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Silk, Tencel, and Ice Silk: What's the difference between these similar-sounding fabrics?
Release time: 2025/03/07
Silk, Tencel, and Ice silk, only a single character difference, yet they are completely different things.
1. Silk is the common name for silk, the silk spun by silkworms. It is a natural fiber, and silk generally includes mulberry silk (the most common and widely used), oak silk (wild silk), castor silk, and cassava silk, etc.
Moreover, silk is a general term and belongs to a large category, not a specific fiber material, so formal labels will not indicate silk, but will indicate: Mulberry silk, Oak silk, etc.
Mulberry silk is superior to oak silk~
Advantages: Natural fabric, high-end and elegant, light, soft, smooth, lustrous, breathable, high moisture absorption, good warmth retention, and does not generate static electricity.
Disadvantages: It is easily damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun, sweat, strong acids, strong alkalis, and bleaching agents will all damage it and reduce its performance. It is expensive, easily eaten by insects, and requires maintenance.
2. Tencel, strictly speaking, Tencel is Lyocell fiber produced by Lenzing Group in Austria, and the trademark "Tencel" is registered. The full name is Tencel Lyocell. Because the name is too long, it is usually called Tencel in communication. Later, it gradually developed, and all Lyocell is habitually called Tencel.
Lyocell fiber is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber, which is made by spinning after dissolving and extracting natural wood fibers with a new organic solvent. It is known as an environmentally friendly fiber and a green fiber, and it can decompose in the soil after being discarded. The Price is slightly higher than ordinary cotton, but much cheaper than silk fabrics~
Advantages: It has the excellent moisture absorption and comfort of cotton, the drape and bright colors of viscose fiber, and the soft feel and elegant luster of silk.
Disadvantages: It is very easy to wrinkle when machine washed and rubbed. Tencel tends to harden in hot and humid weather. It is not wear-resistant, and frequent friction will cause breakage. Tencel fabric has poor elasticity, and it is easy to mildew or deteriorate after being left in a humid environment for a long time.
3. Ice silk, currently there are no relevant national standards and textile industry standards to clearly define the concept of "ice silk." "Ice silk" is only a marketing name and not a specific type of fabric.
Furthermore, a deep investigation into "ice silk" clothing on the market reveals that most ice silk is woven from chemical fibers such as polyester viscose fiber, polyester (also known as cool fiber), and nylon (also known as nylon). (also known as cool fiber)