Silk is a durable, natural protein filament fiber that is produced by the cocoon of a silk moth. The biodegradable, breathable, and lightweight material is soft to the touch with a naturally lustrous sheen. Primarily produced in China and India, silk has been used for textiles—including apparel, bedding, and upholstery—for over 7,000 years. Its quality is assessed based on its color, finesse, and the species of silk moth used in its manufacturing.