25 best silk pillowcases to buy now

If you're not quite au fait with the idea of silk pillowcases and sheets just yet, let us convince you of their prowess over all other types of bedding. Made from natural silk, a new pillowcase or sheet is a top quality interiors investment with myriad beauty sleep benefits.

Natural mulberry silk pillowcases in particular are hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating and provide breathable comfort for a sumptuous night’s sleep. Snoozing on silk is akin to experiencing the fresh relief of flipping your pillow, which is particularly helpful for restless sleepers. This cool, smooth surface is less absorbent than a standard pillowcase, so the material won't wick moisture away from your skin overnight and that means serums, creams and overnight sleep masks sink in more efficiently.

How do I know if a silk pillowcase is good quality?

Silk is measured in momme, which refers to the thread count of the fabric. The higher the momme silk pillowcase number, the thicker the silk and therefore better quality. Look for silk pillowcases between 19 and 22 momme to ensure durability. Anything above 19 momme is considered high quality, while 22 momme mulberry silk hits the sweet spot in the middle. Meanwhile, 25 momme is very heavy and a practical pick but offers less cooling benefits compared to a lower thickness. To look after your silk pillowcase, follow the label’s washing instructions carefully. Most can be machine washed on a low temperature cycle, but not tumble dried or ironed.

What are some benefits of using a silk pillowcase?

Natural silk pillowcases are recommended by dermatologists and salons alike, because they have been proven to improve the appearance of your skin and hair while you sleep. Their smooth surface won’t pull at your skin or hair, and is far gentler in general. The pressure which causes pesky pillow creases on your face is also eradicated, and the silk can actually ameliorate the appearance of fine lines too. In addition to their being less absorbent than your typical cotton pillowcase, the finish won’t fluff up your strands and cause tangles, therefore minimising hair breakage. This means bedhead is far less likely and split ends aren’t worsened, which makes silk pillowcases protective if your locks need extra TLC and ideal for those with curly hair. As mentioned, a pure mulberry silk pillowcase actually helps to maintain the skin’s hydration levels and ensures your skincare products soak in properly, truly maximising their full potential.

Beyond short term skincare, using silk is actually anti-ageing. As we age, our skin loses elasticity as collagen production slows. Sleeping on silk helps reduce the pressure on your skin and can prevent premature wrinkles. For those who fancy taking things one step further, you can opt for a silk duvet too, which has many brilliant temperature regulating qualities. Read more on the best duvets here.

What is the difference between a silk pillowcase and a satin pillowcase?

Silk is extremely breathable and has been proven to help control your temperature while sleeping. What's more, it is antibacterial and hypoallergenic too, which is ideal for those of us with sensitive skin. Satin is none of these things and simply aims to replicate the look of real silk, so it won’t provide any beauty, anti-ageing or wellbeing benefits. This cheaper material often creates the static which makes hair frizzy, therefore doing the direct opposite of silk.

Given their dual powers, the highest quality silk bedding is pricier than cotton or flannel sheets, so buying a full set of sheets before trying them out might not be the best idea. We recommend investing in a set of pillowcases first, testing if you like them and then deciding whether to go for the full bedroom suite. That way, you can narrow down your colour preference too, as many come in different shades and prints. To help you decide, we've rounded up the best silk pillowcases to buy now.

The best silk pillowcases to buy now