Silk and synthetic fabric have significant differences in multiple aspects. Here are some key methods for distinguishing them:
Observation of luster:
The luster of pure silk is soft and uniform, bright but not dazzling, giving a feeling of being as smooth as jade.
Although the synthetic silk also has a bright luster, it often lacks the softness of pure silk and may appear stiff or have a sheen.
Touching sensation:
Silk fabric has a delicate and elastic texture, and when touched, it gives a slight pulling sensation.
Synthetic silk, on the other hand, usually lacks this pulling feel. It may feel smooth but lacks the stiffness of silk.
Carefully observing the creases:
Silk fabric, due to its excellent elasticity, will hardly have any creases when pinched and then released, or the creases will quickly return to their original state.
Synthetic silk, when released, may have obvious creases, and the recovery speed is slower or it is difficult to return to its original shape.
Test of tensile force:
Pull out a few fibers from the edge of the fabric, moisten them with your tongue and then try to break them. Silk is less likely to break at the moistened area, while synthetic silk may be more prone to breaking.
Listen for the friction sound:
When pure silk rubs against each other in a dry state, it will produce a distinctive "silk chirping" sound.
Synthetic silk, on the other hand, does not make this sound.
Other characteristics:
After being washed and dried, pure silk will have a certain shrinkage rate (usually 8% - 10%), while synthetic silk generally does not shrink.
During the burning test, pure silk emits a smell similar to burning hair, and the ashes are in a powder form; while synthetic silk burns with a fast flame, without the smell of burning hair, and after the fire goes out, the fabric may form hard lumps.
