Sleep is such a restorative process — we spend around one third of our lives in slumber, and during that time, all sorts of magic happens. While I won't bore you with the science, I think we can all agree on one, perhaps the more superficial benefit of a good night’s rest: we ultimately look better (Sleeping Beauty was onto something).
But here's the catch: even the sweetest dreams can turn sour if your best bedding set isn't up to par. Too coarse (which it often is), and your hair and skin might suffer the consequences. The solution? A silk pillowcase.
You’ve probably seen them on TikTok, Instagram, in your favorite store, or recommended on a health and wellness podcast. While they are slightly pricier than traditional pillowcase varieties, I assure you they’re not a gimmick — silk bedding really is worth the splurge. Apart from its beauty, 'silk is smoother than most materials,’ says Wendy Zhang, brand lead at LILYSILK, so ‘sleeping on silk pillowcases can lessen the friction against your skin, helps reduce skin irritation, and prevent creasing or wrinkles during sleep.' 'It also reduces friction on your hair, which helps to avoid tangles and breakage,’ she adds.
According to the silk expert, ‘swapping your pillowcase for a silk one is the easiest way to take care of your skin & hair’ — and I would agree. Personally, I swear by silk pillowcases. I must own about six of them. The difference is noticeable if I forget to pack them when traveling (yes, I actually do that). My skin breaks out, and my hair looks... well, for lack of a better word — dented. You know what I’m talking about. Wendy confirmed that waking up with less-than-lackluster hair was not, in fact, a figment of my imagination. The best silk bedding allows hair to ‘slide easily over the pillowcase, reducing tugging, breakage, split ends, and frizz,’ she explains.
Silk is also ‘naturally hypoallergenic, resisting dust mites, mold, and other allergens, which is especially good for people with sensitive skin or allergies.’ Plus, it helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold — a win-win for your health and your appearance.
There are a fair bit of options out there, but as a self-proclaimed silk pillowcase connoisseur and someone who shops for a living, I’ve decided to curate the creme de la creme. You might not have scored an invite to the Met Ball, but with these silk picks, you'll wake up feeling like a sleeping beauty anyway. See how a touch of lustrous luxury can transform your sleep, your skin, and the overall look of your bed. Continue below.
Best Silk Pillowcases
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Price: $31.99
Garnering an impressive 4.6/5 stars out of 46,862 ratings, it’s safe to say that these ZIMASILk pillowcases are a fan favorite. They come in a broad spectrum of colors and patterns ranging from royal blue to burgundy, and unlike other “silk” pillowcases at this price point, are actually the real deal — 100% pure mulberry.
Price: $29
This ingenious concept by LILYSILK utilizes scraps of silk that would otherwise go to waste, and turns them into a beautiful tricolor piece. Naturally, each will differ — you might get a lighter, pastel color story like the one in the photo, or perhaps a series of jewel tones. It’s all part of the fun of this truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Price: $32.99
Was: $39.99
Don’t let this price fool you — these Bare Home pillowcases utilize top-quality 6A silk, which offers a lustrous sheen devoid of unsightly imperfections you might find in lesser silk varieties. I’m loving the sage hue, which looks equally striking paired with darker bedding hues, like chocolate brown or charcoal, as it does with lighter ones.
Price: $79
LILYSILK’s La Terra seems so simple, yet I've never seen a silk pillowcase quite like it before (and I’ve viewed quite a bit). It’s got an extra thick soft blue contrast border, which, paired with white, reminisces something you might find in a luxury hotel — but better. For a luxurious master bedroom idea, consider purchasing two: one for either side of the bed.
Price: $42.99
If you’re sick of your pillow finding its way outside of the case, look no further than this envelope closure pick by Celestial Silk. I’m partial to the black — darker colors enhance silk’s natural luster the most, and I love the dramatic contrast they offer in a bedscape.
Price: $89
Slip, the brand behind this pillowcase, exclusively utilizes Slipsilk™ — a special patented variety of the highest grade long fiber, which took a decade to perfect. Plus, this beautiful pastel pink bedding (and all of Slip’s other color varieties) only utilizes non-toxic dye, which is not always the case with dyed natural fibers, making the brand’s cases more than worth the spend.
Price: $89
Adding another Slip pillowcase because they’re really that good (I actually own two of them and can attest to their quality). This one is in a cheerful limoncello shade that quickly conjures up fond images of the Italian countryside in summer. Thanks to its patented silk variety, this case lends unparalleled sheen to your bed and the perfect base to protect hair and skin.
Price: $69
Patterned silk pillowcases are hard to come by, so naturally, I was thrilled to have stumbled upon this striped bedding beauty from Brooklinen. You likely know the brand for their percale sheets and dreamy down comforters, but don’t sleep on their silk — or actually, do! Insulating yet breathable, cool to the touch, and available in several stylish patterns, they offer the best of both worlds.
Price: $99
Available in light gray, slate, and white, these neutrals blend seamlessly with any of your other Parachute pieces (or really any bedding for that matter). Reviewers rave about how easy it is to take care of these simple, but incredibly high quality covers. Available in both standard and king pillow sizes.
Price: $86
I’m a sucker for toile — on a mug, a rug — anything goes. But a pillowcase?! Now we’re talking. If you're as fond of it as I am, then this option from Bloomingdale’s is an absolute dream. Opt for the blue and pair with butter yellow to lean into its idyllic French flair.
Price: $48.96
Was: $64
Madison Park masters affordable luxury — exhibit A: this pillowcase. I find myself particularly drawn to the gray because, thanks to its top tier silk composition, resembles sterling silver, offering a jewelry-like touch for your bed. Since I’m not one to shy away from mixing metals, my best advice is to integrate other silver and gold bedroom accents for an elevated designer look.
Price: $96.99
This price is deceiving — although it would appear to be the priciest ticket of the bunch, you actually get two cases, one for either side of the bed, making this set quite the steal. Each pillowcase is zippered to prevent unwanted slips and uses a satin weave to ensure an unrivaled, glamorous sheen, even after many trips to the washing machine.
How should I care for my silk pillowcases?
According to Wendy, professional dry cleaning would be ideal, but ‘you can also wash by hand or machine in lukewarm water (30°C/86°F) on the gentlest cycle available.’ From personal experience, I’ve been washing silk pillowcases on a gentle cycle for almost a decade without any issues. Just be sure not to use bleach and avoid tumble drying, adds Wendy.
Regarding frequency, ‘Pillowcases directly contact your skin and hair every night, so it is important to wash them regularly,’ explains the LILYSILK brand lead. ‘It is suggested to wash silk pillowcases once a week or every ten days. However, it depends on personal preferences; if you sweat heavily or have allergies, it's better to wash them more frequently,’ she adds.
In the market for more bedroom upgrades? See our edit of Egyptian cotton sheets for a dreamier nighttime routine.
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