There are few bedtime luxuries more deceptively simple — or more transformative — than a silk pillowcase. No plugs, no serums, no elaborate rituals: just a single piece of fabric that makes everything better. Smoother hair, calmer skin, a more restful sleep — and all you have to do is lie down.
The proof, quite literally, is in the sleep. For those who run warm at night (guilty), silk’s naturally thermoregulating properties help draw heat away from the skin, keeping things cool and breathable. It’s also hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites and bacteria, and easily the best bedding choice for sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis.
“While silk pillowcases can be more expensive than other materials, their impact on enhancing your sleep quality and overall skin and hair health is worth the splurge,” says Wendy Zhang, brand lead at silk specialist LILYSILK.
But as a style editor, I can’t overlook the visual appeal, either — the lustre, the soft drape, the way silk catches the light just so. A silk pillowcase is every bit as beautiful tossed across a bed as it is pressed gently against your face.
That said, not all of them are created equal. I’ve tested plenty, and I know the difference — especially between 100% pure silk and the “sateen” blend imposters posing as the real thing. If it wouldn’t touch my face, it’s not touching yours. The options below are the real deal: editor-approved, properly sourced from the best bedding brands, and worth every penny.
Ahead, the best silk pillowcases to shop now — for better skin, better hair, and a better bedroom.
You could blink and miss it — a mulberry silk bedding deal under £30 that isn’t… dubious. And yet, here it is: M&S’s quiet-luxury answer to the £90 options crowding your bookmarks folder. With a 4.8-star rating from over 250 reviews, it’s not just “good for the price” — it’s actually good. Most colorways have already sold out (unsurprisingly), but this pale mint is the sort of understated shade that makes a bed look expensive without trying. You’ve been warned.
If solid bedding color combinations are starting to feel a touch too… uniform, this limited-edition design from Gingerlily and Memo Press offers a more romantic take. Soft watercolor florals edged in a satin ribbon motif feel like something you’d find in a chic countryside hotel. Better yet? It’s machine-washable — pretty and practical for everyday.
Duck Egg. Charcoal. Pebble. Tuscan Clay. John Lewis didn’t skimp on the color chart — and honestly, they didn’t need to. These 100% silk pillowcases are the rare breed that manage to be both gentle on the skin (hydration-saving, wrinkle-defying) and on your washing machine. Yes, you can wash them — and no, they won’t fall apart. Dozens swear by them.
Pleated, polished, and exclusive to French Bedroom — this pillowcase pair feels more like eveningwear than bed linen, and that’s precisely the point. It’s not trying to reinvent the bedding wheel with its silk-edged drama — only elevate it. And considering the price includes two, the math works out beautifully, too.
Most brands hide their offcuts. LILYSILK made them the headline. Their zero-waste pillowcase repurposes leftover silk into tonal tricolor panels — no two alike. It's a little like a gallery wall: a bit Taupe & Ivory & Bright Coffee here, a splash of Golden Yellow & Navy over there. This is an eco-conscious design decision, yes, but it also happens to be the most visually interesting on this list.
Yes, that Boss. The brand known for tailoring now makes pillowcases — and naturally, they’re immaculately tailored too. In a camel hue that’s richer than gold, softer than chocolate, and just as indulgent, this is minimalism done at night. Its beauty lies in its restraint: no piping, no pattern, just perfect tone and texture to elevate your linen bedding.
Coco & Wolf doesn’t do basics — and thank goodness for that. The Somerset-based brand is known for crafting silk pillowcases from Liberty’s most decadent prints, making each one feel like a collector’s item. This variety is handmade in their South West England studio using 16 momme Liberty Belgravia silk satin — more iridescent, more luminous than most. It does demand a little TLC (hand wash, line dry, cool iron), but it’s well worth the whimsy.
Slip isn’t new to the scene — it helped start the scene. This 22 momme, Grade 6A Mulberry silk pillowcase has become the industry benchmark, praised by facialists and hairstylists alike for its friction-free, skin-friendly finish. This version also includes both a full-size and slim scrunchie in matching silk — no bed head here, folks.
It’s rare to see a silk pillowcase with a proper Oxford border — rarer still for it to come in under £100. But trust The White Company to quietly deliver. Made in Portugal from 19 momme Mulberry silk, this version has all the polish of a hotel suite and none of the fuss. The tailored edge gives it a smart, dressed-up look, while the perfect 5-star rating confirms what we suspected: this one’s a sleeper hit.
Pop, fizz, clink — this pillowcase is worth raising a glass to. The champagne-toned stripe is a rare find in a sea of solids, bringing a subtle hit of pattern play to otherwise pared-back linens. And since this striped bedding is sold as a pair, the cost per case comes in under £30. It’s no wonder that dozens of customers have claimed to purchase duplicates over the years — they’re that good.
A tonal starburst print gives this 100% Mulberry silk pillowcase a gentle, joyful drama. It’s a bit of beach house energy and a little old-money eccentricity — in the best possible way. The envelope closure keeps things neat, and it’s machine-washable for good measure (just use a delicates bag or turn inside out). Don’t sleep on the ombré Selene colorway, either — equally charming.
Mayfairsilk’s designs are unapologetically ornate — floral prints, lush scenes, and palettes straight out of a storybook. Though this “Secret Garden” variety is extra-special: deep emerald blooms set against soft cream, printed on 25 momme silk (a serious upgrade to standard silk in both feel and durability). Five-star reviews across the board confirm what you already suspect: it’s less of a pillowcase, more art for your bed.
FAQs
Are silk pillowcases really worth it?
In short: absolutely.
Silk has a far smoother texture than most bedding materials, which means less resistance as your skin and hair move across the surface during the night. According to Wendy Zhang of LILYSILK, this reduced friction helps avoid irritation, creasing, and even early signs of ageing. Hair, too, reaps the benefits — fewer knots, less breakage, and a gentler start to your morning routine.
“Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic,” Wendy adds, “resisting dust mites, mold, and other allergens, which is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or allergies, helping to keep your complexion clear.” Bonus: it’s temperature-regulating, meaning it keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not — ideal for a more restful night’s sleep.
If you’re after better skin, better hair, and a touch of understated glamour, silk pillowcases make a very strong case indeed.
How should I wash my silk pillowcases?
While dry cleaning is the gold standard, silk doesn’t have to be high-maintenance. Hand washing or using a gentle cycle in the machine with lukewarm water (30°C) will do the trick, says Wendy.
Skip the harsh chemicals – bleach is a definite no – and resist the urge to tumble dry. Treated kindly, silk will retain its sheen, softness and structure for years.
How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?
“Pillowcases come into direct contact with your skin and hair every night, so it’s important to wash them regularly,” says Wendy Zhang, brand lead at LILYSILK. “We recommend washing silk pillowcases once a week or every ten days.” Of course, it depends on your habits — if you sweat a lot or have allergies or sensitive skin, it’s best to wash them more frequently. To do this properly, you will need to be up to speed on how to wash a silk pillowcase, to avoid damaging it.
Think of it as an extension of your skincare routine — but far less effort.
Can I put a silk pillowcase in the dryer?
Technically, yes — but only if absolutely necessary. If time is short and the weather isn’t cooperating, a tumble dry on the lowest heat setting may be used in a pinch. Still, air drying remains the best, gentlest route.
Wendy advises hanging your pillowcase indoors or somewhere out of direct sunlight, as excessive heat or UV exposure can dull silk’s finish. Better safe than sorry — silk’s beauty is worth preserving.
Silk pillowcases are but the gateway — once you’ve experienced the difference (visually, texturally, dermatologically), it’s hard to stop at one. Explore the best silk bedding to complete the set.
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