The 5 Best Silk & Satin Sheet Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick for silk sheets is the Colorado Home Co. Mulberry Silk Sheet Set because it’s made from high-quality 22-momme silk and has a luxe look. For a more affordable alternative, consider the Lanest Housing Satin Sheet Set. Even though it comes at a much lower price point, these satin sheets were slick, smooth, and durable in our testing. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best silk and satin sheets, we tested 12 sets in our Lab. We started by inspecting the quality of the sheets right out of the packaging, looking for imperfections such as loose threads and discoloration. We also checked the tags for fiber content, momme (on silk sets), and thread count (on satin sets). 

Then, we made a bed using the fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases to determine how well they fit our mattress. We even got in bed underneath the top sheet to see how the fabric’s texture felt against our skin. To evaluate how the silk and satin sheets stand up to restless sleepers, we tossed and turned in bed a few times and noted whether the sheets moved around or came undone at all. Next, we evaluated their breathability by considering whether the fabric felt cool to the touch or warmer over time. We also tested the moisture-wicking capabilities of each set by seeing how quickly a drop of water expanded. 

For our durability tests, we assessed each set’s ability to release stains by pouring coffee, oil, and foundation on the fabric. After the stained sheets were pretreated and washed, we took note of how well the marks came out and whether we could tell that they were previously stained. (Spoiler: We found that satin sheets did much better than silk sheets in our stain tests.) We also rubbed a small area with steel wool 25 times to see how the sheets fared to the abrasion.  

How to Shop for Silk Sheets Like a Pro

Material 

Though satin and silk might look similar, there’s one big difference: Satin is a weaving technique whereas silk is a material. Satin is generally cheaper and it usually feels more slippery.

“While pillowcases, sheets, and bedding sold as satin may have a silky look, they are likely made of cheap silk blends or even polyester fabric in a satin weave,” says Van Noppen. She adds that shoppers who want to buy pure silk bedding should watch out for ambiguous terms such as “silk satin,” “silk weave,” and “silk” on bedding labels. 

If you want to buy the highest quality silk, consider mulberry silk. “Mulberry silk is the best kind of silk for silk sheets and bedding,” says Van Noppen. “It is the most durable and softest style of silk.” 

Mulberry silk is made from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori moth, which feeds exclusively on white mulberry leaves as a caterpillar. “This habit produces extra-long fibers, which create some of the softest, most durable, and most uniform silk in the world,” says Van Noppen. “Other silks are made from slightly shorter fibers which can lead to more abnormalities and a rougher texture than longer mulberry silk fibers.” 

Momme

Instead of a thread count, look for the momme measurement, which tells you the weight and density of silk sheets. It's written as “mm” on most silk bedding labels. “Higher momme weights indicate that the silk is thicker, stronger, and more durable,” says Pomeroy. “The best weight for silk bedding is 19mm–25mm with a grade A quality,” says Pomeroy. “I prefer grade A mulberry silk sheets with a 19mm over a grade B or C of a higher momme.

Van Noppen adds that if you see a thread count reference in silk sheets, “it may be a red flag that they are made from a blend, or from non-silk materials.” 

Thread Count

While pure silk sheets do not have thread counts, satin sheets do. Even though thread count isn’t the most important thing to consider when buying bedding, it is still something you may want to look at. If you want satin sheets that are affordable but feel luxurious, search for a set that has a thread count of 400 or more, like our highest-scoring sheet set, the Lanest Housing Satin Sheet Set.

Care

Silk sheets are a luxurious investment and require the utmost care to maintain their beauty and softness. “When it comes to washing silk sheets, the gentle approach is the best way to go,” says Pomeroy. “Use a mild, silk-friendly detergent and cold water for the best results. Avoid using hot water, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can damage the delicate fibers of the silk.”

She also recommends using a delicate cycle when washing silk sheets. Also, it’s best to wash bedding alone or put them in a mesh bag to avoid tangles and snags from other fabrics. 

You should avoid putting your silk sheets in the dryer and hang them up to air dry instead. This will help them last longer and prevent them from shrinking.

Pomeroy suggests ironing to keep silk sheets looking crisp and polished. “Before you start ironing, make sure your sheets are completely dry,” she says. “Set your iron to the silk setting or a low temperature and avoid using steam. Make sure you are ironing the back of the sheets, not the shiny side.” 

More Silk & Satin Sheets to Consider

Quince Mulberry Silk Sheet Set: These high-quality 22-momme silk sheets are soft with durable stitching and no loose threads in sight. However, we found that its soft texture changed significantly after washing.

Madison Park Satin Sheet Set: This satin bedding set comes in 12 soft colors and comes in full, queen, king, and California king sizes. It also includes two additional pillowcases for a luxury look. Although we liked how soft and affordable these sheets were, we found that they weren't very temperature-regulating.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the pros and cons of silk sheets?

Aside from making your bed look like it belongs in a five-star resort, silk sheets come with numerous benefits. They are naturally hypoallergenic and excellent at regulating body temperature, so they are a good choice to use year-round. “Unlike synthetic materials, silk can wick moisture away from the body, ensuring you don't wake up feeling sticky and uncomfortable,” says Pomeroy. “It's the perfect bedding material for those who easily overheat or experience night sweats.”

When it comes to texture, silk fibers are much smoother and softer than cotton. “They (silk fibers) cause minimal friction that may prevent wrinkles and damage to hair strands,” Pomeroy says. “Silk also helps retain moisture in the skin and hair, keeping them healthy and moisturized.” That’s why silk pillowcases are known for benefiting your hair and skin.

The main drawback would have to be the price. “Silk is an expensive material, with sheets costing significantly more than cotton or other synthetic materials,” says Pomeroy. “It’s not the best choice for those on a budget.” They also require gentle care when washing, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know how to clean them properly. 

Are silk sheets cooling?

If you want to avoid overheating at night in warm weather, investing in silk sheets is a great idea. “These sheets are made of natural fibers that circulate cool air and wick away moisture from the skin to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep,” says Van Noppen. And in our testing, many of the sheets we evaluated felt cool to the touch, even the satin options.

Why are pure silk sheets so expensive?

Silk sheet sets are one of the most expensive types of bedding, as it can cost hundreds of dollars to buy a set. Pomeroy explains this is because pure silk can only be obtained from specially reared silkworms. Other reasons why you’re paying a premium for silk are due to a labor-intensive production process, plus the fact that it is always in limited supply. Also, there are only a handful of countries that manufacture it, including Brazil, China, India, and Uzbekistan. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested the best silk and satin sheets in our Lab, evaluating them on quality, durability, breathability, and more. Nor’adila also received tips from Carlin Van Noppen, the CEO and head interior designer at Fig Linens and Home, and Shellie Pomeroy, the founder and creative director of Silk & Willow. 

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.

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