Silk is believed to have originated from ancient China, with the oldest samples dating as far back as 3,500 BC. Initially silk fabrics were the preserve of royalty but gradually they spread throughout the Chinese culture. From China, silk was transferred to neighboring Asian countries both the as a tradable commodity and the silk farming and weaving techniques.

Silk production is India has a long and ancient history. Archeological findings suggest that silk from wild silk threads was harvested in time periods simultaneous with the earliest known silk in China. India is the second largest producer of silk after China.

The Japanese learnt the art of silk production and weaving from China from around 300 AD. Until the 1970s Japan was the largest producer of silk in the modern times, before it was overtaken by China. Japanese raw silk is known for its exception high quality.

In Thailand, silk is harvested and produced throughout the year, typically after the rice harvest season. Different regions in Thailand have their particular types of silk which vary in colors and styles.

Arabs who conquered the Persian region in the 7th century acquired the silk farming and production skills which they brought back to their countries and also spread them into north Africa. The Moors then brought silk into Spain during their rule over the Iberian Peninsula.