Silk was first discovered in China 5000 years ago. The secret of silk was closely guarded for thousands of years. Legend has it that two monks were sent by Rome to smuggle back silkworm eggs in their hollow canes, and so the secret of silk was revealed.

2000 years later Silkbody reveals the forgotten secret once more…

In 2002 Dunedin father and daughter team David and Emily Cooper released their range of natural silk clothing in New Zealand. Emily designed the range shortly after completing a degree in Clothing and Textile Science at the University of Otago in Dunedin.

With a knowledge of the performance properties of silk and the potential of this amazing fibre, Emily set about designing a range of clothing that embodied the traditional luxury of silk within high performance garments for everyday, sport and travel.

"Silk has captured our imagination, as it did civilisations before us. At Silkbody we are passionate about developing silk clothing for a new generation. In today's world of petrochemical dependence, we believe it's important to be able to wear clothing that's completely natural. Each Silkbody garment carries the story of its evolution - from the finest fibre spun by the tiny silk caterpillar, to the incredibly lightweight, luxurious finished garment. Once you discover Silkbody you won't want to wear anything else against your skin."

You and your Silkbody enjoy a harmonious relationship because Silkbody is made from all-natural fibres. Silk is still grown in the traditional way using techniques perfected over thousands of years. We do not add any treatments to improve anti-static, flame retardance, wash-and-wear or anti-bacterial properties because silk is already naturally endowed with these properties.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Silkbody is soft and extremely lightweight. You feel like you’re hardly wearing anything at all.
DRY
Silkbody keeps your skin dry because the hygroscopic silk fibre absorbs one third its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. The absorbed moisture is evaporated into the environment or absorbed by outer clothing layers. Your Silkbody also dries fast – on or off the body.
SAFE AND NATURAL
Our fabrics are made from only natural fibres. Silk is one of the safest fibres you can wear next to your skin because it is naturally flame resistant. Where synthetics melt, silk burns to harmless ash.
ONE GARMENT FOR ALL SEASONS
Winter and Summer, Silkbody provides thermal balance. Wear your Silkbody for luxurious warmth in winter or as a super-lightweight, breathable garment in summer that will keep you dry and cool. Its versatility makes it perfect for travel.
SMOOTH AS
Silk feels softer against the skin than other fibres because it has a smooth surface and is extremely fine. With an average diameter of 11 microns (0.011mm), the silk fibre is one of the softest you can wear. Everyone can appreciate this, but it’s particularly important for those with sensitive skins.
GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN
The natural gum that binds the silk cocoon together is called sericin. Sericin is believed to be beneficial to the health of your skin, much like the lanolin in wool, as it contains many essential amino acids. The sericin is also responsible for the natural fragrance of Silkbody fabrics, which will subside after several washes.
ONLY SILK IS SILK!
Many fabrics claim to feel “soft as silk” but what could be better than the real thing? Synthetic fibres such as polyester were first developed last century from a desire to imitate the precious silk fibre. But silk has unique properties that no manmade fibre can imitate.