
Undyed Silk Habotai
Raw white habotai. The preferred base for silk painting, hand dyeing, batik, and textile art projects. Takes dye and ink readily due to the smooth, absorbent plain-weave surface.
DreamSilk manufactures silk habotai (also spelled habutai or habutae) in 5mm to 12mm. A smooth, lightweight, plain-weave silk known for its versatility as a lining fabric, painting base, and affordable silk option for scarves and lightweight garments.
Wholesale by the meter. Custom dyeing available. OEKO-TEX® certified. Free samples.

| Momme | GSM | Width | Composition | Surface | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5mm | 22 g/m² | 114 cm | 100% Mulberry Silk | Smooth, subtle sheen | Painting, dyeing projects |
| 6mm | 26 g/m² | 114 / 140 cm | 100% Mulberry Silk | Smooth, subtle sheen | Linings, painting, lightweight scarves |
| 8mm | 34 g/m² | 114 / 140 cm | 100% Mulberry Silk | Smooth, subtle sheen | Linings, scarves, garment inserts |
| 10mm | 43 g/m² | 114 / 140 cm | 100% Mulberry Silk | Smooth, more body | Scarves, lightweight blouses, linings |
| 12mm | 51 g/m² | 114 / 140 cm | 100% Mulberry Silk | Smooth, good body | Dresses, blouses, structured linings |

Raw white habotai. The preferred base for silk painting, hand dyeing, batik, and textile art projects. Takes dye and ink readily due to the smooth, absorbent plain-weave surface.

Habotai dyed to your color specification. Soft, even color with a gentle sheen. Commonly used for garment linings, lightweight scarves, and packaging inserts.

Custom designs printed on silk habotai. The smooth surface produces clean, detailed prints at a lower cost than charmeuse or twill — a budget-friendly option for printed silk products.

Habotai is the most widely used silk lining fabric in the industry. Lightweight, smooth against the skin, and breathable. We supply habotai lining in a wide range of colors to match your garment fabrics.









Habotai is the default lining fabric for silk garments, jackets, and dresses worldwide. It's smooth against the skin, breathable, and light enough to not add bulk. If you're producing any garment that needs a silk lining, habotai at 6–8mm is the standard spec. We stock it in 30+ lining colors ready to ship.

Habotai sits at the lowest price point among silk fabrics. The plain weave uses less yarn per meter than satin, twill, or crepe constructions. This makes it practical for projects where silk quality matters but budget is tight — lining, scarves, packaging, and art applications.

Undyed habotai is the top choice for silk painting and hand dyeing. The smooth, absorbent surface takes Jacquard, Setasilk, and other silk paints evenly. 5–8mm is preferred for painting projects — thin enough for good ink flow, with enough body to handle wet techniques without puckering.
We manufacture custom silk products and fabrics for brands in 50+ countries. From fabric selection to finished goods, everything is produced in our own facility - giving you one point of contact, consistent quality, and shorter lead times.

Silk habotai is primarily used for garment linings, scarves, silk painting, hand dyeing, and lightweight garments. It is the most versatile and affordable silk fabric.
6–8mm is the standard for lining. 6mm is the lightest option for minimal bulk. 8mm offers a bit more body and durability. For linings that need to feel more substantial, 10mm works well.
Yes. "China silk" is another name for habotai. The name comes from Japan — "habotai" means "soft as down." The fabric originated in Japan but is now primarily produced in China.
Yes. Habotai takes prints well at a lower cost than charmeuse or twill. The smooth surface produces clean, detailed prints. A budget-friendly option for printed silk products.
Habotai is the most affordable silk fabric per meter due to its lightweight plain-weave construction. Pricing depends on momme weight, width, and order volume. Contact us for a specific quote.
Stocked colors: 50 meters. Custom dyeing: 100–200m per color. Printing: 50m per design.
| Habotai | Charmeuse | Chiffon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weave | Plain | Satin | Plain (twisted yarns) |
| Surface | Smooth, subtle sheen both sides | Glossy front, matte back | Slightly rough, sheer |
| Weight | Lightest to light | Light to heavy | Very light |
| Sheen | Low-moderate | High | Low |
| Price | Lowest | Medium | Medium |
| Best For | Linings, painting, affordable scarves | Pillowcases, pajamas, dresses | Overlays, veils, layering |
5mm and 8mm habotai are the most popular weights for silk art. 5mm is ultra-thin and absorbs paint quickly — good for wet-on-wet techniques. 8mm has more body and is easier to stretch on a frame. Both are available undyed in white and natural ivory. We supply habotai by the meter specifically for art and craft markets.