Why Is Silk So Expensive in Clothing & Accessories?

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We dig more into silk and find out why this popular luxury fabric is so expensive: gentl.mn/why-is-silk-expensive
#silk #fabric #notsponored
SHOP THE VIDEO:
→ Silk Moiré Cummerbund in Black: gentl.mn/silk-moire-cummerbun...
→ Shantung Silk Striped Bow Tie Green: gentl.mn/shantung-silk-bow-ti...
→ Orange Red Mottled Knit Tie: gentl.mn/orange-red-mottled-k...
→ Reversible Scarf in Burgundy & Blue Motifs & Paisley: gentl.mn/scarf-in-burgundy-mo...
→ Madder Silk Pocket Square in Purple Diamond Motif & Paisley: gentl.mn/pocketsquare-purple-...
→ Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Carnelian Balls: gentl.mn/carnelian-balls-eagl...
→ Pink & Grey Shadow Stripe Socks: gentl.mn/pink-grey-shadow-str...
→ Burgundy Mini Carnation Silk Boutonniere: gentl.mn/burgundy-mini-carnat...
→ Burgundy Silk Wool Pocket Square with Paisley & Shoestring Edge: gentl.mn/burgundy-pocketsquar...
GUIDES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
→ Cotton Explained: gentl.mn/cotton-fabric-explained
→ Classic Men's Sleepwear: gentl.mn/mens-sleepwear-guide
→ Madder Silk Explained: gentl.mn/madder-silk-1
VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: E.J. Daniels
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
→ Editing: Jonathan Oster
→ Visual Supervision: Preston Schlueter
→ Birdy Official
→ Business Insider
→ Mulberry Silk Arm Industries
→ Virginia Postrel
→ Mowgli Productions
→ Peggy Osterk
→ Columbia Pictures Television
IMAGE CREDITS:
→ US Chamber of Commerce
→ ThoughtCo
→ Shanghai Daily
→ HerStorie
→ Sandip De
→ History Today
→ Robotics & Automation News
→ Smarthistory
→ Encyclopedia Britannica
→ Alex Bahzan
→ Local & Bespoke
→ Everything Silkworms
→ Savor the Day
→ Pindoudou
→ Gardening Know How
→ CGTN
→ Star Tribune
→ Carleton University
→ Bug Under G
→ Peggy Osterkamp's Weaving Blog
→ Google Arts & Culture
→ Paradise Fibers
→ Laloras
→ Innovation News Network
→ OpenEdition Journals
→ depts.washington.edu
→ Hamilton Partnership for Paterson
→ Patricia Temples Photography
→ The Boston Globe
→ My Place to Years
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00:00 Why Is Silk So Expensive Introduction
Silk is one of the most important fabrics in menswear history and remains a symbol of luxury and taste to this day. Even the word “silk” has become a byword for decadence and excellence.
01:30 The History of Silk
The oldest evidence of silk production dates back to the Yangshao culture of Neolithic China. According to popular stories, the pseudo-mythological Chinese empress Leizu (Lay-zoo) invented sericulture, a fancy word for the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk.
Through the centuries, silk production in China was standardized. For centuries, China held a virtual monopoly on silk production which was spread across the globe via an important network of trade routes known as the Silk Road.
05:21 Modern Silk Production
10:26 Grading Silk
14:50 Making Silk Products
What started with a tray of mulberry leaves and a pile of silkworms ends with a gorgeous silk fabric that is ready to be turned into any number of luxury menswear items: → Neckwear
→ Scarves
→ Pocket Squares
→ Suits, Sport Coats, & Shirts
→ Socks
17:32 Pros & Cons of Silk
Upsides: → Possessing a unique and immediately recognizable gloss.
→ An extremely soft hand that is lustrous and smooth without feeling overly slick or slippery.
→ Thermoregulating properties that naturally circulate air for a cooling effect.
Downsides: → While it doesn’t tear easily, silk has poor elasticity
→ Silk is also easily marred
→ The modern ubiquity of satin polyester and its ability to approximate the look of silk.
19:24 So, why is silk so expensive?
1. It must be harvested from animals that require care and feeding. In a process that is time and resource-intensive.
2. It must be specially woven and prepared from a limited supply of raw materials.
3. And it must be assembled into a final product that requires special workmanship to ensure no mistakes and minimal waste.
20:12 Outfit Rundown

Пікірлер: 96

@RockHudrock Жыл бұрын

I actually find it astonishing that you can get a whole kilogram of silk for $30!

@michaelkores6860 Жыл бұрын

I was expecting something like 500 before he gave the correct number but thinking about it it would make products made of silk extremely expensive.

@micahbush5397 Жыл бұрын

I suspect that lower labor costs have a lot to do with it.

@aaronminkenberg8386 Жыл бұрын

Raw material is always cheap compared to the made product

@MichaelKensinger Жыл бұрын

The larvae are like “Oh this is so comfy in here. Oh- it’s getting warm in here now. Gahhhhh!” 🐛 🔥

@dalehruszecky9085 Жыл бұрын

While I have the opportunity of Preston and Raphael looking at this comment, I want to thank everyone at GG from the bottom of my heart for setting me on the sartorial path in an elegant and educated way. My order came in from Fort Belvedere, and the socks, knitted tie (absolutely gorgeous) and lamb nappa blue gloves have me awe-struck and invigorated to work to be successful. Thank you!

@gentlemansgazette Жыл бұрын

Dale, you are so welcome! Enjoy your Fort Belvedere items, and we look forward to welcoming you again :)

@Ukie_Hags_World Жыл бұрын

I love the look and feel of raw silk. Wasn't aware of how much work went into the fabric.

@SteelRoninTT Жыл бұрын

Could you also do a video on cleaning and maintaining silk? Like when buying a vintage silk tie that you want to clean without sending it to a dry cleaner.

@gentlemansgazette Жыл бұрын

We have a comprehensive garment care selection which you can find here: www.gentlemansgazette.com/category/wardrobe/garment-care/?

@craft-o-matic399 Жыл бұрын

That jacket looks great on you Preston!

@Michael_R1957 Жыл бұрын

Another silky smooth presentation from Preston. Thanks GG for all that you do.

@Manuel421 Жыл бұрын

I was reading about Silk the other day so what a coincidence that a video on the topic is uploaded. Excellent work and background info as always.

@frankmartinez4856 Жыл бұрын

Preston! You did a wonderful job on the history of silk! Bravo Sir!!!

@POWWOWKAT Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this history of the fabric and explanation of the process - thanks :)

@DominiqueFrancon Жыл бұрын

Fascinating documentary! Well done, sir.

@josephrivera8977 Жыл бұрын

I really like these videos the delve into the different kinds of materials.

@hannamakela6989 Жыл бұрын

Yes, thank you! I have been waiting for "silk!" in GG's materials series! :)

@kurtmueller2089 Жыл бұрын

awesome and very informative video. Thanks.

@chonchoco Жыл бұрын

I'm Japanese and my home prefecture has been one of the most producing prefecture. I grew up hearing about producing silk and that worms are killed in the process... this brought me into a thrift-store/vintage-store silk clothes, when I had at that time no experience of buying second hand clothes.

@dangaines405 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting content! Thanks.

@davidhartline9172 Жыл бұрын

Oh man I love that bowtie

@ericmed Жыл бұрын

Great overview

@craft-o-matic399 Жыл бұрын

I adore silk!

@cyankirkpatrick5194 Жыл бұрын

You never fail on deliver the pun's Preston. Nice.

@1st1anarkissed Жыл бұрын

I spin, so I was able to buy silk caps, stretched out empty cocoons, and dye and spin then knit my own tie! Another fabulous source of silk is the thrift store. Many people don't use the silk they buy because they don't like to hand wash. You really can't toss it in a washer. The stuff is weak when wet.

@yossarian00 Жыл бұрын

How many cocoons did you need? How long did it take?

@johnnymathis4044 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting

@andreleverettejr3747 Жыл бұрын

Silk Sonic with Brono Mars and Anderson Paak too with the way their music sounds.

@kolauttaja9447 Жыл бұрын

Lol i learned to tie a tie from your ascot tying guide, the four in hand modified and i applied that logic to the tie and removed the last part

@1st1anarkissed Жыл бұрын

I did notice a few clips of making lotus silk. This is different from mulberry silk, and far more rare and challenging. It is made from the plant slime in lotus stems and has to be extracted perfectly and handled properly throughout the manufacturing process or it breaks. The result is a stiff, sheer, transparent fabric as light as air which takes a shape well. The women who use it make pretty puff sleeve blouses with lace for modesty. Southeast Asia, but I forget exactly which country. Thailand? Mayanmar?

@mizfrenchtwist Жыл бұрын

hello , great share as usual. i love me some preston , as well as his fashion sense and look forward to his presentations . i'm female , i am not flirting but i am at a certain point in my life , that i'll say what i like😜😜😜😜. great share , thank you , for sharing🥰🥰🥰🥰............

@christopherduke8935 Жыл бұрын

The unit of measurement 'momme' is pronounced as 'mom' and not 'mom-ee'. Thanks for the informative video.

@gentlemansgazette Жыл бұрын

Thanks for keeping us on our toes, Christopher--hopefully my pronunciation "measures up" next time! :) - Preston

@christopherduke8935 Жыл бұрын

@@gentlemansgazette No problem. Long time fan, Pres.

@brycefowler5821 Жыл бұрын

@@gentlemansgazette I’m not an expert but I believe both those options are Anglicized versions. It’s actually pronounced mom-may in Japanese! 匁 (monme) for reference. They still use it for pearls too! :-)

@MikeB071 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic looking sports jacket, Preston! I've read somewhere that in Imperial China, only the Emperor was allowed to wear yellow silk.

@tunguskalumberjack9987 Жыл бұрын

A famous Japanese manga known as “Kozure Okami” had a storyline in which a character was using secret messages, by writing on paper with mulberry juice which, when silkworms were placed on it, ate the material soaked in the mulberry to leave behind letters that could be read. It took the “hero” a long time to figure out, and was a major plot point. I know that it’s got almost zero to do with the production of silk, but I thought that perhaps one of your viewers would find it interesting. Enjoy your weekend, everyone-

@burritodog3634 Жыл бұрын

are you actually a lumberjack

@Thebirdemoji Ай бұрын

Well my girlfriend is really well at fashion design so, she basically made a really well made dress out of those mulberry silk pillow cases. Although I do not have a proper pill to sleep with. I am very comfortable sleeping with her now.

@truechampoftrance Жыл бұрын

Please make a video about how to remove nose hairs. It is a problem for me and I would like to know how a Gentleman would deal with nose hair.

@Jason-xo1gr Жыл бұрын

Question: What tape measurer brand for body measurements did Sven recommend? I can’t find the specific video where he mentions it. Thank you so much in advance!

@ebdaniels8774 Жыл бұрын

I prefer Singer fabric tapes. You can often find them at flea markets!

@UnsettledFire29 Жыл бұрын

hoechstmass

@gentlemansgazette Жыл бұрын

Singer is the brand Raphael enjoys!

@mananchopra3479 Жыл бұрын

In india we sell pocket squares starts from $2 to $5 and that too printed

@ns1983za Жыл бұрын

This video just confirmed I have a fear of worms.

@jetsons101 Жыл бұрын

Now just thinking here: How much would silk sheets cost for a King Size bed???? This video could be shown in school as a silk history lesson. Great narration and humor, just right.

@MA-on9xl Жыл бұрын

You’re probably looking at $700 minimum, likely more.

@jetsons101 Жыл бұрын

@@MA-on9xl I think I really like cotton now..... lol Thanks for info.

@AtaMarKat Жыл бұрын

Did Preston get new Glasses?

@davidnorth9390 Жыл бұрын

Can silk garments be tailored or altered without risk to the fabric?

@yossarian00 Жыл бұрын

Yes

@dashoverton1963 Жыл бұрын

I thank the ancient Chinese for silk. It’s such a magnificent fabric.

@nhungnguyen9821 Жыл бұрын

if this makes anyone feel a bit better, silkworm pupae are delicious and nutritious so it become staple in many households. We poor people don't waste anything.

@kinimonimi5727 Жыл бұрын

Today i found a neck pillow 😁

@pjyast Жыл бұрын

My Take: Silk is an expensive fabric due to several factors that affect its production and processing. Here are a few reasons why silk is expensive: Labor-intensive production process: Silk production involves a complex and labor-intensive process that can only be done by hand. The process involves raising silkworms, harvesting their cocoons, and then extracting the silk fibers from the cocoons without damaging them. Limited supply: Silk production is limited due to the fact that it can only be produced from the cocoons of specific types of silkworms. Additionally, the yield of silk from each cocoon is relatively low, which makes the supply of silk limited and the price high. High demand: Silk has been a sought-after fabric for thousands of years due to its unique sheen, smooth texture, and durability. It is often used to create high-end clothing and luxury home textiles, which drives up the demand and the price. Processing costs: After the silk fibers are extracted from the cocoons, they must be processed and woven into fabric, which involves additional labor and equipment costs. Overall, silk is an expensive fabric due to the combination of its limited supply, labor-intensive production process, high demand, and processing costs. These factors make silk a luxury fabric that is often reserved for high-end fashion and home decor items.

@jonathonshanecrawford1840 Жыл бұрын

I have a question: I know thay polyester/nylon is made from petrol-chemicals (plastic), not good at all for clothing, whereas natural fibre is great for clothing (inc shoes), is rayon/viscose OK if one can not afford say silk clothing items, as they may be on welfare! As prices here are very expensive! I have brought a poylester black bow tie (not easy to put on) self-tie, is a slik (self-tie) bow tie easier to put on? 😀 I am an Australian living in New Zealand! 😀

@yuvrajchetia4779 Жыл бұрын

Me watching this while eating fried silkworms and throwing their cocoon in dustbin.

@michaelbasgall8924 Жыл бұрын

Virginity rocks

@RockHudrock Жыл бұрын

…someone with monkey pox would say

@dogge929 Жыл бұрын

From the horses mouth.

@michaelbasgall8924 Жыл бұрын

@@dogge929 well it rocks man

@dogge929 Жыл бұрын

@@michaelbasgall8924 it's a gift a lot of people aren't able to hold onto before marriage.

@drakecarter1780 Жыл бұрын

Almost all of my silk ties were between 60 to 75 dollars. Found out quickly to stop buying them lol.

@Egilhelmson Жыл бұрын

Dry cleaners sell abandoned clothes, so my first silk tie was $5. I bought it for the price, and found nothing to wear it with for over a decade, though (-: .

@camillecrichlow8138 Жыл бұрын

Before i watch my guess is something to do with the worms that create it

@e-mailtest4213 Жыл бұрын

Great video but Luxemburg didn't belong to France ! Be careful with map ;)

@michaelkores6860 Жыл бұрын

What map?

@craft-o-matic399 Жыл бұрын

S-pin the tail on the silk worm...

@obamalastname34 Жыл бұрын

polyester nylon🤮🤢 silk😎

@icewallowkum1566 Жыл бұрын

You can't afford silk.

@KaiserFranzJosefI Жыл бұрын

@@icewallowkum1566 Ssys who

@49sittingbull Жыл бұрын

I think you get it wrong on this one. The designer logo is the most expensive element on garments.

@gentlemansgazette Жыл бұрын

So the question is, why did men start wearing logos? www.gentlemansgazette.com/why-men-wear-logos/?

@valor101arise Жыл бұрын

Goodwill bruh....

@norwaysaysdesu4247 Жыл бұрын

i got a silk tie for 1 euro

@vercingetorix2923 Жыл бұрын

I also got 20 very high quality ties for 1€ a piece at our local thrift shop.

@mdleweight Жыл бұрын

The worms work for free.

@RockHudrock Жыл бұрын

Only to be boiled to death 💀

@Egilhelmson Жыл бұрын

Technically, for room and board, but for serial killers. Mothra makes more sense, when viewed that way.

@andreleverettejr3747 Жыл бұрын

Oh and the Throwing phase still might be done by kids...... just don't sweat when you shop

@nosuchname247 Жыл бұрын

3:30 - what a weird political map, e.g. since when Georgia (country) is a part of Russia? Greetings from Poland!

@michaelkores6860 Жыл бұрын

It is a map from 2024 ;)

@boogerie Жыл бұрын

So I guess that's why we never see a proper silk hat anymore

@MrDanielWP Жыл бұрын

So, the reason you don't like satin silk is that some peasant can buy polyester? You are literally trying to avoid lowering yourself to the peasant class.

@boltthrower3215 Жыл бұрын

Silk is not that expensive….for instance Thailand is one of the biggest producers of silk…and it is dirt cheap compared to the western prices. I say the majority of silk ties at ebay, amazon etc are all made in Thailand or China…and you get those exact ties for 5$ at every corner in Thailand….but in the west, they are sold for 30-50$ Prove me wrong