Silk pillowcases can elevate your bedding and raise the bar on beauty sleep. In addition to looking and feeling luxurious, they offer a slew of haircare and skincare benefits. They’re comprised of super-smooth fibers that generate less friction (compared to cotton versions) and therefore result in less tugging and breakage of hair. Silk is also less absorbent, so it won’t soak up the creams you’ve applied before bed or strip the natural oils from your hair and skin while you snooze.
The best silk pillowcases—like these from Brooklinen—are gentle on skin and hair, and come various … [+]
Brooklinene
What’s more, these pillowcases are a dream to sleep on year round; silk is a thermoregulating material that will keep you warm during the colder months and cool in the summer. Mulberry silk is one of the most popular types of the fiber used in pillowcases, as it tends to be lighter weight, smoother and more breathable than other iterations. Ahead, we break down the best silk pillowcases on the market today.
Best Silk Pillowcase Overall
A Quality Option That Won’t Cost A Fortune
Best Silk Pillowcase For Hair
An Essential For Your Nighttime Beauty Routine
Best Silk Pillowcase For Skin
A Clean Version Crafted From Untreated Fibers
Best Affordable Silk Pillowcase
A Budget-Friendly Option From Amazon
Best Vegan Silk Pillowcase
An Eco-Friendly Pick
Best Splurge Silk Pillowcase
A Luxurious Pillowcase That’s Worth The Investment
Best Dual-Sided Silk Pillowcase
A Hybrid Option That Looks Good From Every Angle
Best Silk Pillowcase Set
A Buttery Soft Duo
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Silk Pillowcase
Material
The best type of silk for a pillowcase is 100{05995459f63506108ab777298873a64e11d6b9d8e449f5580a59254103ec4a63} pure mulberry silk. This is made by domesticated silkworms in a controlled environment, so the resulting fibers are finer, stronger, smoother and more consistent in color. Other options include silk blends, which are typically more affordable, and vegan silk if you want a cruelty-free pick.
Care
Most silk pillowcases can be hand washed or machine washed, but some come with special care instructions that recommend only a gentle method and air drying to ensure the product’s integrity. It’s important to keep this in mind in terms of how much effort you’ll want to put into the care of your pillowcase.
Price
Quality silk pillowcases can be pricey, but there are a few inexpensive options. Cost is often based on type of silk and momme count (a.k.a. the thread count of the silk fabric). The higher the count—which ranges from 19 to 25 momme—the higher the price. Our affordable pick, Alaska Bear’s Natural Silk Pillowcase, is an excellent lower priced option, and features a high quality 19 momme count mulberry silk.
Additional Features
You don’t have to settle for a run-of-the-mill sham. Many feature various added details: zipper closures, hidden pockets, fun prints, piping and more.
What Are The Benefits Of Silk Pillowcases?
Silk pillowcases add an elevated aesthetic to the bedroom, but their benefits for hair and skin are the primary draw. Thanks to silky smooth, tightly woven fibers that generate less friction, there’s less tugging on hair and skin and less absorption of essential moisture.
What Kind Of Silk Is Best For Pillowcases?
Be wary of silk blends. These fabrics may feel silky soft but can be comprised of cotton, polyester and other materials that can be drying or irritating. Always look for pillowcases made from 100{05995459f63506108ab777298873a64e11d6b9d8e449f5580a59254103ec4a63} mulberry silk, which is considered the highest quality. Not only are the fibers naturally hydrating, but they’re also strong and antimicrobial.
What Is A Good Thread Count For Silk Pillowcases?
Momme count is a metric used to distinguish the most luxurious silk fabrics. The range for silk pillowcases usually varies from 19-25 momme. And like thread count, which can help shoppers determine the quality of cotton bedding, the higher the value generally means the better the quality.
How Often Should You Wash Silk Pillowcases?
Just because silk pillowcases are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal doesn’t mean you don’t have to wash them regularly. Launder them once a week, or as often as you would wash your regular linen.
