Raw Silk, Swallowtail Dolman Sleeve Top -2colors ~by The White Raven~

Material: Handwoven Raw Silk 100% Silk naturally gives warmth ~ great to wear from the chilly season all the way through until spring. It is also cooling on the skin during the hot seasons too.What is Raw Silk?Since ancient times, innumerable silkworms in cocoons have been boiled in boiling water to produce beautiful silk, but unlike ordinary silk, raw silk is a non-violent way of attaining the silk from the cocoons. It is also called “peace silk” or “vegetarian silk” or “Ahimsa Silk” because it is made without killing them. Wild silkworms are bred and are able to complete their life cycle through metamorphosis. Once they reach the moth stage, they fly out freely and the cocoons are then harvested. Raw silk is made by spinning short cut fibers instead of winding it as a continuous thread-like normal silk in order to use the cocoon after the moth has broken and escaped. It doesn’t have a slippery luster like what we commonly see labeled as “silk”. There are balls and knots in the thread, giving it a slightly rustic feel. This environmentally-friendly process makes it so we respecting living things.In Europe and the United States, it has been gradually gaining attention as a material for “ethical fashion (= clothing that is made from raw materials to final products that are environmentally friendly to the earth and are made under appropriate working conditions in developing countries)”.**Requires Special Care**It is advised to wash by hand & dry in the shade. Because the product is not pre-washed, the silkworm gum (sericin) is still on the fabric. This gum has a natural, fishy smell that can be removed by washing thoroughly with mild detergent ~ Cold water Delicate cycle ~ fabric will damage if washed with hot water & regular cycle.To dry: Hang silk in the shade or delicate cycle without heat. When finished, smell the fabric. If the smell remains, repeat again.