7 Best Silk Pillowcases 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Nov 05, 2024

The secret to my smooth hair is actually my pillowcase.

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Upgrading your cotton pillowcases to silk pillowcases is an easy fix to access unique beauty benefits and exceptional comfort. Traditional pillowcases cause friction, which can lead to frizzy hair, bedhead knots and skin creases (that may cause wrinkles over time). On the flip side, silk pillowcases feature an ultra-smooth surface to reduce friction against skin and hair. Not to mention, this luxurious fabric feels both soft and cool to sleep on, turning your bed into an oasis.

Silk is an investment and the quality can vary drastically between styles, so you want to ensure you're choosing one that'll last. As a fiber scientist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I've been testing silk pillowcases for the past eight years. My team of analysts and I have put them through the wringer using specialized Lab equipment and by analyzing feedback from at-home sleep testers. In recent years, we've tested over 35 silk pillowcases to find the smoothest, most comfortable and most durable options.

This style is consistently a top performer in our tests and is made of a high-quality material: mulberry silk with a 25 momme weight, meaning a substantial amount of silk is used in the fabric. It stood out from other silk pillowcases for being moisture-wicking and durable (despite some shrinkage in the wash); in fact, it didn't show any signs of wear in our Lab's rigorous abrasion tests. It even impressed us enough to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.

It's also available in a 19-momme silk fabric that costs slightly less and a 30-momme option that costs more. I recommend the 25-momme silk as the most bang for your buck, and though it's not inexpensive for a pillowcase, it's still half the price of other silk options.

TESTER NOTES: At-home users unanimously told us it was comfy to sleep on and that they woke up without creases in their skin. They specifically highlighted the soft, smooth feel in their feedback and said they preferred it over pillowcases they'd previously used. One noted, "It felt cool for longer," and added, "The silky case was better for my hair than my cotton pillowcase."

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 25 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, Queen, King | Colors: 15 options | Care instructions: The brand recommends dry cleaning or hand washing, but note that it is machine washer-safe on a dry cycle in a mesh bag then lay flat to dry.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Fishers Finery's Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases can get very pricey, but I was thoroughly impressed by how this one is made with quality fabric, despite costing significantly less than other styles. The material was both strong and shrink-resistant in our Lab's durability tests, though the abrasion-resistance scores were just average. It also proved to be sweat-wicking in our moisture-management tests.

Beyond its proven performance, this silk pillowcase also comes in a wide range of sizes (more than other options) to help you find the best fit, including a mini size to fit toddler or travel pillows. You can choose between a single or a two-pack for an even better value.

TESTER NOTES: The fabric earned praise from sleep testers. One described it as "smooth and more comfortable than the cotton ones I was using." Our testers also gave the fabric high scores across the board, from softness to appearance to overall satisfaction, and noted that it held up well to home laundering.

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 23 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Toddler/Travel, Standard, Queen, King, California King | Colors: 15 options | Care instructions: It's machine washable on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag (included) with liquid detergent.

This popular pick is one of the most searched-for silk pillowcase brands, and it's a personal favorite of several GH editors and product analysts who use it at home and swear by it. Beyond that, the pillowcase looked and felt great after our laundering tests and maintained its smoothness, which is a huge feat for delicate silk fabric. It also wicked moisture well and was pill-resistant in our tests.

Just note that we've recently seen ads from Blissy that make claims we couldn't validate in our evaluations. For instance, it has claimed to be "acne-fighting," which is a term that the FDA says should only be used by drugs or medical devices that have received approval to make these claims. Though we can't recommend buying a silk pillowcase solely based on these types of promises, we still love how smooth the material is for comfort and crease prevention.

TESTER NOTES: This pillowcase earned high ratings from testers for maintaining mess-free hair. Users with thick, curly and frizzy hair said they woke up without bedhead. It also earned perfect comfort scores and one tester described the fabric as "the perfect weight — not too light or too heavy."

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Standard, Queen, King | Colors: 21 options | Care instructions: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle and dryer safe at low temperatures. The brand recommends air drying for best results.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Blissy Silk Pillowcase

If you're most concerned about facial lines, our testers gave this pillowcase perfect scores for preventing skin creases. It feels exceptionally smooth, though we found that its smoothness faded a bit after repeated washings. Still, it held up well throughout our tests.

Another perk with this pillowcase is the brand's year-long trial period: Brooklinen offers returns for 365 days so you can get a refund (minus a $9.95 return fee), even if you just don't love it.

TESTER NOTES: Besides noting that they woke up without creases on their skin, testers gave Brooklinen's silk pillowcase high marks for feeling smooth, cool and comfortable. Testers also liked how substantial it appeared and thought it seemed thicker than other silk pillowcases they'd used. "I like the closure of the pillowcase," one said. "I like that the fabric was thick, cold and nice to sleep on. I love that the pillowcase is machine-washable! That makes all the difference."

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, King | Colors: 6 options | Care instructions: Machine washable in cold water with pH-neutral detergent. Hand wash as needed. Lay flat to dry.

This one is an Amazon's best seller, even though it's not actually made with any silk. Instead, the fabric is polyester satin so it's less expensive and less delicate. And although it's not the real deal, we were surprisingly impressed with its performance.

It held up well to washing and was more wrinkle-resistant than real silk in our Lab's evaluations. On top of that, it has nearly 300,000 reviews with an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon. And because it's sold as a set of two, each pillowcase costs less than $5!

TESTER NOTES: Our sleep testers unanimously rated it as feeling smooth, and some even praised how comfortable it felt to sleep on. "It was soft to the touch and never felt sweaty during the night," one told us. Just note that synthetic satin doesn't feel as luxurious as real silk, so it didn't score as highly in areas like bedhead reduction, skin-crease prevention or cooling capabilities.

Fiber content: 100% polyester | Fabric weight: N/A | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, Queen, King, Body | Colors: 39 options | Care instructions: Machine washable and dryer safe on low heat

This buzzy brand was one of the first silk pillowcases sold at beauty retailers (like Sephora and Nordstrom) and helped make silk pillowcases popular in the U.S. It's still a top performer today, thanks to its super smooth fabric — it's actually one of the softest pillowcases we've ever tested.

The fabric wicked moisture exceptionally well in Lab tests, which means it can help keep you cool throughout the night. Just note that the fabric wasn't as strong as others, and it was prone to wrinkles after laundering, so take special care with this one. It also costs more than other smooth options.

TESTER NOTES: When we laid out silk pillowcases in our Lab, this one earned the highest softness ratings from testers in a blind comparison. Plus, the at-home users also said it felt great to sleep on. One even called it "calming to use at night because it was soft and cool to the touch."

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Queen, King | Colors: 16 options | Care instructions: Machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water. Line dry in shade. The brand also recommends hand washing and dry cleaning without trichloroethylene.

RELATED: The Best Silk Scrunchies for Every Hair Type

If you prefer to cover your entire bed in silk, THXSILK also carries a wide range of other silk products on Amazon, including top-performing silk sheets. The items are all sold directly by the silk manufacturer, which helps keep the cost down without sacrificing performance.

This pillowcase in particular earned perfect scores in our Lab's abrasion tests that mimic tossing and turning. Just note that it did show some signs of wear after washing, and the brand makes skin-related claims that we couldn't validate in our evaluations. Still, it's a great option if you're looking to try a silk pillowcase without spending a fortune.

TESTER NOTES: Sleep testers gave it perfect smoothness ratings after trying it at home. They also highlighted its easy-to-use zipper closure and unanimously told us the pillowcase had a cooling feel. In fact, one said it felt almost too cold when she first used it, making it especially great for hot sleepers.

Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Twin, Queen, King | Colors: 6 options | Care instructions: The brand recommends hand washing, but notes it is machine washable on a gentle cycle in lukewarm water. Hang in the shade or tumble dry with no heat to dry.

Though these didn't perform as well as our top-tested picks, they had some standout features that are worth considering as you shop:

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate each pillowcase to make sure it feels comfortable and offers optimal benefits. We also want to make sure our picks are durable enough to last — especially since silk can be costly. We tested over 35 silk and satin pillowcases before making our recommendations. Here's how we review each one:

Although they may look similar, silk pillowcases can vary greatly in terms of quality and feel. Here's what to consider when shopping for your silk pillowcase:

✔️ Know the difference between silk and satin: Silk is a fiber, whereas satin is a weave. Most silk pillowcases are both silk and satin, but you can find satin pillowcases made of polyester for a lower price. Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk you can find. Think of it as the Egyptian cotton equivalent of silk: The fibers are longer and more uniform so the fabric is smoother and more durable.

✔️ Check the momme: This term is used to describe silk fabric weight. Unlike thread count for cotton sheets, silk fabrics use momme to let you know how much silk is used. You'll usually find a range of 15 to 30 momme, but in our tests, the top performers were 22 momme or higher.

✔️ Consider the pillowcase closure: Silk pillowcases can be slippery, so you want to make sure your favorite pillow will stay put inside. Some covers use an envelope closure where the fabric tucks into itself, while others use a zipper. The zippers tend to enclose the pillow better, but they sometimes look a little flimsy and can be finicky to open and close.

✔️ Check the care instructions: Believe it or not, silk pillowcases can be machine-washed. Check the care label before you buy to make sure; most will suggest using the delicate cycle and hang-drying.

Not only do they feel great to sleep on, but silk pillowcase benefits also include smoother hair and smoother skin.

Studies show friction from tossing and turning causes creases in the skin, and a silky smooth surface can reduce this effect in the long run, said Neal Schultz, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and author of It's Not Just About Wrinkles. Similarly, with less friction on your hair, you're less likely to wake with frizz and tangles.

But keep in mind: You should always be wary of unrealistic promises, and you can't expect major changes like fewer breakouts, amino acid absorption or anti-aging benefits.

Yes, most of the time silk pillowcases can be machine washed on the gentle cycle. Make sure to check the care label before laundering. Good Housekeeping's Cleaning Lab also recommends using a mesh laundry bag and a mild detergent.

RELATED: Experts Share the Right Way to Wash a Silk Pillowcase

While silk pillowcases offer numerous benefits, it's important to consider the drawbacks. Silk is a delicate material and generally requires special care compared to traditional cotton pillowcases, which are usually machine washable and dryer safe. Silk has a slippery feel that isn't for everyone.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees bedding evaluations. She has been hands-on testing silk pillowcases since they became popular in the U.S. in 2016 and has since tested dozens of real silk and synthetic satin options. Sachs sleeps on a silk pillowcase every night and personally swears by its benefits.

Emma Seymour, associate Textiles Lab director, updated this article to reflect updated prices and product information. She has tested silk pillowcases in the Lab and sent styles to consumer testers. Seymour enjoys sleeping on a silk pillowcase and using a silk eyemask.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

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