What Is Thai Silk?

There’s something instantly captivating about Thai silk. The way it catches the light, the soft but textured feel between your fingers, the rich colors that seem to shift as you move — it’s more than just fabric.

I fell in love with Thai silk the first moment I laid my eyes on it. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

So, what is Thai silk, how is it made, and what makes it so special? Today, I share with you everything there is to know about Thai silk!

Thai Silk: A Fabric Unlike Any Other

Thai silk is a unique and luxurious fabric made from the cocoons of silkworms. What sets it apart from other types of silk is not just where it's from. It's how it's made and the characteristics it holds.

Genuine Thai silk has a natural, slightly coarse texture that feels rich and tactile. Unlike smooth, synthetic imitations, real Thai silk has tiny, irregular slubs — subtle imperfections that come from the natural spinning process. These give the fabric its signature charm and depth.

One of its most stunning features is its iridescent quality — the way colors appear to shift depending on the angle of the light. This is due to the triangular structure of the silk fiber, which refracts light like a prism. The result? Vibrant, jewel-toned fabrics that almost seem to glow from within.

The Two Types of Thai Silk

Today, Thai silk generally falls into two categories: handwoven and machine-woven. Both have their own beauty, strengths, and place in the market.

1. Handwoven Thai Silk

   
   

Handwoven silk is made the traditional way — spun and woven by hand on wooden looms, often in small family workshops or weaving villages. This type of silk is highly valued for its character: the irregular slubs, the unique patterns, and the slow, meticulous process that goes into every meter.

Each piece is slightly different from the next, almost like a fingerprint. The design can vary depending on the individual weaver.

This artisanal quality is what gives hand woven Thai silk its charm. However, it also makes it more expensive and less accessible. You can find a few hand woven Thai silk pieces from Fluff and Yarn’s collection, but please don’t be surprised by the cost!

2. Machine-Woven Thai Silk

   
   

Machine-woven Thai silk uses the same natural silk fibers but is woven with the help of modern machines. This allows for greater consistency, finer detailing, and faster production — all without sacrificing the material’s quality or beauty.

Machine-woven Thai silk still has the lustrous sheen, durability, and signature Thai feel, but is more affordable. Machine weaving opens up a wider range of patterns, colors, and design options, making it perfect for made-to-order clothing and home décor.

The Modern Uses of Thai Silk

Thai silk has a rich history dating back centuries. It was once reserved for royalty and ceremonies in Thailand. However, it was revived on the world stage by Jim Thompson in the mid-20th century.

While Thai silk has deep cultural roots, it’s far from old-fashioned. Today, this timeless fabric is being reimagined in fresh, contemporary ways — from runway fashion to everyday wear, and even modern home interiors.

Think tailored blouses, statement skirts, relaxed-fit shirts, silk scarves, or even accents like collars and cuffs that elevate a simple outfit. Because of its rich texture and ability to hold shape well, Thai silk is perfect for both structured garments and flowing silhouettes.

Not only that, when combined with other natural fibers — like Thai cotton — it creates a balanced blend of comfort and sophistication. That’s why I love working with both materials for made-to-order clothing!

Other Thai Silk Uses

Outside of fashion, Thai silk is making its mark in interior design. The iridescent shimmer and deep colors of Thai silk instantly add character to minimalist or modern homes.

It’s used in cushion covers, table runners, curtains, and upholstery to bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. Thai Silk may also be used to create handbags, pouches, stuffed toys, and key chains.

Thai silk proves that heritage and style can go hand in hand.

Fluff and Yarn’s Custom Clothing with Thai Silk and Cotton

At Fluff and Yarn, we’re passionate about creating clothing that not only looks good but feels meaningful. That’s why we offer made-to-order garments crafted from unique Thai silk and woven cotton.

We never mass produce. Instead, we let you choose the fabric and clothing design before sending them to the tailor. Each item is made with care, using quality fabrics sourced from Thailand.

It’s slow fashion, rooted in heritage, made just for you.