tussah

Tussah, or tussar silk, is a natural brownish silk produced by certain wild silkworms of the genus Antheraea, including Antheraea mylitta (Indian tussar) and Antheraea pernyi (Chinese tussar). It is often referred to as wild silk.

The fiber is coarser and more uneven than cultivated Bombyx mori silk, with a lower sheen and a natural tan to brown color. Because the cocoons are often from wild or semi-wild moths, the filaments may be shorter or irregular, making tussah commonly spun rather than reeled. The silk can be bleached or dyed, though the natural color remains popular for a rustic look.

Production is concentrated in India and China, with smaller amounts in other parts of Asia. Tussah is used in textiles such as scarves, dresses, suiting fabrics, and upholstery, and is frequently blended with cotton, wool, or synthetics to improve texture and durability. Environmental and conservation concerns are associated with wild silk harvesting and habitat impact.