How much does Thai silk fabric cost?
Pure Thai silk fabric costs anywhere between US$15 to US$70 per yard depending on whether it’s two-ply or four-ply. Two-ply costs at least US$15 per yard. Four-ply costs from US$22 per yard. Imitation Thai silk is far cheaper as the fabric may be mixed with other types of fabric.
Are cheap Thai silk dress shops in Bangkok real?
Cheap Thai silk dress shops are everywhere in Thailand but many items marketed as “Thai silk” are not the real thing. Do not expect to buy genuine high-quality Thai silk at a Bangkok market. You may be lucky but most fabrics passed off as Thai silk in markets are a blend.
How much does brocaded Thai silk cost?
It’s not unusual for the finest brocaded Thai silk to cost $1,000 or more for a 2-4 meter bolt. You can find very good quality bolts for $150-$200 (U.S.), especially if shopping in a silk weaving village. Brocaded Thai Silk from Lamphun Province. If you run your hands over this fabric you will feel the pattern.
What makes Thai silk special?
Thai silk is special because of the way in which the silkworms are cultivated. Genuine silk material is available in an eye-catching rainbow array of plain colours, as well as a variety of rich geometric patterns favoured by Thai royalty. A classic Thai silk design pattern has gold embroidery and elephant motifs.
Is Thai silk real silk?
One fact is that traditional Thai silk is hand-woven which means that no fabric is the same, and each one is unique. Artificial silk is machine woven, so it has always the same color and every part of the fabric looks exactly the same.
Why Thai silk is the best?
The hand woven silk from Thailand feels fine to the touch, yet still retains an earthy quality. Throughout the years, Thais have perfected a number of weaving techniques and processes, which produce a variety of weights, patterns and designs. The process of hand woven silk production is one that requires patience.
What's Thai silk called?
A display of mudmee silk at a silk shop in Ban Ta-Sa-Wang in the Esaan region of Thailand. This style of weaving is also known as “ikat”. Mudmee silk (also known as ikat weaving) is the oldest form of pattern weaving in The Kingdom. It's easy to recognize even though the patterns and colors are infinite.
What makes Thai silk different?
Thai silk has many unique characteristics, including a tightly-woven fabric, fine grain and lustrous colours that do not fade after washing.
Is Thai silk washable?
For advanced weavers, seamstresses and tailors only, Thai silk can be hand washed. Silk is a protein similar to human hair and can be hand washed with a gentle shampoo, soap or detergent. Synthrapol SP, a mild detergent which has a neutral PH is a good choice.
What color is Thai silk?
The Bombyx mori usually produces silk thread of varying colors, ranging from light gold to very light green, with lengths varying from 500 to 1,500 yards per cocoon. A single thread filament is too thin to use on its own, so Thai women combine many threads to produce a thicker, usable fiber.
Is Thai silk expensive?
Thai silk is an expensive fabric. There are no bargains with Thai silk, only fair deals. Prices can easily range from $100 (US) for a 1.5 meter bolt of mudmee silk all the way to $3,000 for a bolt of the finest brocaded silk.
What country is Thai silk from?
Thailand produces about 600 tonnes of silk each year, 500 of which are used locally. Thailand isn't the only country making silk, however. It competes with some of its Asian neighbors, including Vietnam and China.
What is silk fabric in Thailand?
Thai Silk is purely the name given to any Silk manufactured in Thailand by native Thai Silkworms. Silk is a protein filament fibre produced by certain moths, spiders and other insects. How is Silk made? Silk fabric is created mainly by 'Silkworm Moths' called Bombyx Mori.
Is Thai silk expensive?
Thai silk is an expensive fabric. There are no bargains with Thai silk, only fair deals. Prices can easily range from $100 (US) for a 1.5 meter bolt of mudmee silk all the way to $3,000 for a bolt of the finest brocaded silk.
What is Thai silk made of?
Thai silk is produced by Thai caterpillars raised on Thai mulberry leaves by Thai weavers in Thailand, primarily on the Korat Plateau in the country's northeast region. Chaiyaphum is just north of Korat province. Raw silk is bumpy and irregular.
Where is the Thai silk product from?
Thai silkwormsThai silk is produced from the cocoons of Thai silkworms. Thai weavers, mainly from the Khorat Plateau in the northeast region of Thailand, raise the caterpillars on a steady diet of mulberry leaves. Khorat is the center of the silk industry in Thailand and a steady supplier of rose Thai silk for many generations.
What is Thailand silk fabric?
Thai silk is a type of silk produced from the cocoons of Thai silkworms. What is this? The best Thai silk is handwoven in the provinces of Buriram, Khon Kaen and Surin in Isaan in northeast Thailand. Ban Chiang in Udon Thani is believed to be where the first Thai silk threads were woven.
Where can I buy silk in Thailand?
Some trustworthy stores include the Jim Thompson House Museum, the Jim Thompson Factory Outlet, and Queen Thai Silk. You can also purchase Thai silk in the MBK Center and other shopping malls throughout Bangkok. Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to cheap Thai silk, should you not care about whether or not the material is synthetic. If you travel through the north of Thailand, you will find many family-owned farms still weaving and growing their own silk, as well.
How much silk is produced in Thailand?
Thailand produces about 600 tonnes of silk each year, 500 of which are used locally. Thailand isn’t the only country making silk, however. It competes with some of its Asian neighbors, including Vietnam and China.
What did Jim Thompson do to bring Thai silk back to life?
The name Jim Thompson and Thai silk go hand-in-hand. Thompson almost singlehandedly brought Thai silk back to life after the industry was lackluster, at best. After failing to pass the exam to become an architect, Thompson enlisted in the Delaware National Guard. After his service, he took a job in Bangkok with the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA. Thompson had no interest in returning to the U.S. and decided to invest in silk in Thailand.
Where can I find silk worms?
The silkworm is actually a caterpillar. Silk farms can be found in the north of Thailand where most of the weaving is done. When silkworms feed on mulberry trees, they produce salivary glands. The filament is spun to create silk thread. As silkworms grow, their bodies become filled with raw liquid silk. These cocoons are then boiled. The heat helps extract the thread. While machines have certainly made their way into the industry, you can still find Thai silk where the thread has been woven by hand and not done by a machine. Chemical dyes are now used to create silk’s popping, awe-inspiring colors. Barks and leaves used to be used as dyes, but the color usually came out after several washes, and something more permanent was needed.
What is the most sought after souvenir in Thailand?
Another staple of Thailand’s economy and culture is its silk industry. Thai silk has become a coveted item across the globe, and it is one of the most sought after souvenirs by tourists and visitors of the Kingdom. Here is everything you need to know about Thai silk.
Where did Jim Thompson invest in silk?
Thompson made an investment in silk in Thailand in the late 1940s, and that is when things changed. His investment was a smart one, and soon Thompson’s silk was gracing the pages of Vogue and made debuts in the Broadway show, The King and I when it ran on Broadway. Jim Thompson is known for a few things in Bangkok.
What is Thailand known for?
Thailand is well known for a number of unique characteristics. From Thailand’s spicy food to the country’s thriving sex industry, we can confidently say this is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Another staple of Thailand’s economy and culture is its silk industry.
How much does Thai silk cost?
There are no bargains with Thai silk, only fair deals. Prices can easily range from $100 (US) for a 1.5 meter bolt of mudmee silk all the way to $3,000 for a bolt of the finest brocaded silk. You can’t buy a bolt of Thai silk for $10-$20.
How to protect yourself from buying Thai silk?
The best way to protect yourself from buying a counterfeit or paying way too much is to know your seller. Only buy from vendors who appear legitimate (Example: A vendor that has a dedicated silk shop and a large inventory of silk fabric is probably legit.) Never buy from a guy at a night market whose total inventory is on a card table or spread on the ground. Yikes!
Where is Maneerat Thai silk?
Maneerat Thai Silk has excellent mudmee silks from Chonobot, Thailand- where the finest mudmee silks are woven in The Kingdom. You’ll also be able to find here brocaded silk, plain weave and dupioni. You can shop with confidence that the Thai silk is authentic and fairly priced.
Is Thai silk sold at night bazars?
Thai silk is not sold at night bazzars, tourist markets, or “walking streets”. Ninety-nine percent of alleged Thai silk at these locations are polyester ripoffs. At best you’ll find something called “noi silk” or “raw silk” (a misnomer) which is the cheapest, lowest quality silk in The Kingdom and shouldn’t even be confused with real Thai silk.
Where is the Silk Zone in Bangkok?
Pra Nakhon, Bangkok. The Silk Zone is actually a couple dozen independent silk shops located on the 2nd floor of the Old Siam Plaza. It’s the largest concentration of silk shops in a single location that I’m aware of in Bangkok.
Who owns the Queen of Thai silk?
She offers excellent Thai silk and cotton fabrics along with a selection of Praewa Silk. The Queen of Thai Silk: Room 203-4. Owner: Vannipa Ponata. Phone: 02-2212244.
Does quality come with price?
Quality comes with a price so I highly recommend you shop their IG page (link above) which will detail their inventory and prices.
How much does Thai silk cost?
Pure Thai silk fabric costs anywhere between US$15 to US$70 per yard depending on whether it’s two-ply or four-ply.
Where can I buy Thai silk?
Jim Thompson’s Factory Outlet is one of the places to buy Thai silk if you’re on a budget.
What is Thai silk?
Thai silk can be used to make traditional dresses as well as modern creations.
What to do in Bangkok after seeing the sights?
If you’re wondering what to do in Bangkok after you’ve seen the sights, just walk into any shopping mall or market in Bangkok and you will see rows of silk items, from pre-cut dressmaking fabrics to neckties and cushion covers. Thai silk is as entrenched in Thailand’s culture as Muay Thai, Pad Thai and the Tuk Tuk. It’s not surprising that Thai silk is one of the most sought-after items to tick off your Bangkok shopping list.
Why is Thai silk so special?
Thai silk is special because of the way in which the silkworms are cultivated.
What is the best food to eat in Siam Plaza?
Most people head to Old Siam Plaza to soak up the Chinatown atmosphere and to sample local treats such as Chinese steamed buns filled with sweet pork or chicken and Thai delights, such as kanom sai sai (sweet coconut milk steamed in banana leaves).
What is the silk zone?
The Silk Zone on the second floor has rows of independent silk merchants who offer silk for sale at competitive prices.
Where is Queen Thai Silk located?
Queen Thai Silk is located on the ground floor of the Trendy Building and is just a short walk from the BTS Skytrain station Nana.
Where to buy exotic Thai?
Exotic Thai can be found on the fourth floor of one of the most luxurious malls in Bangkok, Siam Paragon. In addition to the quality silk found here, you can also purchase soaps, lotions, jewelry, home décor, accessories and clothing. Exotic Thai is certainly not cheap, but you are paying for the quality of the silk; quality you will not find in street markets around Bangkok.
Where to find Taekee Taekon?
Located in Bangkok’s old city, or Banglamphu, you will find Taekee Taekon. This gift shop has an assortment of Thai souvenirs. This shop’s postcards is what makes them noteworthy, however, it also has a great variety of Thai textiles from across Thailand, including silk. It also has home decor, children’s toys and clothing.
Can you avoid synthetic silk in Bangkok?
Avoiding synthetic Thai silk can be as difficult as avoiding rush hour traffic in Bangkok. Discounted malls and a plethora of markets with seemingly beautiful silk cover the city, making shopping for this timeless Thai souvenir that much more problematic.
Thai Silk in Chiang Mai
The majority of the Thai Silk is produced in Chiang mai. Most of the production work is done in the Thai Silk Village located on the San Kamphaeng Road. It is a suburban centre to the east of Chiang Mai.
How is Thai Silk Produced?
The process of Silk Production is very interesting to watch. Most of the Thai Silk is still woven by traditional methods i.e using by hand. The production starts with the silk moth laying an egg.
Where to buy Real Thai Silk in Chiang Mai
Owing to its popularity the Thai Silk is now widely produced and even duplicated with the cheap Chinese silk that looks identical. Therefore, it is important to know the places that sell genuine Thai silk.
How to recognise Real Silk?
There are numerous ways to determine the authenticity of genuine silk. To find out if a product is made from real silkworm silk, the easiest and the obvious method is to burn it.
