How do I know a silk scarf has not been weighted with chemicals?

You confirm it by specifying unweighted, pure-dye silk in writing on the order and checking the sample against that specification. Weighting is a finishing practice in which metallic salts are absorbed into the fibre to add weight and a temporary drape, and it is not visible on a finished scarf by eye alone.

The reason it matters commercially is ageing. Weighted silk can feel substantial when new, but the added salts degrade the fibre over time, so the scarf may lose strength, split or develop a dull, brittle handle sooner than an unweighted piece. Unweighted silk keeps the natural scroop and the fibre's own resilience.

On the order - state unweighted, pure-dye silk, no metallic salt weighting.

At sample stage - approve the sample against that wording, and keep it as the reference for bulk.

If you need a test - tell us which standard or laboratory method your market requires and we will source to your requirement.

We do not publish a weighting figure, because the exact finish is confirmed at sample stage for each order. Put the requirement in the enquiry and it becomes part of the specification we produce to.

Related: Can I get exclusive rights to a print design so · Can you match a specific Pantone colour · What is the difference between silk twill, silk