The ones I've got certainly fray a bit, but not too much. I've always found them fine on sweat though - perhaps they're different.

]Casual_Hero[

I bought it from a UK military surplus store.

Hey, Chris, there are many types of silk. Can you elaborate on what you prefer and why? (one of our scout's mom works in the fabric dept. at WilMart. I'll place a standing order with her for any end-of-bolt sales) <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks.

Silk could take a whole book to explain. Briefly, there are natural, chemically treated and blends. Silk can be had in all the many weaves as other cloths, from plain weaves of almost gauze like wieght to heavy brocades. Some silks can cost literally thousands of dollars. There was a Japanese silk importer in Berkeley California now closing after years of business. With fewer traditional weavers and declining demand ( a traditional Kimono can cost a small fortune) their business is sadly no longer viable. I won't tell you what I paid for remnants or how many pretty horsey girls rode off into the sunset wearing them <img src="images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I like the lightest wieght and plain weaves. You can fold up larger squares into small pockets and they drape better. Don't forget to have rolled hems sewn for durability. Silk clothing requires skill in care and cleaning. But for a cowboy rag or shemagh hand washing in Woolite and air drying works well. Finally if anyone makes a disparaging remark make them watch Kurasawa's Seven Samurai.

>>> ...make them watch Kurasawa's Seven Samurai

Or the American remake "The Magnificent Seven," which is actually more enjoyable to watch after seeing Seven Samuri. Sort of a Comparative Cinema 101." <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I worked with my dad at a job site once when I was younger at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. We hong a course weave silk on wall panels throughout the entire showroom. That weave did not have any stretch to it at all and was a real bear to try to hang properly, especially since the direction of the weave was very noticable. Then the following year we came back and tore it all out and replaced it with another fabric that was even worse to hang. Dang designers!!! <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I was amazed at what was thrown out, besides the silk (yes, thrown out) as each of the showrooms revamped their displays in preparation to the show (NeoCon).

Getting back to the subject, I recall that you like the silk in the winter as it retains insulative qualities, even when damp/wet. Is that a correct recollection & would you still recomend a lightwieght silt for a winter bandana or shemagh?