Raw silk – the epitome of summer luxury

Worn for centuries by royalties, religious leaders and the wealthy a like, the raw silk fabric has always been a powerful status symbol all the way up to the 21st century. And it remains to be, although the focus and reason for it, we like to think, is the majestic characteristics and the truly unique feeling it creates for tailored clothing.

History & allure

The Raw silk fabric has a long and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The origins of silk production can be traced back to ancient China, where the secret of silk cultivation was closely guarded for centuries. It wasn’t until the 4th century BCE that silk production began to spread to other parts of the world, such as India, Persia, and eventually the Mediterranean.

Raw silk has always been synonymous with luxury, dating back centuries. In the early days of production, raw silk was almost exclusively used for high-end garments worn by the wealthy and powerful. It was extremely high priced compared to other fabrics and considered a symbol of status and wealth.

Thanks to the silk trade and the famous ’Silk Road’, the fabric found its way to Europe, and during the Middle Ages, raw silk was used to make elaborate robes and tunics worn by royalty and religious leaders. Fast forward a couple of hundred years, during the Renaissance, raw silk became popular among the wealthy merchant class, who used it to make elaborate gowns and doublets.

Today, the reputation and status of raw silk remain. In the world of fashion and tailoring it is still used to create truly unique statement pieces. world in the world of tailoring. Its unique texture and appearance, as well as its durability and versatility, make it a compelling choice for jackets, suits, and other tailored garments. While raw silk is still considered a luxury fabric, advances in silk production have made it more accessible to a wider range of consumers than ever before.

Black raw silk jacket with cashmere/silk sweater & silk/linen trouser

The raw silk fabric explained

Raw silk has a unique texture and appearance that is unlike any other fabric. It has a slightly irregular, textured surface that gives it a unique and organic look and feel. This texture comes as a result of the silk fibers being woven together in a looser, less uniform manner than other silks, which gives it a distinctive, rustic look.

Raw silk is the result of a mix of natures wonders and time consuming and delicate hand-labour. It is produced from the cocoons of the silkworm, which are carefully harvested and then processed to remove the outer layer of sericin, a protein that holds the cocoon together. The silk fibers are then spun into thread or yarn, which can be woven into a variety of fabrics, including raw silk.

Although raw silk is a very delicate and superfine fibre it is also known for its durability and resilience. Unlike other silks, which can be delicate and prone to damage, raw silk is strong and resistant to wear and tear.

As with any quality fabric, raw material combined with the knowledge and craftsmanship of the weaver plays an important part in the result of the fabric. At Blugiallo, we primarily use raw silk sourced from Italian weaver and luxury powerhouse Loro Piana to ensure the absolute best quality and craftsmanship available on the market.

Off white raw silk dinner jacket

Process & exclusivity

Raw silk is considered expensive due to the nature of its production process. The process requires a great deal of time, skill, and labor, as each silk-cocoon produced by nature, must be handled carefully to ensure that the silk fibers are not damaged.

In addition to the labor-intensive production process, the cost of raw silk (like any luxury fabric) is also influenced by factors such as the quality of the fibers, the demand for the fabric, and the availability of the raw materials. Silk production is heavily influenced by weather conditions, pests, and other factors that can impact the quantity and quality of the silk fibers produced in any given year.

Another factor that contributes to the expense of raw silk is its popularity in the world of high-end fashion and tailoring. Raw silk has a unique texture and appearance that is prized by designers and consumers alike, and its rarity and exclusivity make it a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

Overall, the expense of raw silk can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the labor-intensive production process, the quality and availability of the raw materials, and the demand for the fabric in the world of high-end fashion and tailoring.

Garments & Styling

When it comes to the use in tailoring, raw silk can in fact be dressed both formal and as a part of a casual tailored outfit or even vacation wear. It is extremely versatile and can also be blended with other high summer fabrics like linen or cotton to create truly unique fabrics.

It can be paired with formal trousers and a dress shirt for a more formal look, or with a pair of custom made jeans and a t-shirt for a more casual vibe.

Obviously, raw silk is also a extremely luxurious fabric that is associated with sophistication and elegance. It has a rich, lustrous sheen that catches the light beautifully and is therefore perfect to wear in dinner jackets and formal attire like evening wear. When tailored into a jacket or dinner jacket, raw silk exudes an air of refinement and luxury that is unmatched for spring & summer tailoring.

Extended luxury fabric programme

Available Online & via Showrooms

We work closely with all of our customers to create unique tailoring. If you can’t find what you looking for online or simply want something truly unique – book a consultation with our team to have a look at our extended luxury fabric programme. From the basis of your needs and preferences we can cut the fabric directly from the mill to create your next masterpiece.