How is spun silk fabric different from traditional silk fabric made from continuous filaments?

Spun silk fabric and traditional silk fabric made from continuous filaments differ in their production processes, texture, appearance, and qualities, even though both are derived from the silk fiber.

Production Process:
Traditional Silk (Filament Silk): This fabric is made from the long, continuous filaments produced by silkworms as they spin their cocoons. The silk thread is reeled directly from the cocoon, resulting in a smooth, uninterrupted filament that can be woven into fabric.
Spun Silk: In contrast, spun silk is made from shorter silk fibers, often the leftover or broken threads from damaged or imperfect cocoons. These shorter fibers are gathered, spun together, and twisted into yarn, similar to how cotton or wool fibers are processed.

Texture:
Traditional Silk: Due to its continuous filaments, traditional silk has a smoother and more consistent texture. The long strands give the fabric a sleek, lustrous finish, which is one of the hallmarks of silk.
Spun Silk: Since spun silk is made from shorter fibers, it has a slightly different feel. While still soft, spun silk has a less smooth texture compared to filament silk, often described as a bit more "cottony" or with a subtle matte finish.

Appearance and Luster:
Traditional Silk: Known for its signature sheen, traditional filament silk has a high, almost reflective gloss due to the unbroken surface of the continuous silk threads.
Spun Silk: While spun silk retains some of silk’s natural luster, it is typically less shiny than traditional silk. The shorter fibers and the twisting process used to create the yarn result in a fabric that has a softer glow, rather than a high-gloss finish.

Durability:
Traditional Silk: Continuous filament silk tends to be more durable because it is made from long, strong strands of fiber. This makes it more resistant to wear and tear over time.
Spun Silk: The shorter fibers in spun silk result in a fabric that is slightly less strong and may wear out more quickly, though it is still a high-quality, durable fabric compared to other natural fibers.

Cost:
Traditional Silk: Because it involves the careful extraction of long, unbroken filaments, traditional silk tends to be more expensive to produce, leading to higher costs for the finished fabric.
Spun Silk: Since spun silk uses shorter fibers, including waste or recycled materials, it is often more affordable while still offering many of the benefits associated with silk.

Applications:
Traditional Silk: Its smooth, lustrous finish makes traditional silk the fabric of choice for high-end clothing, evening wear, and luxury home textiles.
Spun Silk: Spun silk, with its softer and more matte appearance, is often used for more casual wear, knitwear, or less formal garments, while still providing the comfort and elegance associated with silk.

In essence, spun silk fabric offers a more affordable and slightly less lustrous alternative to traditional silk, while still retaining the natural softness, breathability, and lightweight qualities that silk is known for.