The best silk pillowcase brings together four things: a fibre stated unambiguously, mulberry silk; a size that fits your pillow, 50 × 70 cm being a common one; a known fabric density; a finish and care that fit your daily life. The price follows the density of the silk and the quality of the seams.
What a silk pillowcase changes at night
Silk is a smooth fibre. Hair glides over it instead of rubbing. The result: fewer knots in the morning and lengths that detangle faster.
The same effect applies to the face. Skin does not get crushed into a thick fabric, so pillow marks settle in less. These are temporary sleep creases, which fade after you get up.
The 6 criteria, in one table
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | “Mulberry silk” on the composition label | The word “satin” does not guarantee any silk |
| Density | The momme, stated by the seller | A dense fabric loses its shape less in the wash |
| Size | 50 × 70 cm, 65 × 65 cm | A well-fitted pillowcase stays in place better at night |
| Seams | Flat seams, clean closure | Less bulk against the skin |
| Care | Hand wash 30 °C, dry flat | Silk degrades with heat |
| Colours | Several shades available | A matter of taste, no effect on quality |
Criterion 1: the stated fibre
Three materials cross paths on the market, and they have nothing in common. Mulberry silk is a natural fibre. Satin is a weave: it can be made of silk, polyester or a blend. Shiny polyester is often sold under the name “satin”, with no silk in it.
Read the composition before the product name. If silk is not named, there is none. Our silk or satin comparison details this difference fibre by fibre.
Criterion 2: density, or momme
Momme measures the density of the fabric. The higher the number, the heavier and more draped the pillowcase. It is not a label: it is a technical figure.
A thin pillowcase can lose its shape faster in the wash and lose its drape.
Criterion 3: the size
50 × 70 cm is a common size. 65 × 65 cm is for square pillows.
Measure your pillow before buying. A pillowcase that is too large hangs loose and creases. One that is too small pulls at the seams.
Criterion 4: seams and closure
A flat seam marks the skin less. A well-finished closure holds the pillow in all night.
Bulky seams sit inside the pillowcase: they are what you feel against your cheek.
Criterion 5: care
Silk does not cope well with long cycles and heat. Hand wash at 30 °C maximum, dry flat in the shade: these instructions come up often on silk pillowcases.
In the machine, choose a cold delicate cycle, slip the pillowcase into a laundry bag and avoid fabric softener.
Criterion 6: colours
The shade does not change the quality: it is a matter of taste. Choose the one that goes with your bed linen.
Depending on how you sleep and your hair
- On your side. Your cheek and temple stay in contact with the fabric. This is the position in which a smooth surface is most noticeable when you wake up.
- On your front. Your face presses harder against the pillow. A well-fitted pillowcase avoids creases under your cheek.
- On your back. Your skin barely touches the pillowcase: it is your hair that rubs at the back of your head. A bonnet can then take over.
- Long hair. It rolls under your neck with every movement. Gather it towards the top of the pillow so you do not sleep on it.
- Curly or dry hair. It catches easily on cotton. A smooth fibre lets it glide and limits knots.
How many silk pillowcases you need
The pillowcase touches your face and hair every night, along with whatever remains of your cream and sebum. Washing it once a week is a good rhythm.
As silk dries flat and in the shade, two pillowcases let you alternate without waiting for one to dry. Otherwise, keep a cotton pillowcase for the night of the wash. If two of you share a bed, allow one pillowcase per person.
Silk ages according to how it is washed. A fabric that loses its sheen or catches under your fingers has often been through too much heat, detergent or friction. Stick to a mild soap, no fabric softener, and store the pillowcase away from direct sunlight, which fades the colour.
A few pointers before buying
- Check the composition, not the trade name.
- Measure your pillow with a tape measure.
- Plan for hand washing in your routine.
- Check the delivery time and return conditions.
Our mulberry silk pillowcase
Our mulberry silk pillowcase measures 50 × 70 cm, at 59,90 €, in black, champagne or dusty pink. It combines with the silk bonnet and the silk eye mask in the silk sleep trio at 119 €, in matching colours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wash a silk pillowcase?
By hand, in water at 30 °C maximum, with a mild soap. Rinse without wringing, roll the pillowcase in a towel to absorb the water, then dry flat in the shade. Avoid the tumble dryer and fabric softener: heat and residues damage the fibre.
What is the difference between 19 and 22 momme?
Momme measures density. A 19 momme silk is lighter, a 22 momme silk denser and heavier. Neither is better in itself: the difference lies in the drape, how it holds up in the wash and the price.
Does silk really reduce frizz?
Silk is a smooth fibre that creates less friction than cotton. Hair rubs less, which limits breakage, and detangles more easily in the morning. It is a mechanical effect, linked to the surface of the fabric.
Silk pillowcase or satin pillowcase?
Satin is a weave, not a material. A polyester satin is still polyester: it shines and glides, but does not behave like silk. A silk satin is silk. The composition decides, not the name.
Can I use a silk pillowcase on reactive skin?
Silk is smooth and not very abrasive, which limits friction. If you have a skin condition or very reactive skin, ask a healthcare professional for advice before changing your bedding.
Should I iron a silk pillowcase?
Ironing at low temperature, on the reverse side, removes creases from the pillowcase. Many people let the silk relax flat after drying: wash creases often disappear on their own.
