The Men’s Silk Shirts Guide
Learn more about silk shirts, including the fabric properties and occasions that this shirt style is suitable for
Where Does Apposta’s Silk Come From?
The smooth and luxurious pure silk that we use to make our shirts is sourced from the fabric supplier Valli. All of our shirts are made to order in Italy.
Browse our pure silk fabrics and create your perfect-fit silk shirt from scratch. Or choose a pre-existing pure silk shirt style and customise it at no extra cost.
What Is Silk?
Silk is a luxurious, elegant and completely natural fabric. It is renowned for its smoothness, sheen, and high quality. Silk thread is created using a fibre which comes from the cocoons of silkworm larvae. The unique triangular structure of silk fibres causes light to refract at different angles. This creates the woven fabric's trademark sheen appearance.
What Are The Benefits Of A Silk Shirt?
Here are some of the advantages of owning a silk shirt.
Luxurious Feel
Silk is known for its especially smooth, soft, and luxurious feel against the skin.
Durability
Despite its delicate appearance, silk is one of the strongest natural fibres available.
High Absorbency
Silk is able to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before it feels damp.
Thermal Regulation
A natural temperature regulator, silk is able to keep you warm during cooler days and cool during warmer days.
Hypoallergenic
Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s resistant to allergens such as mould and mites.
Breathability
Silk is breathable, allowing for natural ventilation.
Soft Drape
Silk fabric drapes pleasingly, conforming to your body's shape without clinging.
Sheen
Silk has a natural sheen, which adds an elegant appearance to clothing made from the fabric.
Colour Retention
Silk fibres keep dye very well, so dyed silk fabrics stay vividly coloured.
How is Silk Made?
Silk production is known as sericulture. The process begins with breeding silkworms, primarily the Bombyx mori variety, which are fed mulberry leaves. Upon maturation, silkworm larvae spin protective cocoons using a fluid that hardens into silk fibres. After spinning, the cocoons are harvested. They are boiled to soften the sericin protein which facilitates the unspooling of silk threads. These threads are then spun together to form stronger threads, dyed, and woven into silk fabric using looms.
How To Wear A Silk Shirt
The luxurious sheen of silk shirts adds an elegant touch to outfits. Silk shirts lend themselves best to formal occasions. They are therefore most suitable for dinners, parties or other evening events where a refined look is desired. A white silk shirt worn with a black suit and black formal shoes provides a classic, elegant outfit. Neutral silk shirt colours, such as black,grey or navy are versatile and should generally be worn with smart trousers in a dark colour such as black.
How To Take Care Of A Silk Shirt
Do not wash your silk shirt, instead have it dry cleaned.
Store in a cool and dark place away from sunlight to prevent colour fading.
Iron on the shirt’s reverse, at 110°c.
Did You Know?
- The process of silk production is called Sericulture.
- The production of silk originated in China during the 4th millennium BC.
- A single silk thread obtained from a cocoon can be hundreds of metres long.
- The unique triangular shape silk fibre results in the woven fabric’s trademark sheen.
- Silk has an exceptional ability to absorb dyes, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colour.
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