prefer a lighter, more delicate pillowcase.
You are trying genuine silk for the first time.
Price is one of your main considerations.
You are comfortable giving delicate fabric careful treatment.

Choose 22 momme if:

You want a denser and more substantial feel.
You plan to use the pillowcase every night.
You prefer a fuller, more opaque appearance.
You are comfortable paying more for the additional silk weight.

Why We Chose 22 Momme at Muse & Airy

At Muse & Airy, we chose 22 momme mulberry silk because we wanted our pillowcase to feel smooth and refined, but also substantial enough to become part of an everyday nighttime routine.

Our pillowcase is made with silk on both sides and finished with a hidden zipper to help keep the pillow securely in place.

We did not choose 22 momme because a higher number automatically makes every product better. We chose it because it offered the balance of weight, feel and everyday practicality we were looking for.

We also believe customers should be able to understand what they are buying. That is why we clearly state the fiber content, momme weight, dimensions, construction and care information.

[Link “22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase” to the Muse & Airy product page.]

Does Higher Momme Mean Better Benefits for Hair and Skin?

Momme mainly describes fabric weight. It does not measure medical or cosmetic results.

Both 19 and 22 momme silk can provide the smooth surface people look for when choosing a silk pillowcase. A smooth sleeping surface may feel gentler against the hair and skin than a rougher fabric, but individual experiences will vary.

A silk pillowcase should be viewed as part of a comfortable nighttime routine—not as a treatment for acne, wrinkles, hair loss or another medical condition.

The condition and cleanliness of the pillowcase also matter. Even high-quality silk needs to be washed regularly and used according to its care instructions.

Is 22 Momme Harder to Wash?

The basic care process is usually similar for 19 and 22 momme silk.

Always follow the instructions provided with your pillowcase. In general, gentle silk care may include:

Turning the pillowcase inside out.
Placing it inside a mesh laundry bag.
Using cool water and a delicate cycle.
Choosing a detergent suitable for silk.
Avoiding bleach and fabric softener.
Air-drying away from strong heat and direct sunlight.

Do not wring or aggressively twist wet silk. If ironing or steaming is permitted by the care label, use a low-temperature setting.

The denser construction of 22 momme does not make it indestructible. It is still a natural silk fabric and should be handled thoughtfully.

We Are Testing Our Own 22 Momme Pillowcases

We believe practical information is more useful than simply repeating that a product is “luxurious.”

We are currently documenting how our 22 momme pillowcases perform through repeated washing. The test will include our white, gray and champagne gold colors.

We plan to record:

Measurements before and after washing.
Changes in color and shine.
Changes in softness and hand feel.
Zipper performance.
Seam condition.
Drying time.
The appearance of the care label.

Once the testing is complete, we will update this guide with original photographs and the results we observed.

[Add a photograph of the three Muse & Airy colors before washing.]

[Later add a link to the completed three-wash test.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 22 momme much thicker than 19 momme?

The difference is noticeable, but it is not extreme. A 22 momme pillowcase generally feels denser and more substantial. It should still retain the fluid feel people expect from silk.

Does 22 momme contain more silk than 19 momme?

For the same fabric area, 22 momme contains approximately 16% more silk by weight than 19 momme.

Is 19 momme real silk?

Momme does not determine whether a product is genuine silk. A 19 momme pillowcase can be made from real, high-quality silk. Always check the stated fiber content rather than relying only on the momme number.

Is a higher momme always softer?

No. Higher momme means greater fabric weight, not automatically greater softness. Fiber quality, weave, finishing and care all influence how the silk feels.

Is 22 momme suitable for nightly use?

A well-made 22 momme silk pillowcase is a practical choice for frequent nightly use, provided it is washed and cared for correctly.

Should I choose 19 or 22 momme?

Choose 19 momme if you prefer lighter silk and a more accessible price. Choose 22 momme if you want a denser, more substantial pillowcase for regular use.

The Bottom Line

Both 19 and 22 momme can be good choices. The difference comes down mainly to fabric weight, feel, appearance and price.

Nineteen momme is lighter and more delicate. Twenty-two momme contains more silk by weight and generally feels denser and more substantial.

For Muse & Airy, 22 momme provided the balance we wanted: smooth enough to feel unmistakably like silk, substantial enough for everyday use, and refined without feeling unnecessarily heavy.

The best choice is ultimately the one that fits your preferences, budget and nighttime routine.