The Difference Between Real Silk and Synthetic Imitations

How to tell genuine silk from polyester or rayon — and why Italian-made silk is worth the investment.

Silk has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics — soft, breathable, and beautifully luminous. But with so many satin and “silky” alternatives on the market, it’s not always easy to tell if what you’re buying is genuine silk or a synthetic imitation.

At Simply Silky, our garments are crafted in Italy from authentic silk with viscose linings — combining true natural beauty with long-lasting quality. Here’s how to tell the difference between real silk and synthetic lookalikes, and why it matters.

1. What Is Real Silk Made From?

Real silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms. Each strand is incredibly fine, yet remarkably strong. Because it’s a natural fibre, silk is breathable, hypoallergenic and gentle on your skin — which is why it feels so soft and light to wear.

Synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon (often sold as “artificial silk” or “satin”) are made from petroleum-based or cellulose fibres. They’re designed to mimic the shine of silk, but lack its natural softness and temperature-regulating qualities.

2. How to Tell Real Silk from Synthetic Fabric

Here are a few simple ways to tell them apart:

• Touch test: Real silk feels smooth, warm and fluid. Synthetics feel cooler and slightly slippery.
• Lustre: True silk has a soft, natural sheen that shifts in different light; synthetic satin often looks uniformly shiny and flat.
• Wrinkle test: Crush the fabric gently in your hand — real silk creases slightly and bounces back; synthetics tend to stay flat.
• Sound: When rubbed, real silk makes a faint rustling sound — sometimes called the “silk whisper”.
• Burn test (for experts only): Real silk burns slowly with the smell of burning hair; synthetics melt and smell like plastic. (Do not perform on a favourite garment.)

3. Why Real Silk Is Worth It

Beyond its beauty, real silk offers benefits that synthetic fibres simply can’t match:

• Breathable and temperature-regulating
• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable
• Long-lasting when cared for properly
• Feels luxurious against the skin

Because silk is a natural fibre, it’s also more labour-intensive to produce. Each thread is carefully spun from silkworm cocoons, then woven and finished using traditional techniques — especially in Italy, where craftsmanship and fabric quality are world-renowned.

That’s why genuine silk garments generally cost more than polyester or rayon imitations. However, at Simply Silky, our prices remain highly competitive for Italian-made silk pieces. We work directly with trusted Italian makers to deliver premium-quality silk garments at exceptional value — combining timeless style, comfort and authenticity without the luxury markup.

Choosing genuine silk means investing in pieces that look elegant, feel beautiful and stand the test of time.

4. Simply Silky’s Italian Craftsmanship

Every Simply Silky garment is made in Italy, using authentic silk paired with soft viscose linings. This combination gives each piece a fluid drape, lasting structure and everyday comfort — perfect for the modern Australian wardrobe.

Silk vs Synthetic — FAQs