How do I identify pure silk fabric? What is the burn test for silk?

Three reliable methods to identify pure silk:

1. Burn Test (most reliable): Pull a few threads and hold a flame to them. Pure silk burns slowly, smells like burnt hair (keratin protein), and leaves a crushable black ash. Synthetic silk (polyester) burns fast, smells like burning plastic, and leaves hard melted beads that will not crush.

2. Touch Test: Pure silk feels warm when you rub it between your palms — friction warms the natural protein fibers. Synthetic imitations feel cold or neutral.

3. Ring Test: Pure silk can be pulled through a small finger ring easily because the individual fibers are extremely fine. Synthetic imitations bunch up and resist.

⚠️ In wholesale markets, "art silk" and "katan silk" are often polyester blends. Always clarify fabric content with your supplier before placing bulk orders.

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