Short answer: 19 momme is the most common weight for silk pillowcases: lighter, cooler and more affordable. 22 momme is about 16% denser and feels a little heavier, and with daily use and frequent washing it tends to wear more slowly. Both are good pillowcase weights. Below 16 momme is better suited to scarves than to bedding.
What the numbers mean
Momme (mm) is the weight of the silk fabric. 1 momme is about 4.34 g per square metre.
| Momme | Fabric weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | approx. 69 g/m² | scarves, linings, light eye masks |
| 19 mm | approx. 82 g/m² | pillowcases, eye masks, scrunchies |
| 22 mm | approx. 95 g/m² | pillowcases, duvet covers |
| 25 mm | approx. 109 g/m² | duvet covers, heavier bedding |
19 vs. 22 momme on a pillowcase
- Feel: 19 momme is light and fluid. 22 momme feels slightly fuller in the hand. On your face, most people notice the smoothness of the silk long before they notice the weight.
- Temperature: the lighter 19 momme weave is a good match if you sleep warm.
- Wear: more silk per square metre means more fabric to wear through. If the pillowcase is washed weekly for years, 22 momme has the edge. Gentle washing (30°C, delicate cycle, no tumble dryer) matters more than the 3 momme difference.
- Price: in Swiss shops in November 2026, 19 momme mulberry silk pillowcases cost roughly CHF 40–80 and 22 momme roughly CHF 50–90, depending on size, brand and packaging.
Which one should you pick?
- Pick 19 momme if you want the classic pillowcase weight, sleep warm, or are buying a gift on a budget under CHF 60.
- Pick 22 momme if you plan to use the same pillowcase every night for years and want the denser fabric.
- Check more than momme: mulberry silk on both sides (not just the front), the size (50×70 cm is the Swiss standard), and the closure (a hidden zip keeps the case in place).
Is satin the same?
No. Satin is a weave, usually made from polyester. Satin is not silk and does not have a momme weight. More in our guide Silk vs. satin pillowcase.
The CURALP pillowcase
Our Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is 19 momme mulberry silk on both sides, fits 50×70 cm pillows, has a hidden zip and arrives in a gift box. CHF 59.90, delivered within 14 days, shipped from our partner warehouse abroad. Free shipping. No customs fees.