What Is Momme? Silk Weight Explained, and 19 vs 22 Momme Pyjamas

You’ve likely encountered the term "momme" while shopping for high-end loungewear. It’s a word that often appears on product labels, yet it remains a mystery to many. If you are looking to invest in the ultimate pair of silk pyjamas, understanding this term is the key to finding a set that delivers the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and true, lasting luxury.

At snoozyn, we believe in transparent craftsmanship. Here is everything you need to know about momme so you can choose your next favourite pair of pyjamas with total confidence.

What exactly is momme?

"Momme" (pronounced mo-mee) is a traditional Japanese unit of measurement used specifically to assess the density and weight of silk. Unlike cotton, which is typically measured by "thread count," silk requires a more precise metric. Because individual silk fibres are incredibly fine, a thread count measurement would be misleading and impractical.

Instead, momme measures the weight in pounds of a piece of silk fabric if it were sized 45 inches by 100 yards. In more modern terms, it tells you exactly how much raw silk is packed into a square metre of fabric.

The maths behind the quality:

• 1 momme ≈ 4.3056 g/m²

• 16 momme ≈ 68.8896 g/m²

• 19 momme ≈ 81.8064 g/m²

• 22 momme ≈ 94.7232 g/m²

• 25 momme ≈ 107.64 g/m²

Essentially, the higher the momme number, the more silk fibres are woven into the fabric. A 19 momme set, for instance, contains roughly 20% more raw silk than a 16 momme set, resulting in a noticeable difference in how the fabric drapes against your body and how well it holds up after a wash.

Why momme matters for your pyjamas

When you wear silk pyjamas, the fabric is subjected to more movement, friction, and frequent laundering than bed linen. Choosing the right momme weight is essential to ensure your sleepwear remains as beautiful as the day you bought it.

• Balance of weight and drape: A higher momme weight provides a more substantial, fluid drape. While very low-momme silk can feel thin and flimsy, a higher count (like 19 or 22 momme) ensures the pyjamas glide over your skin with that signature "buttery" feel, rather than sticking or clinging.

• Resisting wear and tear: Pyjamas experience stress at high-friction points—the elbows, knees, and seams. A higher momme count signifies a tighter, denser weave, making the fabric significantly more resistant to the thinning, snagging, and tearing often found in lower-quality sets. A mesh wash bag looks after the rest.

• Opacity for confidence: There is nothing less relaxing than sleepwear that feels too thin or transparent. A higher momme weight ensures the fabric is opaque, providing you with full coverage and a more substantial, luxurious feel against the skin — which matters most on a cami set, where there is least fabric to work with.

• Temperature regulation: Silk is naturally thermoregulating, but density matters. A slightly higher momme weight (19–22 momme) allows the fabric to better maintain a consistent temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and cosy during the colder months without feeling heavy.

• Long-term value: While silk with a higher momme weight may be a larger initial investment, it pays off in longevity. High-density silk maintains its structural integrity and lustre much longer than thinner alternatives, ensuring your favourite pyjamas stay soft and beautiful for years.

Choosing the right weight for your needs

Not all silk is created for the same purpose. Here is a guide to help you select the right weight for your sleepwear:

• 12 to 16 momme: Frequently used for lightweight, airy silk garments where breathability and a very delicate drape are the primary goals. We do not stock it.

• 19 momme: The gold standard for everyday silk pyjamas. It offers the perfect "sweet spot," providing excellent durability and a luxurious feel that is easy to care for and perfect for year-round wear. Every silk piece we make starts here — including the solid nightshirts, the bath robes and the 3D eye mask.

• 22 momme and above: The peak of indulgence. If you prefer a more substantial, weighted feel and maximum durability, these weights offer an unparalleled level of opulence that feels truly special.

19 momme vs 22 momme pyjamas: which should you buy?

This is the comparison most people actually want, because 19 and 22 momme are the two weights that serious sleepwear is made in. Most of what is written about it is about pillowcases; pyjamas behave differently, because they are worn, moved in and washed far more often than a pillowcase is.

	19 momme	22 momme
Silk per square metre	≈ 82 g	≈ 95 g (about 16% more)
Hand feel	Light, fluid, cool against the skin	Heavier, more body, a fuller drape
Opacity	Opaque in dark and mid colours; white and cream are the test	Opaque in every colour, including white
Best for	Cami sets, summer, first silk pyjamas, anyone who runs warm	Long sets, winter, prints, anyone who wants a piece to last a decade
Care	Same: cool hand or delicate machine wash in a mesh bag, no tumble dryer	Same, and the extra weight makes it a little more forgiving of a hurried wash

The honest answer: 19 momme is the right weight for most people, most of the time. It is what every silk piece we make starts at, it is the lighter of the two to sleep in, and it is the weight to choose for a cami set, where the cloth sits close and any extra weight is felt. Go to 22 momme for a long set you will wear through winter, for a printed set where the extra density keeps the print crisp, or if you simply prefer the feel of a heavier silk. Neither is "better" in the abstract — 22 momme is more silk, and you pay for more silk. If the real question is silk or something you can machine wash, our guide to choosing between Modal Cloud and mulberry silk covers it.

What the number does not tell you: the grade. Momme is weight; grade (6A is the top) is fibre length and evenness. A heavy 22 momme in a poor grade will still pill and snag sooner than a well-made 19 momme in Grade 6A. Our whole range is Grade 6A mulberry silk in both weights, so the choice is genuinely about feel and season, not about quality.

Elevate your evenings with snoozyn

At snoozyn, we curate our collections to ensure you receive the best value for your investment. Whether you are looking for the everyday indulgence of our 19 momme range or the deep, heavy luxury of our 22 momme pieces, you can rest easy knowing that every piece is made to the same standard. If you would like the fuller version of how that cloth is produced, read modern silk production.

Ready to upgrade your nightly ritual? Explore our collection of premium mulberry silk pyjamas today.