Empress Silk

About Silk
History identifies the Chinese Empress His-ling-shi, bride of Emperor Huang Ti, with the discovery of silk and its potential in 27th century BC. For thousands of years the processing and weaving of silk was a closely held secret known only to the Chinese. Although silk production is now widespread, Chinese silk produced by the bombyx mori worm is smoother, finer and rounder than other silks. Traditionally highly valued for apparel, silk is now the fabric of popular choice for home furnishings including bed linens, drapes, and carpets. Silk is elegant, versatile and the only fabric with an impressive 3,000 year history.

Silk is the strongest of natural fibers, most often washable for easy care and resilient for long wear. Silk is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, absorbs moisture, reduces humidity and is surprisingly cool in the summer and remarkably warm in the winter. Silk retains its shape, drapes and forms well, and has an unmistaken sheen and feel.

Hand Wash: All Empress Silk duvet covers, sheets, and pillow cases are washable. The preferred method is hand laundered in lukewarm water with milk soap or detergent using a gentle hand movement. Do not soak too long. Rinse in cool water and roll silk in a towel to remove excess water. Never wring water from silk.

Machine Wash: Larger items can be machine washed. Wash in cold water with mild detergent, no bleach, on a gentle cycle. Wash silk separate from other items and do not overload washer to avoid any unnecessary wear to the fabric. Silk dries quickly. Tumble dry on very low heat only if necessary.

Dry Clean: Comforters and blankets are dry clean only.

Ironing: Silk has a resistance to creasing or wrinkling, most will smooth out naturally. If ironing should become necessary, press the damp silk on the reverse side with an iron set on low. Silk charmeuse (satin) requires a cool iron to bring back the sheen.

Note: These are general care guidelines for silk. Please refer to specific care instructions on each label.