Momme is the term used to express the quality of silk fabric.
Mommes (mm), is traditionally used to measure the quality of silk fabric. The momme is based on the standard width of silk fabric of 45 inches (1.2 m) wide (though silk is regularly produced in 55-inch (1.4 m) widths, and, uncommonly, in even larger widths).
So the weight in pounds of a piece of fabric with a size of 45 inches by 100 yards OR (1.2 m X 90 m).
Therefore one Momme is defined as the weight in pounds of a 45 inches by 100 yard piece of silk.
One momme = 4.340 g/m²;
an 8 mommes is approximately 1 ounce per square yard or 35 g/m².
Different weaves of silk fabric and their weight
The usual range of momme weight for different weaves of silk are as below:
- Habutai—5 to 16 mm
- Chiffon—6 to 8 mm (can be made in double thickness, i.e. 12 to 16 mm)
- Crepe de Chine—12 to 16 mm
- Gauze—3 to 5 mm
- Raw silk—35 to 40 mm (heavier silks appear more ‘wooly’)
- Organza—4 to 6 mm
- Charmeuse—12 to 30 mm
The higher the weight in mommes, the more durable the weave, and the more suitable it is for heavy-duty use. And, the heavier the silk, the more opaque it becomes. This can vary even between the same kind of silk. For example, lightweight charmeuse is translucent when used in clothing, but 30-momme charmeuse is opaque.
Classification of Silk fabric based on Weight and recommended usage
| 24 gram | 6mm | Sheer light | Silk Chiffon, Silk Georgette | Scarfs, dresses, blouses |
| 30 gram | 8mm | Sheer light | Silk Chiffon, Silk Georgette | Scarfs, dresses, blouses |
| 45 gram | 12mm | medium weight | Silk Satin, Crepe De Chine, Silk Twill | Blouses, scarf weight |
| 60 gram | 16mm | heavier weight | Silk Satin, Crepe de Chine, Silk Twill, Double Georgette | Dresses, blouses, scarfs, ties, Lingerie, pillowcases, sheets |
| 70 gram | 18mm | slightly heavier, dense | Silk Satin, Crepe De Chine, Silk Twill, Heavy crepe silk | Trousers, Dresses, scarfs, pillowcases |
| 80 gsm | 21mm | heavier, dense | Silk Satin, Crepe De Chine, Silk Twill, Heave crepe Silk,Duppion Silk | Dresses, Cocktail dresses, Evening Wear |
| 90 gsm | 24mm | Silk Satin, CDC (Crepe De Chine) | Bridal, Couture | |
| 100 gsm | 27mm | Silk Satin | Bridal, Couture | |
| 113 gsm | 30mm | Silk Satin | Bridal, Couture | |
| 150gsm | 40mm | Heaviest weight for Woven Silk | Silk Satin, CDC | Bridal, Couture, Suits |
