Quick answer: Momme (mm) is a traditional Japanese unit used to describe the weight, and so the density, of silk fabric. For silk, 1 momme equals 4.34 grams per square meter (Store norske leksikon). A 22 momme silk weighs about 95 grams per square meter, a medium-heavy, dense silk often used for scrunchies.
Key takeaways
- Momme measures fabric weight per area; higher momme means heavier, denser silk.
- 1 momme = 4.34 g/m² for silk, so 22 momme is about 95 g/m² (22 x 4.34 = 95.48).
- Satin is a weave, not a fiber: it was originally made of silk but is now also made from other fibers (Britannica).
- A silk scrunchie is a silk-covered elastic; the fabric sits softly on the hair.
- Silk needs gentle care: cool water, mild soap and air drying.
What does momme mean?
Momme is an old Japanese unit of mass. Store norske leksikon, the Norwegian encyclopedia, defines it as equal to 3.75 grams, and notes that for silk fabric it is used as a weight per area: 1 momme equals 4.34 grams of silk per square meter (Store norske leksikon, updated May 5, 2023). In practice, the momme number on a silk product tells you how much silk is in the fabric.
Momme to grams per square meter
Because the conversion is fixed, you can calculate the fabric weight for any momme number. Multiply the momme value by 4.34 to get grams per square meter. The table below shows common values, rounded to the nearest gram.
| Momme | Grams per square meter | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | About 69 g/m² | Light |
| 19 mm | About 82 g/m² | Light to medium |
| 22 mm | About 95 g/m² | Medium-heavy, dense |
| 25 mm | About 109 g/m² | Heavy |
| 30 mm | About 130 g/m² | Very heavy |
Calculated with 1 momme = 4.34 g/m² (Store norske leksikon).
Is higher momme always better?
Higher momme means more silk per square meter, so the fabric is heavier and more opaque, and it usually feels more substantial. It does not automatically mean better for every use. Very heavy silk can be stiffer and is more expensive; very light silk can feel delicate. For a scrunchie, a medium-heavy silk such as 22 momme gives a full, gathered look without being bulky.
How to read a silk product label
A clear silk label answers three questions: what the fiber is, what the weave is and how heavy the fabric is. Look for the fiber named as silk, a momme number if the maker gives one, and the width or size of the item. If a label says only satin or silky without naming the fiber, the fabric may not be silk at all.
- Fiber: silk, or another fiber such as polyester.
- Weave: satin weave gives the smooth, shiny face.
- Weight: a momme number, for silk only.
- Size: the width of the scrunchie, for example about 5 cm.
Silk vs satin scrunchies
The words are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Silk is a natural fiber. Satin is a weave: Britannica describes satin as any fabric made with the satin weave, one of the three basic textile weaves, originally made of silk and now made of yarns of other fibers too (Britannica). So a scrunchie can be silk satin, polyester satin or another fiber in a satin weave.
| Silk | Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A natural fiber | A weave |
| Measured in momme? | Yes | Only if it is silk satin |
| Can be made of | Silk only | Silk, polyester or other fibers |
| Care | Gentle, cool water | Depends on the fiber |
When you shop, check the fiber, not just the word satin. Our 22 Momme Silk Scrunchie lists its material as silk, 22 momme, about 5 cm wide.
What is a scrunchie?
A scrunchie is an elastic hair tie wrapped in a tube of gathered fabric. The fabric covers the elastic, so the band sits more softly in the hair than a bare elastic and adds a little texture to a ponytail or bun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing hair loosely pulled back and using covered bands made for styling hair (AAD, accessed October 21, 2026).
Scrunchie or plain elastic?
A plain elastic is small and grips tightly, which is useful under a claw clip or at the end of a braid. A scrunchie is bigger and softer, so it is easier to wear loosely and doubles as a visible accessory. Many people use both: a slim elastic where it will be hidden and a scrunchie where it will show. Whichever you choose, keep the hold loose enough to slide a finger under.
How to wear a silk scrunchie
A silk scrunchie works for most everyday styles. Keep the hold loose rather than wrapping it many times, and slip it onto your wrist when it is not in your hair.
- Low ponytail: two wraps, loose enough to slide a finger under.
- Loose bun: twist the hair into a bun and wrap the scrunchie around the base.
- Half-up: use the scrunchie on the top section only.
- Braid end: finish a loose braid.
- On the wrist: as a bracelet between styles.
For curly hair, a loose scrunchie is one of the gentlest ways to hold a pineapple or low ponytail; see claw clips for curly hair for other options.
How to care for a silk scrunchie
Silk is delicate, so wash it gently. Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent suitable for silk, press water out with a towel instead of wringing, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat. Store it where it will not snag on rough surfaces or metal clips.
- Fill a bowl with cool water and a little silk-safe detergent.
- Swish the scrunchie gently for a minute.
- Rinse in cool water.
- Roll it in a towel to remove water; do not wring.
- Air dry flat or hanging, out of direct sun.
Keep scrunchies on a soft hook or in a fabric-lined drawer, apart from metal clips; our guide on organizing hair accessories has storage ideas.
Choosing a color
Neutral silk colors are the most versatile. Black and champagne go with nearly every hair color and outfit; grey and silver look modern; white and soft neutrals look fresh in summer. Our silk scrunchie comes in black, champagne, gray, white, iron gray, silver and army green.
Silk scrunchies as gifts
A silk scrunchie is one of the easiest hair accessory gifts: it fits every hair length, needs no size choice and looks good on the wrist. See our hair accessory gift guide for pairing ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What does 22 momme mean?
It means the silk fabric weighs 22 momme, about 95 grams per square meter, using 1 momme = 4.34 g/m².
Is 22 momme silk good?
22 momme is a medium-heavy, dense silk often chosen for scrunchies and pillowcases because it feels substantial without being stiff.
Is satin the same as silk?
No. Satin is a weave; silk is a fiber. Satin can be made from silk or from other fibers.
Can I machine wash a silk scrunchie?
Hand washing in cool water is the safest option for silk.
How wide is a typical scrunchie?
Widths vary; slim scrunchies are often around 5 cm, while oversized styles are wider.
How do I convert momme to grams?
Multiply the momme number by 4.34 to get grams per square meter. For example, 19 momme is about 82 g/m².
Shop scrunchies
Find our silk scrunchie in the scrunchies collection, and see every accessory type in Types of Hair Clips. Orders ship within the US for a flat $6.99, or free on orders of $79 or more.
Sources
- Store norske leksikon, momme, updated May 5, 2023.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Satin, accessed October 21, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, 10 hair care habits that can damage your hair, accessed October 21, 2026.
