How to Tell If Your Silk Scarf Is the Real Deal

Let's talk about something that comes up all the time in our shop: "Is this really silk?"

I get it. You're investing in a beautiful scarf, and you want to make sure it's authentic. The good news? Real silk has some telltale signs that fakes just can't copy.

The Touch Test

Real silk feels cool when you first touch it, then warms up as you hold it. Polyester feels the same temperature right away. Also, genuine silk has a subtle texture – run it between your fingers and you'll feel a slight catch. Fake silk is usually too slippery, too perfect.

The Ring Test

My grandmother taught me this one. Scrunch up your scarf and pull it through a ring. Real silk is so fine it compresses easily and slips through. If it barely fits, you might be dealing with synthetic fabric.

 

Look at the Weave

Hold your scarf up to the light. Real silk has irregular threads with little slubs here and there because it comes from silkworm cocoons. The sheen changes depending on the angle. Fake silk looks too even, too uniform, with the same brightness from every direction.

The Shimmer

Real silk shimmers and changes color as it moves, like it's glowing from within. That's iridescence. Polyester shine is more like a mirror – bright but flat with no depth to it.

Trust the Price (A Little)

If someone's selling "100% silk scarves" for $15, be suspicious. Real silk costs what it costs because production is labor-intensive. You don't need to spend hundreds, but if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When in Doubt, Ask

Any reputable seller should be willing to talk about their sourcing and let you test the fabric. In our shop, we're always happy to show you the difference.

The bottom line? Once you've felt real silk, you'll know. It's like meeting someone genuine – there's just something about it that can't be faked.