Vietnamese Silk vs Chinese Silk: What’s the Difference?

When people talk about silk, China almost always comes first in the discussion. This is logical: the country is today the largest silk producer in the world, and its history with this fiber goes back several millennia.

But another country also has a true silk tradition: Vietnam. It is talked about much less, even though mulberry silk production has existed there for a long time, often in workshops and specialized villages.

Since I have been living in Vietnam and working in this field with Atelier Hoi An, I have realized that many people do not really know what distinguishes silk produced in Vietnam from silk produced in China.

The purpose of this article is simply to explain these differences: how silk is produced, the methods used, and why Vietnamese mulberry silk is attracting more and more attention today.

China: the world’s largest silk producer

Today, China largely dominates global silk production. The country produces most of the silk used in the textile industry and supplies a large part of the international market.

This position can be explained by a very long history with sericulture, but also by a production system that has become highly industrialized over time. China now has large spinning mills and textile factories capable of producing very large volumes for export.

As a result, China offers all levels of quality, from very high-end silk to more standardized production intended for the textile industry.

Vietnam: a more artisanal production

In Vietnam, silk production often follows a different approach. There are of course modern companies, but a large part of silk production is still linked to specialized workshops and villages.

In some regions, silkworm farming, spinning and weaving are skills passed down through several generations. Production often remains on a smaller scale, which helps preserve traditional techniques.

Vietnamese silk is very often produced from mulberry silk, considered the highest quality. Silkworms are fed exclusively with mulberry leaves, which produces a fine, soft and naturally shiny fiber.

In historic cities such as Hoi An, silk is still part of the local craft landscape. Many workshops work with this material to produce fabrics, clothing and scarves.

Differences between Vietnamese and Chinese silk

Industrial production and artisan workshops

The main difference between China and Vietnam often lies in the scale of production.

In China, a large part of silk is produced on a very large scale. The country has significant industrial infrastructure capable of producing large quantities of thread and fabrics quickly. This organization efficiently meets global demand.

In Vietnam, production often remains more artisanal. Many workshops still operate on a smaller scale, using methods closer to traditional techniques.

This does not necessarily mean the quality is different, but rather that the production approach is not the same. On one side, a highly structured industry; on the other, a more artisanal know-how often linked to local workshops.

Mulberry silk: the reference for quality

When people talk about high-quality silk, they are almost always referring to mulberry silk. It is the most sought-after fiber in the textile industry.

The reason is simple: silkworms are fed exclusively with mulberry leaves, which produces a more uniform and stronger fiber. The resulting thread is generally finer, softer and more lustrous than other types of silk.

This is the material used for most high-quality silk scarves, but also for certain garments and luxury fabrics.

Vietnam also produces mulberry silk, and this is the fiber used in many textile workshops across the country. In the silk scarf industry, it is today the most common reference for quality.

The issue of fiber blends in silk products

It is important to point out that China also produces very high-quality silk. The country has deep expertise and some Chinese mills manufacture remarkable fabrics.

The issue therefore does not necessarily come from the silk itself, but rather from how certain products are manufactured or marketed, especially on large online marketplaces.

On sites such as Amazon and other marketplaces, you can often find items presented as silk scarves when they are actually blended fabrics containing polyester or other synthetic fibers.

These blends allow manufacturers to reduce production costs and sell products at very low prices. Consumers sometimes believe they are buying a 100% silk scarf, when in reality the fabric contains synthetic fibers.

The issue is therefore not Chinese silk itself, but rather a lack of transparency about the real composition of certain products sold on large marketplaces.

Why Vietnamese silk is attracting more and more attention

In recent years, Vietnamese silk has generated growing interest, especially among people who appreciate natural textiles and craftsmanship.

Several reasons explain this interest. First, production is often linked to small-scale workshops, which appeals to people looking for more authentic products.

Secondly, Vietnam has become a major tourist destination, and many visitors discover silk directly in local cities and workshops.

Finally, mulberry silk produced in Vietnam offers a good balance between quality and tradition, making it an attractive material for products such as scarves, clothing and fabrics.

For those interested in silk, Vietnam remains today a country where this material is still part of everyday life, not just the textile industry.