We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 8 Best Silk Pillowcases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Plus, experts explain the benefits of these silky-smooth pillowcases. By Amina Lake Abdelrahman Amina Lake Abdelrahman Amina Lake Abdelrahman is the commerce editor for Real Simple. She has 5+ years of experience writing and editing product reviews, with bylines in over a dozen publications like Better Homes & Gardens, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, InStyle, and Good Housekeeping. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Grace Parsons Grace Parsons Grace Parsons is a contributing writer for Real Simple whose work has been published in The Spruce, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 29, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple/Eric Brockob Silk pillowcases (and silk bedding in general) are known for their slick, smooth surfaces that cause less friction, so they're great for people who want to sleep on high-quality bedding that's gentle and delicate on skin. To find out which silk pillowcases are worth buying, we tested 21 silk pillowcases over two months, evaluating them on softness, durability, fit, closure mechanism, and size and color variation. To learn more about the benefits of silk pillowcases and how to care for them, we also spoke to three experts: Lian Mack, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Lindsey Boyd, co-founder of The Laundress; and Laurie Anne Brewer, curator of costume and textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Our Top Picks Best Overall : SALE Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $89 $69 Jump to Review Best Budget : SALE Ravmix Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $37 $25 Jump to Review Best Heavy : Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $52 Jump to Review Best Patterned : Hill House Home Sisi Silk Pillowcase at Hillhousehome.com Jump to Review Best Cooling: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $59 Jump to Review Best Set: Blissy Pillowcase Dream Set at Nordstrom $120 Jump to Review Best Double Sided: Lilysilk Silk Pillowcase with Cotton Underside at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best Satin: Kitsch Satin Pillowcase at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best Overall Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $89 at Walmart What Stands Out This machine-washable silk pillowcase is available in a variety of colors. What Could Be Improved It only comes in queen and king sizes, so those with standard-size pillows will notice some excess material. Slip's Pure Silk Pillowcase remained our favorite silk pillowcase during the entire testing process. Made of 100% mulberry silk, it earned a perfect score for its extremely soft and silky feel, which lasted even after washing. We found the fabric to be so comfortable and high quality that we didn't want to take our head off the pillow in the morning. It's also proved to be durable and long lasting, showing no damage after laundering. (It's machine washable on the delicate cycle, but the brand recommends avoiding the dryer.) The Slip Silk Pillowcase comes in 18 colors that can vary depending on where you shop, but options typically include neutrals, metallics, and deep hues. Since the pillowcase is only available in two sizes (queen and king), people with standard-size pillows should opt for the queen—just be prepared for a little extra fabric on the sides. We found that the zipper closure helps make the excess material less noticeable, and it also prevents the pillow from sliding around too much throughout the night. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Sizes: Queen and king | Care: Machine wash on delicate or hand wash; do not tumble dry Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Budget Ravmix Silk Pillowcase $25 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s much more affordable than our top pick but still feels high quality. What Could Be Improved It loses some softness in the washer/dryer. Not everyone can shell out nearly $100 for a single pillowcase, which is why we picked this option from Ravmix as our best budget-friendly option. Despite its much lower price, the Ravmix Mulberry Silk Pillowcase still performed exceptionally well in our tests. We found the Ravmix pillowcase to be softer and smoother than non-silk pillowcases but a bit scratchier than higher-end options. The material felt a bit thin, and we woke up with slightly frizzier hair than when we used more luxe options. However, it did feel almost as soft as other silk pillowcases that are more than double the price. Plus, it fit our pillows well and stayed secure all night long. Per the instructions, we hand washed the pillowcase and let it air dry. It didn't feel quite as soft as it did before we washed it, and we noticed some wrinkling, but we still think it's a good choice for people who want to test the waters with a silk pillowcase before splurging on one. It comes in about 20 colors, which is more than any other silk pillowcase on this list. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 21 | Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Care: Not listed Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Heavy Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase PHOTO: Amazon $52 at Amazon What Stands Out This is a thick, durable silk pillowcase that comes in a variety of colors. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have a shiny finish like most silk pillowcases. At 25 momme, this Fishers Finery silk pillowcase is one of the heaviest we tested, with a thick and durable yet still very soft feel. We loved the way this pillowcase felt on our skin and looked on our bed, and we even noted that our hair looked less frizzy than usual in the morning. Our skin had no creases in the morning, either. Plus, the pillowcase (which has a side envelope closure) fit our pillow perfectly since it comes in separate standard and queen sizes. One thing to keep in mind is that this pillowcase has a matte finish, so it's not noticeably shiny like some of the other options we tested. It does have a blouse-like appearance, which makes it seem more expensive than it really is. We found the fabric silky smooth on our skin, leaving us feeling refreshed and cool in the morning. The brand recommends dry cleaning, hand washing, and air drying it. You can still put this pillowcase in the washer and dryer, but you should use a mesh bag and set the machine on delicate, air-only, and low-heat cycles. All things considered, the Fishers Finery silk pillowcase strikes the perfect balance of price and quality, making it a great overall value. It also comes in gorgeous packaging, so it's suitable for gifting, as well. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 25 | Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Care: Dry clean or hand wash preferred (or machine wash on delicate in a mesh bag); lay flat to dry Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Patterned Hill House Home Sisi Silk Pillowcase View on Hillhousehome.com What Stands Out It’s super soft and has a minimal yet elegant design. What Could Be Improved It's very translucent, so you can see the design and tag of the pillow through it. Many aspects of Hill House Home's silk pillowcase impressed us, but the top two were its luxuriously soft finish and simple contrast piping. The elegant design makes it look high end (almost like something you'd find in a nice hotel room), especially considering that most of the other silk pillowcases we tested were solid colors. This pillowcase also comes in several patterns, adding an extra fun flair. Just keep in mind that the pillowcase is fairly translucent, so you may be able to see the tag on your pillow through it. After sleeping on the silk pillowcase, we noticed that our hair didn't look frizzy in the morning despite not washing it the night before. We can also attest that, since using the pillowcase, our skin has been far less greasy and sweaty. Even those of us who are hot sleepers found it to stay cool throughout the night, making it a great choice for summer. The Sisi Silk Pillowcase didn't show any signs of wear after washing on delicate and air drying. Even after a wash cycle, this silk pillowcase was extremely soft to the touch; in fact, it was comparable to our best overall pick in terms of softness. We also appreciate that it comes packaged in a silk pouch rather than a plastic bag or cardboard box like some of the other pillowcases we tested. While we love the design, we do wish this silk pillowcase came in a wider variety of colors. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Sizes: Standard and king | Care: Machine wash on delicate; do not tumble dry Best Cooling Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase PHOTO: Brooklinen $59 at Amazon View on Brooklinen $59 at Zola What Stands Out It comes in unique patterns and feels cool to the touch. What Could Be Improved It doesn't have a zipper closure, so your pillow may shift around throughout the night. Even though Brooklinen is best known for its linen and cotton sheets, the brand's silk pillowcase was a top performer in our at-home tests. Right out of the package, it felt soft and silky but thicker and less delicate than many of the other pillowcases we tried. It’s quite breathable and feels cool to the touch, making it ideal for hot sleepers who want a cooling pillowcase. Both sides of the pillowcase remained cool throughout the night, even without flipping it over. In addition to its cooling capabilities, we also appreciate this pillowcase's wide range of colors. We're big fans of the Celestial Blue pattern, which features a pretty constellation design, but it's also available in different colors and limited edition patterns for those seeking something a bit more basic. Brooklinen recommends hand washing its silk pillowcase, but you can also throw it in the washer on delicate and lay it flat to dry (which is what we did during our testing). Our only gripe with this pillowcase is that it doesn't have a zippered closure—while the side-envelope closure is easy to get your pillow in and out of, our pillow moved around a bit every night so we had to adjust it in the morning. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Sizes: Standard and king | Care: Hand wash with cold water (preferred) or machine wash on delicate; lay flat to dry Best Set Blissy Pillowcase Dream Set PHOTO: Nordstrom $120 at Nordstrom View on Blissy.com $122 at Macy's What Stands Out The set makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. What Could Be Improved Washing instructions are a bit tedious, and the material gets somewhat wrinkly If you feel like treating yourself (or a loved one) to a high-quality silk pillowcase, then Blissy's Dream Set is definitely worth the splurge. The four-piece set comes with a silk pillowcase, two scrunchies (one thin and one thick), and a sleep mask. Each piece is made with 22-momme mulberry silk, which is Oeko-Tex certified and machine washable. After sleeping on the silk pillowcase, we were amazed by how soft and smooth it felt. In fact, it was one of the highest-scoring pillowcases we tested in terms of quality and softness. This zippered silk pillowcase fit like it was custom made in our testing, which was a nice change compared to other pillowcases that had excessive amounts of fabric. The material has a nice, luxe sheen to it, though it did get quite wrinkly. The brand's suggested care instructions are a bit different than most: Machine wash on delicate and tumble dry on low for 20 minutes, then air dry the rest of the way. After following those guidelines, we found that the silk pillowcase remained just as luxuriously soft post wash. The silk set only comes in eight colors, which is quite limited, but the neutral and pastel hues are bound to match most bedroom styles. We also wish it didn't have the brand's logo on it, though we don't consider this to be a deal breaker. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Care: Machine wash on delicate; dry on low for 20 minutes and then air dry Best Double Sided Lilysilk Silk Pillowcase with Cotton Underside PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon What Stands Out The pillowcase has a zipper closure and is silk on one side, cotton on the other. What Could Be Improved Both materials may feel a bit rough compared to higher-priced silk pillowcases. This dual-sided pillowcase from Lilysilk uses the brand's grade 6A mulberry silk on one side and 100% cotton on the other side. This creates a non-slip pillowcase that won't slide off your pillow in the middle of the night—especially paired with the zipper closure to keep your pillow secure. The silk is only 19 momme, which is on the lower end of the spectrum of the pillowcases on our list. Though we didn't test this one, it may feel lighter and slightly rougher than higher-momme options—but it’ll still keep your hair smoother than a non-silk pillowcase. The pillowcase is easy to clean on a gentle wash cycle (some higher-end silk pillowcases are hand wash only). With three sizes available, this double-sided silk and cotton pillowcase will smooth hair, help keep skin clear and regulate sleep temperature with every use. Material: Mulberry silk | Momme: 19 | Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Care: Machine washable on gentle cycle with cold water Best Satin Kitsch Satin Pillowcase PHOTO: Ulta $17 at Amazon $19 at Target $16 at Walmart What Stands Out Satin is less expensive and more durable than traditional silk. What Could Be Improved The material creases post wash, and it may not be the best option for hot sleepers. Satin pillowcases are a vegan alternative to silk pillowcases. Kitsch’s inexpensive pillowcase is made of polyester, a synthetic material, and has a satin finish that feels similar to traditional silk. There are over a dozen color and pattern variations to satisfy any bedroom aesthetic. After sleeping on this pillowcase with wet hair, we noticed significantly less frizz in the morning and more natural, defined curls. Although we didn't observe notable improvements in our skin, the pillowcase's smooth, cooling texture did provide relief when we had sunburn. The satin pillowcase is machine washable, but Kitsch suggests laying it flat to dry. You might notice that the material wrinkles a bit when washed following the care instructions, but going over the pillowcases with a steamer or throwing them in the dryer on the wrinkle setting does the trick. While most of the brand's retail partners only offer single pillowcases for purchase, you can order packs of two and three pillowcases at a discount directly from Kitsch’s site. With a 90-day return policy (via the manufacturer) this satin pillowcase is a risk-free investment that your hair and skin will thank you for. Material: Polyester satin | Momme: N/A | Sizes: Standard and king | Care: Machine wash on gentle cycle; air dry Final Verdict Our top pick is the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, which stood out for its impressive softness, quality, fit, and durability. We also appreciate its secure zippered closure that keeps your pillow in place as you toss and turn. For a less-expensive option, we recommend Ravmix's Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, which is extremely soft to the touch and comes in 21 different colors. Our Testing Process To come up with these recommendations, we tested 21 silk pillowcases over the course of two months. First, we took note of any initial thoughts on how each pillowcase looked and felt right out of the package, evaluating things like fit (was there any excess fabric, or was it tough to get on?) and softness (did it feel smooth to the touch or scratchy and uncomfortable?). We also considered factors like closure type and size/color options. Next, we slept with each pillowcase for a full night, providing feedback on the experience. In the morning, we noted whether the pillowcase shifted or stayed in place throughout the night and if we saw a visible difference in our hair or skin. To test the durability of these silk pillowcases, we ran each one through a wash and dry cycle according to the brand's instructions. Then, we took note of any post-wash damage, like pilling, shrinkage, ripped seams, and changes in fabric softness. Finally, we considered performance and price when deciding the overall value of each silk pillowcase. Real Simple/Erica Snyder How to Shop for Silk Pillowcases Like a Pro Silk Type When people mention silk as a material, they're most often referring to mulberry silk, which comes from silkworms that feed on leaves from mulberry plants. All of the silk pillowcases on our list are made with mulberry silk, but non-mulberry silks can come from other types of silkworms, spiders, and mussels. It's important to remember that satin refers to the weave, while mulberry silk is a type of fiber. There are some satin pillowcases (made with polyester) on the market that feel almost as soft and smooth as mulberry silk. However, while they can feel quite similar, satin pillowcases aren't the same as silk pillowcases. Brewer describes silk as "coveted" because it's one of the strongest natural fibers— even stronger than cotton. "[Silk] is a wonderfully strong fiber, but sometimes has the reputation of being delicate or hard to care for," Brewer says. "More often than not, this is actually due to the weave—satin can snag, showing pulls across its lustrous surface." In addition to its durability, she notes that silk is also hypoallergenic and can resist odors with proper care. Momme When shopping for silk pillowcases, you'll often see a term called "momme," which indicates the weight of the silk. According to Brewer, momme is the measurement system combining grams per meter and thread counts to identify different qualities (grades) of silk fabric. Lower numbers mean the fabric is finer and lighter, while higher numbers mean the fabric contains more silk, so it's thicker and heavier. Closure You'll find a bunch of different closure types on pillowcases. Pillowcases with zipper closures performed the best in our tests (by far), because they prevent your pillow from accidentally sliding out while you're sleeping. Envelope or flap closures are the next best option, as they still keep your pillow pretty secure. Pillowcases with open ends on one side tended to shift around a lot during out testing, though this might not bother everyone. Care Instructions Even though silk is typically known for being difficult to care for, many brands advertise their silk products as "washable" nowadays. Most of the silk pillowcases on this list are machine washable on delicate cycles. Some are even safe to put in the dryer on very low heat, but it's generally recommended to let silk air dry. (More tips on how to wash silk pillowcases below.) More Silk Pillowcases to Consider Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: This pillowcase from Quince is made with super-soft silk that felt nice against our skin, but we thought that the sizing was way off. The queen/standard-size pillowcase had a lot of excess fabric, and it was hard to fit a standard pillow through the zipper opening. Night Clean Silk Pillowcase: This silk pillowcase wasn't nearly as soft as the others we tested, and it felt a bit stiff after being washed. But since it's made with untreated silk fibers, this pillowcase could be a good choice for anyone who prioritizes clean, all-natural materials. Bedsure Satin Pillowcase Set: While these Bedsure pillowcases aren't actually made with silk fibers, we found that the satin finish of the polyester material was barely distinguishable from the real thing. It's not the same as a real silk pillowcase, but its soft and smooth feel makes it a good alternative for people who are on a tight budget. Real Simple / Erica Snyder Questions You Might Ask Do silk pillowcases have anti-aging benefits? The anti-aging benefits alone might be the reason you're interested in a silk pillowcase. Due to its extremely smooth surface, silk pillowcases can reduce the creases that often appear on your face after sleeping on your side. They also help to keep your skin and hair hydrated while you sleep, resulting in a smoother appearance upon waking up. Dr. Mack explains that silk is less porous than materials like cotton and linen, meaning that it won't pull as much water (or expensive serums) from the skin as cotton or linen pillowcases would. "Moreover, it is a smoother, slicker surface [that reduces] friction of the skin and hair," she says. "These intrinsic properties help to minimize the appearance of etched-in lines on the face and frizzy hair in the morning." That said, she reminds us that a silk pillowcase can't provide certain anti-aging benefits (like increased collagen production) in the way that retinoids and other skincare ingredients can. What's the best way to wash a silk pillowcase? Silk is extremely strong when it's dry, but it gets much weaker when it's wet. To make sure that your silk pillowcase stays in good shape, it's important that you're extra gentle when washing your bedding. "Since silk is a very sensitive fabric, it can only be machine washed if the cycle is truly delicate, using cold water, low agitation, and a shorter cycle (i.e. less time submerged in water)," Boyd says. "We've machine washed many silk items here at The Laundress with great results, however, we always recommend using mesh bags to provide an extra layer of protection in the wash." As a general rule of thumb, Boyd warns against letting silk soak for more than 30 minutes or wringing the fabric. To be extra safe, you can't go wrong with simply washing your delicate items by hand. She advises always air drying silk pieces, noting that the heat of a dryer can burn the delicate silk fibers. However, some brands say it's safe to put their silk pillowcases in the dryer, so you should double check the care instructions for your specific pillowcase. To reduce drying time, Boyd recommends rolling up items in a clean, dry towel after washing to lightly press out excess water. Then, lay them either flat or over a hanging rack to prevent creasing. How do you prevent stains on silk pillowcases? One downside to silk pillowcases is that they can stain pretty easily from drool and body and skincare oils. According to Boyd, the secret to making sure these stains don't set is by pretreating them as soon as possible. "For drool marks, try simply blotting with a damp cloth in the morning to prevent a stain from forming," she says. "For tougher marks, we recommend treating silks with gentle, efficacious stain-specific removers for best results." Is silk cooling? Because silk is a natural material, it’s better at regulating temperature than synthetic textiles. Air can flow between the silk threads, so your pillowcase stays cool in the warmer months and generates some warmth in the cooler months. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Amina Lake Abdelrahman, a commerce editor for Real Simple, and updated by Samantha Parsons, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To come up with this list, we tested 21 silk pillowcases at home for two months. We narrowed down the options by considering factors like fabric softness, durability, quality, and more. For expert insight, Amina interviewed Lindsey Boyd, co-founder of The Laundress, Lian Mack, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and Laurie Anne Brewer, associate curator of costume and textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.