A study reveals that silk fabrics lose from 20 to 45％ of their original strength during wet processing. This strength loss is associated with a loss of lustre and abrasion resistance and, ultimately, the durability and serviceability of the end product. It is recommended that the processes and recipes for preserving the natural strength of silk are standardized and that dyers and printers, in particular, are made aware of the consequences of improperly-controlled process parameters.