What makes the perfect scarf?

Silk scarves are more than just accessories—they’re expressions of elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless style. But what truly sets a scarf apart? Join us on a journey through each unique element that makes our silk twill scarves the ultimate choice.

The Material

When it comes to silk scarves, not all scarves are created equal. From the drape to the texture, from color vibrancy to durability, the material plays a huge role in how a scarf feels, looks, and wears over time. That’s why designers (including us, here at Luna) and silk aficionados alike often turn to one standout: 16mm silk twill. Let’s break down why this particular fabric is considered the gold standard for luxury silk scarves.

What Is 16mm Silk Twill?

First, let’s decode the numbers. The “mm” refers to momme, a Japanese unit of weight traditionally used to measure silk. In simple terms, it tells you how dense and heavy the fabric is. 16mm strikes the perfect balance—substantial enough to feel luxurious, but still light and fluid enough to drape beautifully.

“Twill” refers to the weave. Unlike plain weave silk (like habotai), silk twill has a distinct diagonal rib pattern, giving it more structure, texture, and strength. It’s the same weave used in high-end neckties and classic scarves from heritage fashion houses.

Why It’s the Best for Scarves

1. Unmatched Drape and Flow

16mm silk twill has a smooth, soft hand with just enough weight to hang gracefully. It drapes elegantly around the neck or shoulders without slipping constantly, which is key for a scarf that actually stays put.

2. Exceptional Color Depth

Twill silk absorbs dyes beautifully, allowing colors to appear rich, saturated, and luminous. Whether it’s neutral solid colors or a bright floral print, designs always look crisp and vivid on 16mm silk.

3. Durability with Luxury

Scarves are often handled, folded, tied, and re-tied. 16mm silk twill holds up well to this kind of wear. It’s less prone to snagging than lighter silks and resists wrinkles better—making it as practical as it is beautiful.

4. Timeless Texture

That subtle diagonal weave gives silk twill a touch of texture and depth that elevates it beyond flat, slippery silks. It has a quiet sophistication—soft sheen without high shine—perfect for both formal and informal wear.

5. Heritage-Approved

There’s a reason major fashion houses have relied on 16mm silk twill for decades. It’s the industry standard for a reason: it simply performs and presents better than alternatives.

What about 18mm Silk Twill? Isn't that the 'gold standard'?

While 18mm silk twill offers a weightier feel, and tends to receive the title of 'gold standard' across the industry due to its prevalent use amongst the most distinguished fashion houses, it also sacrifices the fluidity and soft hand that make a scarf feel luxurious in motion. Particularly, when worn as a head scarf it is important that the scarf is able to tie easily and stay secure. While those expensive designer scarves are beautiful, they are typically crafted to be worn around the neck, or tied around the handle of a handbag rather than as a hair accessory. For those who value both elegance and wearability, 16mm remains the superior choice for headscarves.

The Edges

Silk scarves can be finished in a variety of ways, each adding a distinct touch. Hand-rolled edges are the pinnacle of craftsmanship—delicate, sculpted, and traditionally sewn by hand. Machine-rolled edges offer a cheaper, faster alternative with a slightly flatter finish. Flat hems produce a crisp look with visible stitching, often seen on mass-produced pieces.

Why Hand Rolled Edges?

Among the different types of hems, hand-rolled edges stand out as a mark of true craftsmanship. Carefully rolled and stitched by hand using fine thread, this traditional technique is favored by luxury fashion houses—and for good reason.

Unlike machine-stitched hems, which often flatten or distort the fabric, hand-rolled edges preserve the natural drape and flow of silk. The roll is tight yet soft, allowing the scarf to move and maintain its structure without stiffness. Aesthetically, hand-rolled hems create a subtle lift along the scarf’s border, giving it a sculptural dimension that machine hems simply can’t replicate. This detail adds depth and polish—especially when the scarf is folded or tied.

The Design

While the fabric is the foundation of a luxury scarf, it’s the design and printing that truly bring it to life. Silk twill, with its smooth surface and subtle diagonal weave, serves as the perfect canvas for rich, detailed artwork. But achieving a high-quality scarf goes far beyond simply choosing a pretty pattern—it’s a meticulous process where artistry and technique go hand in hand.

The Artwork

First, the design itself must be thoughtfully composed to complement the square format of a scarf. Great scarf designs take into account how the piece will fold, drape, and tie, ensuring that colors and motifs remain visually balanced from every angle. Symmetry, framing, and layering are all considered to make sure the scarf looks as beautiful worn as it does laid flat.

The Printing Process

Then comes the printing method—a true test of quality. High-end silk scarves typically use screen printing or digital printing, each with its own strengths. At Luna, we opt for digital print as it translates our artwork with pinpoint precision down to the last pixel. But printing on silk twill is an art in itself. The fabric’s fine weave can reveal flaws easily, so alignment, registration, and color consistency must be perfect. Poor printing leads to faded tones, blurred lines, or colors bleeding into one another—all signs of a lesser-quality piece. That's why we've spent years researching suppliers and sourcing our product from reputable manufacturers that use only the highest quality materials and precise techniques.

Conclusion

A truly luxurious silk scarf is the result of thoughtful choices at every stage. 16mm silk twill offers the perfect balance of softness, drape, and durability—superior to heavier weights like 18mm, which can feel too stiff and lighter weights like 14mm which are more prone to snagging and showing minor wear and tear. Hand-rolled edges showcase expert craftsmanship and elevate the scarf with their delicate, sculpted finish, far surpassing machine-stitched or overlocked alternatives. And finally, design and printing bring the piece to life—where artistry meets technical precision to ensure vivid colors, balanced composition, and long-lasting beauty. Together, these elements create a scarf that isn’t just an accessory, but a timeless heirloom.