As the temperature gradually cools, the domestic silk market has entered its peak season for production and sales. Major shopping malls have begun to display silk products on their counters, and consumer interest in purchasing silk is increasing steadily. It is reported that China's annual silk sales have exceeded 12 million units. Undoubtedly, China's silk industry holds a leading position globally in terms of both production and sales volume. However, as the market flourishes, some strange phenomena have emerged, revealing a sense of confusion within the industry.
On the market, silk products from the same origin and raw materials are sold at vastly different prices—ranging from as low as 200 yuan to over 1,000 yuan. At the same time, product names are often misleading, with items such as "natural silk quilts," "winter silkworm," "fine silk quilt," and "silk cashmere quilt" flooding the shelves. These names not only confuse consumers but also make it difficult for even average sales staff to distinguish between them. The level of chaos in the domestic silk market is evident.
Consumers often find themselves puzzled: what kind of quilt is actually made of silk? This seemingly simple question is not easy to answer. According to the national standard GB/T 24252-2009 issued by the National Standardization Management Committee in 2009, "silk quilt" refers to quilts made primarily from mulberry silk or tussah silk, filled with either pure silk or a blend. Pure silk quilts must contain 100% silk, while blended ones must have at least 50% silk content.
Despite these standards, the pricing of branded silk quilts in major cities remains confusing, with prices ranging from over 1,000 yuan to more than 4,000 yuan—prices that are unaffordable for many ordinary consumers. As a result, high-priced silk quilts are selling well, though no official statistics confirm this trend.
In the broader fiber industry, natural fibers remain highly valued for their excellent properties. Although synthetic fibers have made impressive progress, natural fibers still account for about half of the market. Among natural fibers, only cashmere and silk are animal-based protein fibers. Cashmere is keratin-based, while silk is closer to human skin in composition. For this reason, silk is often referred to as the "second skin." Its warmth, softness, breathability, and health benefits make it a popular choice for quilts.
However, due to high retail prices, many consumers turn to wholesale markets instead. In places like Chongqing’s Chaotianmen wholesale market, silk quilts are advertised in overwhelming numbers. Most of the products come from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, with local brands dominating the stalls. Despite the claims of "live production" and "super-class factory-made" quilts, skepticism remains.
In one shop, the seller claimed that the silk was 100% pure and demonstrated it by burning a small piece, which emitted a smell of burnt hair. Another store owner claimed that machine-stitched quilts were inferior because the needle could damage the filaments, implying that only hand-stitched ones were truly authentic. Experts, however, emphasize that visual inspection or burning tests are unreliable methods for determining authenticity.
In Tongxiang, a major silk-producing area in Zhejiang, the industry is plagued by quality issues. Some manufacturers use secondary cocoons, tussah silk, or even chemical fibers to fill quilts, yet label them as "natural silk." While regulations require clear labeling of silk types and content, many products lack such information, leaving consumers in the dark.
The supply chain is complex, with many small enterprises producing silk quilts for others under OEM arrangements. Some factories admit they cannot guarantee compliance with national standards. Others mix tussah silk with kapok or chemical fibers to reduce costs and increase profits. Products labeled as "pure silk" may contain as little as 50% real silk, making it nearly impossible for consumers to tell the difference.
In retail stores, the filler inside the quilt is often hidden behind a small opening, making it difficult for customers to inspect the actual material. Even when allowed to see the filling, the opening is usually too small to get a clear view. Some retailers even replace the packaging with branded boxes to make fake products appear genuine.
According to the China Silk Association, about half of the silk products on the market are reliable, while the other half may be misleading or substandard. With multiple sales channels—from malls to supermarkets and even pharmacies—regulation becomes increasingly challenging.
To ensure consumer trust, the industry must take responsibility. Silk companies should focus on quality rather than short-term gains, clearly label their products, and avoid deceptive practices. Only through transparency and integrity can the silk industry continue to grow in a healthy and sustainable manner.
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