Momme (written mm) is the standard unit for silk fabric weight. One momme equals about 4.34 grams per square metre, so a 12 momme silk weighs around 52 GSM and a 16 momme silk around 69 GSM. For scarves, 8 to 12 momme gives a light, airy feel, while 12 to 16 momme gives richer colour, a fuller drape and a more luxurious hand. Higher momme means more silk, so it also means a higher price.
Key takeaways
- Momme measures silk weight per area. Higher momme means denser, more opaque and more durable silk.
- Most quality silk scarves sit between 8 and 16 momme, depending on the weave.
- 16 momme silk twill or charmeuse gives deeper print colour and less show-through than 12 momme.
- Always state both the silk weave and the momme in your order, because the same momme feels different in each weave.
What is momme?
Momme is a traditional Japanese unit used worldwide to describe the weight of silk fabric. It tells you how much silk is in a given area of cloth, which makes it a good guide to thickness, opacity and durability. Other fabrics are usually described in GSM, grams per square metre. Silk uses momme, but the two convert easily.
The basic rule is simple: one momme is about 4.34 GSM. Multiply the momme by 4.34 to get GSM, or divide GSM by 4.34 to get momme. Our guide to GSM and fabric weight explains how weight works for wool and other fibres.
Momme to GSM conversion chart
| Momme (mm) | Approximate GSM | How it feels | Typical scarf use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 26 GSM | Very sheer and airy | Chiffon and organza wraps |
| 8 mm | 35 GSM | Light and floaty | Habotai and georgette scarves |
| 10 mm | 43 GSM | Light with some body | Everyday habotai scarves |
| 12 mm | 52 GSM | Soft, fluid, slightly opaque | Crepe de chine, twill and satin scarves |
| 14 mm | 61 GSM | Smooth with a fuller drape | Premium twill and satin scarves |
| 16 mm | 69 GSM | Rich, opaque, luxurious | Luxury twill squares and charmeuse scarves |
| 19 mm | 82 GSM | Heavy and dense | Rarely used for scarves; common in silk bedding |
| 22 mm | 95 GSM | Very heavy | Silk pillowcases and bedding |
GSM values are rounded. Small differences between suppliers’ conversion figures are normal.
Which momme suits each silk fabric?
Momme only makes sense alongside the weave. A 12 momme chiffon would be unusually heavy, while a 12 momme satin is light for its type.
| Silk fabric | Common momme range for scarves | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Chiffon | 6 to 8 mm | Sheer, floaty, slightly crisp |
| Georgette | 8 to 12 mm | Sheer with a grainy, crepe texture |
| Habotai (pongee) | 8 to 12 mm | Smooth, plain weave, affordable |
| Crepe de chine | 12 to 16 mm | Matte, pebbly surface, excellent drape |
| Silk twill | 12 to 16 mm | Diagonal weave, crisp, holds prints well |
| Charmeuse (satin) | 12 to 19 mm | Glossy face, matte back, fluid drape |
Browse our silk scarves and read our silk stoles guide for the weaves we work with.
12 momme vs 16 momme: which should you choose?
This is the most common question from scarf buyers.
| Factor | 12 momme | 16 momme |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Around 52 GSM | Around 69 GSM |
| Drape | Light and fluid | Fuller and more substantial |
| Print colour | Bright, with some show-through on the reverse | Deeper and richer, with less show-through |
| Feel | Soft and airy | Smooth and luxurious |
| Durability | Good | Better, especially at the hems |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, as it uses about a third more silk |
| Best for | Fashion scarves, summer ranges, promotional items | Luxury squares, premium gifts, signature collections |
Choose 12 momme for lighter, more affordable ranges and warm-weather wear. Choose 16 momme when the scarf must feel premium, carry rich artwork and last for years.
Which momme suits which buyer?
- Fashion and online retail: 8 to 12 momme habotai or georgette with bold prints, at an accessible price. See our fashion scarves.
- Luxury boutiques: 14 to 16 momme twill or charmeuse squares with rich artwork and hand-rolled hems.
- Corporate gifting and promotions: 12 to 14 momme twill with a printed logo, boxed. Browse our promotional scarves and corporate gift shawls.
- Bridal and evening wear: 6 to 10 momme chiffon or georgette wraps. Read our guide to bridal stoles wholesale.
- Summer and resort ranges: light habotai and chiffon that stay cool in heat. See our summer scarves.
How does momme affect printing?
Silk scarves are often bought for their artwork, so print quality matters. Heavier silk holds more dye, which produces deeper, more saturated colour and sharper detail. Lighter silk shows more of the print on the reverse side, which can be attractive on sheer fabrics but less so on a square scarf meant to look finished on both sides.
Digital printing on silk can reproduce photographs and fine detail, while screen printing gives strong flat colour for repeat designs. Our guides to printed stoles and digital print scarves cover both methods.
How does momme affect price?
Silk is sold by weight, so moving from 12 to 16 momme adds roughly a third more silk to every scarf. Weave also matters: crepe de chine and twill take longer to weave than habotai, and charmeuse needs fine filament yarn. Finishing adds further cost, especially hand-rolled hems on luxury squares.
When comparing quotes, make sure each supplier quotes the same weave, momme, size and hem finish. Our guide on how to price shawls helps you set retail margins.
What sizes do silk scarves come in?
| Format | Common size | Typical momme |
|---|---|---|
| Neckerchief or bandana | Around 50 x 50 to 55 x 55 cm | 12 to 14 mm |
| Medium square | Around 70 x 70 cm | 12 to 16 mm |
| Large square | Around 90 x 90 cm | 14 to 16 mm |
| Oblong scarf | Around 45 x 180 to 65 x 180 cm | 8 to 12 mm |
| Sheer wrap | Around 70 x 200 cm | 6 to 10 mm |
Large squares need heavier silk to hold their shape when knotted, while long oblongs often use lighter silk to stay airy.
What should buyers check before a bulk silk order?
- Weave and momme. Confirm both on the sample and in the contract.
- Fibre content. Ask for a composition report. Polyester satin and viscose can look similar to silk at first glance.
- Print quality. Check colour accuracy, sharpness and show-through on the reverse.
- Hem finish. Hand-rolled hems are softer and more premium than machine-rolled hems. Check they are even and secure.
- Colour fastness. Test rubbing and gentle washing, especially on dark grounds.
- Chemical compliance. For Europe and the US, ask for Oeko-Tex or equivalent results. See our Oeko-Tex guide.
- Care label. Most silk scarves need dry cleaning or gentle hand washing. See our guide to care label requirements.
Here is how to request samples from a shawl manufacturer so you can compare momme options side by side.
MOQ and lead time at Savita Shawls
| Term | Savita Shawls standard |
|---|---|
| MOQ | 100 pieces per design, lower on some stock styles |
| Stock styles with your label | 10 to 15 working days |
| Custom printed silk scarves | 20 to 25 working days after sample approval |
| Samples | Delivered internationally in 7 to 10 working days |
| Artwork | AI, PDF or high-resolution JPEG at 300 DPI or more |
Order silk scarves from Savita Shawls
Savita Shawls has manufactured scarves, stoles and shawls in Gurgaon since 1984 and exports to more than 40 countries. Explore our designer scarves, ask about private label manufacturing, or request a bulk quote with your weave, momme, size and artwork.
Frequently asked questions
What does momme mean in silk?
Momme is a unit of silk fabric weight. One momme equals about 4.34 grams per square metre, so higher momme silk is heavier, denser and more opaque.
Is 12 or 16 momme better for a scarf?
16 momme feels more luxurious, prints with deeper colour and lasts longer. 12 momme is lighter, airier and more affordable, which suits fashion and summer scarves.
How do you convert momme to GSM?
Multiply the momme by about 4.34. For example, 12 momme is around 52 GSM and 16 momme is around 69 GSM.
What momme is used for luxury silk scarves?
Luxury silk twill and charmeuse squares usually use 14 to 16 momme, which gives a smooth hand, a full drape and rich print colour.
Is silk twill or charmeuse better for scarves?
Silk twill is crisper, holds knots well and shows prints sharply, which suits square scarves. Charmeuse is glossier and more fluid, which suits long scarves and evening wraps.
Does higher momme mean better quality?
Higher momme means more silk and usually more durability and opacity. Quality also depends on the weave, the yarn, the print and the hem finish, so compare samples rather than momme alone.
What is the minimum order for printed silk scarves?
Savita Shawls starts at 100 pieces per design, with custom printed silk scarves ready 20 to 25 working days after sample approval.
