Silk Chiffon, Crepe & Satin — Complete Buyer's Guide

Silk covers a range of fabrics with radically different properties. A "silk blouse" made in chiffon behaves nothing like one made in satin. Getting the specification right at the PO stage is essential for private-label brands.

Major Silk Fabric Types

Chiffon — Sheer, gauze-like, floaty. 6–10mm typical. Used for scarves, layered dresses.
Crepe-de-chine — Slightly crinkled surface, drapy. 12–16mm. Standard for blouses and dresses.
Habotai (China silk) — Lightweight, smooth. 8–12mm. Lining, scarves, lingerie.
Charmeuse (satin) — Glossy face, matte back. 12–22mm. Evening wear, lingerie.
Dupioni — Irregular slub texture from double cocoons. 20–30mm. Formal wear.
Organza — Stiff, sheer, structured. 5–8mm. Bridal wear, overlays.
Twill — Diagonal weave, more durable. 14–22mm. Scarves, dresses.
Georgette — Similar to chiffon but more textured, more opaque. 12–18mm.

Momme Weight Reference

Silk weight is measured in "momme" (mm) — 1mm ≈ 4.3 g/m²:

5–8mm: Ultra-lightweight (chiffon, organza)
10–14mm: Lightweight (habotai, crepe-de-chine)
16–19mm: Standard commercial (satin, twill)
20–25mm: Premium (heavy satin, dupion)
25mm+: Luxury tier

Matching Fabric to End Use

Floaty summer dress → chiffon (8mm) or georgette (12mm)
Structured blouse → crepe-de-chine (14mm) or twill
Evening/eveningwear → charmeuse (16-22mm)
Wedding gown / bridal → dupion or heavy satin
Scarves → chiffon (8mm) for accessible; twill (16mm) for premium
Bedding / pillowcases → 19–25mm charmeuse

MOQs & Pricing (FOB India, per metre)

Silk chiffon (8mm) — 500m, $4.50–6.50/m
Crepe-de-chine (14mm) — 500m, $7.50–11/m
Silk charmeuse (16mm) — 500m, $9–13/m
Silk dupion (22mm) — 300m, $14–20/m
Silk organza (5mm) — 500m, $6–9/m

Sampling and Colour Considerations

Silk shows dye variations more than other fibres. Always approve a physical strike-off before bulk. Colour drift across dye lots can be 10-15% — for multi-lot production, insist on colour-matching across lots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What quality documentation should I demand for scrap shipments from India?

Mandatory: radioactivity screening certificate, pre-shipment inspection report (SGS, CIQ, or Alex Stewart), assay/composition certificate, container photos before loading and after sealing, MSDS. For metal scrap, an ISRI grade certification. For copper/brass, LME-linked pricing documentation. Any missing document creates customs delays at destination.

How is scrap metal pricing determined?

Base pricing follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) daily settlement plus or minus a specific discount/premium reflecting quality grade, purity, and market conditions. For example, HMS 1&2 steel scrap trades at Turkish scrap import index minus $30–50. Copper scrap trades at LME copper minus 20–40 cents per pound depending on grade.

What is the minimum order for scrap metal export from India?

Standard MOQ is one full 20-foot container (~20 metric tonnes). Some smaller quantities may be available via LCL (less than container load) at meaningfully higher per-tonne cost. For repeat buyers, ongoing supply contracts of 200+ MT per month are structured with weekly or bi-weekly container releases.

Do I need import permits for scrap material imports?

Most destinations require importer registration with local customs and environmental agencies for scrap metal imports. Lead battery scrap requires additional Basel Convention permits. Radioactive-contaminated scrap requires specific quarantine handling. Verify import permit requirements with your customs broker before booking bulk shipment.

About Blueridge Trade LLP

Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer — we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.

Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house — giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.

Silk Chiffon, Silk Crepe & Silk Satin: A Complete Buyer's Guide to Silk Fabric Types