Sandwashed, Water-washed, and Raw Silk: Analyzing Different Touches and Styles of Silk
"Why do silk fabrics, even when labeled 'silk,' feel completely different?" The answer usually lies in the finishing processes of the fabric. Today, let's talk about three of the most common characteristics of silk: raw, washed, and sand-washed. These aren't differences in quality, but rather three different paths silk has taken.
Raw silk is silk that hasn't quite compromised yet. Typically, raw silk in our case is plain crepe or double crepe which has been only degummed and dyed simply. It still possesses the springiness and crispness that are the characteristics of raw silk; you will hear that gentle, exclusive "silk rustling" sound when you touch it. Its shine is direct, similar to the moonlight reflected on a lake it's bright but understated. Lots of Western clients are drawn to this "old-fashioned silk charmeuse": chilly, soft, with a bit of a distant aura. When fashioned into shirts or dresses, it exudes a subtle charm.
Still, raw silk is not always a darling of the skin; it gets wrinkled quite easily, and it also reacts to sweat and perfume, so the wearer has to treat it like a delicate masterpiece. We always tell you: if it's your first time to wear silk, it might make you a bit anxious, but nothing can beat the natural glow of silk.
Washed silk adds another layer of "ease" to a garment, metaphorically, if raw silk, as unprocessed silk, is like the perfect piece in a showcase, then the washing process not only makes the linen softer and older, but also, in a very subtle manner, gets it ready for your usage. The fabric is exposed to a special pre-shrinking treatment to allow the fibers to fully relax. The fabric still retains its smooth aspect but at the same time has the soft, furry and cotton-like tactile properties. The shining of the fabric shifts from very reflective one to the soft and milky one, as if it has been with you for a long time. What's more, this textile hardly ever shrinks, and when it gets wrinkled in the natural way, such wrinkles do not become stiff; on the contrary, they form a relaxed texture. For a lot of our designs that are minimal and relaxed in style, like slip dresses or oversized shirts, we particularly use washed silk. The best way to put it is: while wearing it, you will not have to be cautious all the time; the fabric will be suitable for you regardless of whether you are at a market or a coffee shop. It will let you enjoy the luxury of silk without the inconvenience of feeling restricted.
Silk that is sand washed can feel completely different from its normal silky-smooth softness. Upon feeling it for the first time, many say, "This does not feel like silk. It has more of a peach skin feel," because of how sand washing produces a velvety finish to the silk by using alkaline solutions and physical abrasion to create a fine velvety texture on the silk while keeping the sheen of the silk while making it look muted and timeworn in appearance. The change in feel from slippery to soft and velvety has resulted in the creation of memory wrinkles, where when the fabric is crumpled and released, there are very slight impressions (like fingerprints) left on the fabric. People feel as if they are looking at colors from vintage clothing styles, dark or muted old movie colors or history treasures found in their grandmother's attic. There are people that enjoy sand washed silk for its distinct feel and color and vintage appearance.Frankly, due to the velvety surface, darker sand-washed silk may have slight color bleeding, and excessive friction with rough backpack straps should be avoided. But those who love it don't mind these drawbacks; the quiet and soothing atmosphere is something no other process can provide.
From our perspective as sellers, there's no inherent superiority or inferiority among these three techniques; it's simply a matter of personal preference. For those who yearn for the raw, natural feel of silk, the unspoiled is always there; for those who crave understated everyday luxury and relaxation, washed silk is almost always a safe bet; and if you're seeking a tactile experience with a narrative quality, the gentle warmth of sand washing can be addictive. We always include a processing technique label when photographing our products, hoping that even through the screen, you can feel the silk that's right for you.