Silk noil does not look like what most people think of when they hear the word silk. It is matte, slightly textured, and it creases. It is also one of the most practical natural fabrics we stock, and the one we recommend most often to customers who want something that works across several occasions.
What makes it different from other silks ¶
Silk noil, sometimes called raw silk, is made from the shorter fibres left over after the longer filaments have been reeled off the cocoon. Those shorter fibres are spun rather than reeled, which gives the fabric its characteristic texture and slight irregularity. It does not have the sheen of charmeuse or habotai. It looks more like a fine cotton at first glance, which is part of its appeal.
Why it works for everyday wear ¶
The texture means it does not show every crease the way a smooth silk would. It is also more forgiving to wash: most silk noil pieces can be hand-washed in cool water, though we always recommend checking with the specific maker. The Sable & Loom blouses we stock are hand-wash safe. The fabric breathes well in warm weather and has enough weight to drape without clinging.
The corozo button detail ¶
The Sable & Loom blouses we carry use corozo nut buttons, sourced from a single supplier in Ecuador. Corozo is a vegetable ivory, hard and dense, with a slight variation in colour from button to button. It is worth mentioning because it is the kind of detail that is easy to overlook but that you notice after a few months of wearing. The buttons do not scratch, they do not fade, and they feel substantial in a way that plastic does not.
How to care for silk noil ¶
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or use a delicate machine cycle at 30 degrees if the label allows it. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then hang or lay flat to dry. Iron on a low heat on the reverse side while still slightly damp. Silk noil softens and improves with washing, unlike some fabrics that degrade. The texture becomes slightly more pronounced over time, which most people find they prefer.
We have the Sable & Loom silk noil blouses in-store now in two colourways. If you want to feel the fabric before deciding, come in. That is what the shop is for.