Physical Properties of Silk that make it Perfect for Silk Pocket Squares

If for nothing else, silk is famous for its hand feel. The handle of the material is usually considered medium and results from its crystalline polymer system. In reality, the filaments of the material are usually stiff but they interpret as a smooth hand feel. It helps that the fiber is flexible enough to drape easily. No wonder it works so well with dinner gowns and other types of clothing that needs to flow. What is more, silk has a certain resistance to abrasion and to pilling. These properties are not all there is to silk though. Here are three other physical properties of silk that make it perfect for use in making silk pocket squares: 

 

Tenacity

 

Silk filament is very strong. The strength owes to a linear configuration of the beta polymers in its polymer system. This means that there are many hydrogen bonds in the system forming naturally. The downside of this property is that the fabric loses some of its strength when it is wet. Water hydrolyzes the hydrogen bonds weakening the polymer. Tenacity helps silk pocket squares to stay in shape. 

 

Specific gravity and elastic-plastic nature

 

Degummed silk usually has a lower density than wool, flax or cotton. The weight of the material helps the filament to absorb metallic salts in the manufacturing process. The density then increases and so does the draping property of the pocket squares. Additionally, silk has a plastic nature because movement happens in an amorphous system. This makes your pocket square able to stretch without rupturing. 

 

Hygroscopic nature

 

Silk’s polymer system makes the material absorb less than cotton or wool. This is a useful property with silk pocket squares because when they accidentally catch water, they remain intact. It also means that silk dries quickly. 

 

Silk is excellent in pocket squares for the above reasons. It also helps that the material has a certain look associated with class. It is the ideal piece to add pizzazz to your outfit.