You might associate the best silk pillowcases with staying cool on warm summer nights, but as winter is in full swing, their temperature-regulating benefits are just as essential for a cosy night’s sleep. We all know first-hand how a good restorative slumber can benefit our overall health, and our choice of bedding plays a huge part in how well we sleep. But for an additional beauty boost, silk pillowcases are it.
Silk boasts a wealth of beauty benefits, including anti-ageing properties for our skin and anti-frizz properties for our hair. In fact, silk helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture while we snooze, keeping it soft and supple, and in turn reduces fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts.
Suffice to say, a silk pillowcase is a no-brainer for those of us with sensitive skin, too. It’s little wonder this organic textile has long been recommended by dermatologists. Similarly, pure silk keeps our hair naturally hydrated, and thanks to its luxuriously smooth surface, there’s far less friction than with cotton or linen alternatives, meaning a silk pillowcase can be used to prevent hair breakage, static, and even split ends. The result? Gorgeous, glossy locks – who doesn’t want to wake up to a good hair day, every day?
Typically, silk pillowcases are sold either individually or in pairs, and can be used separately to complement our luxe bedding set-up. But for all-out opulence, look for complete pure silk bedding sets, sheets, and bedspreads. Throw in an electric diffuser and a weighted blanket, and you’re in for the best beauty sleep of your life.
How we tested the best silk pillowcases:
Our editors have slept on tonnes of silk pillowcases to evaluate differences in their design and materials, and these are the ones we (and countless reviewers) swear by. All of these picks are at least 19 momme and scored top marks in comfort, durability, and reducing hair flyaways as well as skin creases. Lean more about how we test.
What to look for in a silk pillowcase:
- Momme: Momme count refers to the density of silk and indicates the quality of the material. Think of it like thread count — more threads mean extra durability. Most luxury silk pillowcases run from 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 22 momme or 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). For the highest-quality textiles, look for mulberry silk; the fibres are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.
- Colour: These days you can find a silk pillowcase in almost any shade. Classics (like white, beige, and black) and jewel tones (like royal blue and orange) are the most common options. Silk is highly susceptible to washing machine-resistant stains, so pick a dark colour or a busy print if the marks will bother you.
- Closure: A zipper closure keeps the material tight over your pillow, making silk’s natural wrinkles less prevalent. Envelope closures, on the other hand, have more give. Fidgety sleepers might find that these slip off during the night.
- Care: Make sure to read the care instructions before throwing your pillowcase set in the laundry with your bed sheets and duvet cover. Not all pillowcases can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle; some types of silk require hand washing in cold water. Line-drying is best, as dryers can cause damage to the material; you can steam your pillowcase to remove any wrinkles.
- Price: Are expensive silk pillowcases better than the budget-friendly ones? In short, not necessarily; they often use high-quality materials and finishing so they’ll last longer, but our testers loved plenty of under-£50 price point options that stood the test of time just as much as Blissy and other high-end competitors.
Which silk is best for pillowcases?
Mulberry silk is widely regarded as the best silk for pillowcases due to its long fibres, which create a smoother, stronger fabric. This type of silk comes from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori moths, solely on mulberry leaves, leading to a high-quality, hypoallergenic material that is gentle on the skin and hair.
Where to buy silk pillowcases:
Where beauty meets fashion meets homeware, there’s certainly a crossover of brands offering silk products, and therefore we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to silk pillowslips. On the one hand, you have the bedding-focused outlets such as Gingerlily, Soak & Sleep, and The White Company, and on the other, dedicated brands whose raison d’être is our silk-enhanced haircare and beauty regime. Think Blissy and SLIP. But high street giants such as John Lewis and M&S are not to be overlooked either, along with Amazon, who stock some impressively wide silk pillowcase offerings, often at more affordable prices.
Are cotton or linen pillowcases bad for skin and hair?
Cotton and linen pillowcases may absorb moisture, but they can leave your skin and hair feeling dry and deprived of essential hydration overnight. Both fabrics often have a slightly rough texture that can cause friction, leading to frizz, hair damage, and those pesky sleep lines. Opting for a smoother surface to rest on, like silk, can help retain moisture and keeps your skin and hair looking refreshed and nourished.
After more sleep content? Head this way for the best silk bedding and over here for the best Egyptian cotton bedding to transform your bedroom, and in this direction for mattresses for your best night’s sleep yet. This way for mattress toppers, weighted blankets, mattress protectors and body pillows. Finish things off with the best duvet covers, blankets, linen bedding and a good quality pillow spray to send you off to the Land of Nod. Looking for something else? Head over here for best-selling Amazon products, this way for LED face mask reviews, and here to get up to speed on the best sleep positions.
