Silky and luxurious, with hypoallergenic benefits for skin and hair, getting a silk pillowcase is the secret ingredient you need for the best night's sleep (especially as a new parent!) If you're after a great pregnancy pillow, we'd definitely recommend this material, as it provides sensory comfort when sleep is elusive. It can also help to make sleep more comfortable and keep you cool when experiencing hormonal temperature changes (hot flushes) postpartum.
As well as helping you get a great night's sleep, the silk fabric works wonders for your hair and skin, so if you aren't already in tune - this is a beauty tip well worth taking note of. While cotton pillowcases may be the most affordable option, they can strip your hair and skin of its natural oils and moisture. Not only does silk feel soft and lovely to touch, but it's also said to help minimise wrinkles and leave hair feeling frizz-free and skin more hydrated.
Silk pillowcases are not only good for us but look fab too. But what should you look for in a cooling pillowcase? Well, the higher the 'momme' count, the better grade the silk. The standard weight of silk thread (momme count) is 19. For a luxurious pillow, opt for a case that is 22.
The best silk pillowcases at a glance:
•Best for reliability: John Lewis Organic Silk Stripe Standard Pillowcase - Buy now from John Lewis
•Best for luxury: Silk Beauty Pillowcase For Hair Skin - Buy now from The White Company
•Best for antibacterial: Snuggy Pillowcase - 100% Mulberry Silk - Buy now from Snuggy
•Best for colour options: 19 Momme Print Silk Pillowcase with Hidden Zipper - Buy now from Lilysilk
There are many pillowcases on the market - from beloved brands like LilySilk to bargain ones on Amazon. So here's our pick of silk pillowcases to suit all budgets and needs.
Best silk pillow cases UK
Best for softness
Description
If you wish to sleep in pure luxury, then silk is the way to go. This pillowcase by LilySilk is made of 100% Grade 6A 19 momme Mulberry silk, offering a dreamy night's sleep. The Amazon bargain is smooth and hypoallergenic, and the other side is 100% cotton to prevent slipping. Pure mulberry silk is a natural temperature regulator which is skin-friendly, and there's a hidden zipper closure to hold the pillow perfectly in place all night long. There are a number of colours available and three sizes to choose from, so the Lilysilk pillowcase has something for everyone. Lilysilk also offers a monogram service, creating truly bespoke bed luxury.
Review: "I like my pillowcase, got it in teal colour; I wasn't aware it is silky on one side only but I guess it makes sense to be like this, otherwise it would have been a bit slippery in bed. Can't say it makes a huge difference to my sleep in any way - and I still get the 'morning wrinkles' I was hoping to reduce - but, overall, I am pleased with my purchase."
Pros
- Size zipper to keep it in place
- Breathable material
Cons
- Only silky on one side
Best for reliability
www.johnlewis.com
Description
These silk pillowcases impress in lots of ways. Soft and sumptuous, this organic pillowcase is amazingly soft to the touch to ensure you a sound and silent night's sleep. Made from 100% mulberry silk, John Lewis' option is well-priced and available in elegant natural cream tones to suit your bedroom décor. The pillowcase feels smooth and comfortable, and the skin, while the hypoallergenic and breathable qualities mean they are well-suited for every sleeper.
Review: "I have previously purchased silk pillowcases elsewhere and these initially caught my eye due to the lovely striped pattern. I have used and washed them several times now since my purchase and find that they are undoubtedly much better quality than any I have bought in the past. They are beautifully soft, yet thick enough to be durable. Would highly recommend."
Pros
- Super soft
- Minimises hair frizz
Cons
- Not to be washed with fabric softener
Best for smoothness
www.dunelm.com
Description
We can always rely on Dunelm for home staples, and silk pillowcases make that list. This 100% pure mulberry silk case offers pure nighttime luxury. We love the unique silver shade, which adds a touch of glamour to the bed. While the pillowcases' hypoallergenic properties and beauty-aiding benefits will help you retain moisture and hair control while you sleep. The 19 momme silk pillowcase is elegant and understated - while the price is extremely affordable.
Review: "I am really happy with this pillowcase. I used to wake up with 'fuzzy' hair, the reason I bought it was to stop this. It works, my hair is smooth now. Really pleased and would recommend it - in fact I have, to my sister. Great product and great value."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only one per pack
Best for luxury
www.thewhitecompany.com
Description
For a truly luxurious experience, this silk pillowcase from The White Company is perfect for a restful night's sleep. The sheet specialist offers the silk beauty pillowcase for hair and skin as well as the Audley silk Oxford pillowcase with border. On both silk pillowcases, The White Company offers a smooth sleeping surface which maintains hair glossiness while reducing friction for less frizz.
Available in the timeless 'chalk' shade, this beauty-inspired pillowcase is all about the premium fabric having beauty-boosting benefits. The hypoallergenic fabric is ideal for those with sensitive skin, and the material doesn't tug on your scalp in the night - your hair will be thankful! The silk beauty pillowcase is also a great gift, and as always, with a White Company product, the quality is brilliant.
Review: "This item was bought as a present. Birthday present for my mum, she is really happy with them. I haven't used it but it looks lovely. The recipient was delighted to receive it!
Pros
- Machine washable
- Cool to the touch
Cons
- Quite large
Best for antibacterial
snuggy.shop
Description
Sleeping on Mulberry Silk is good for anti-ageing, anti-wrinkles, anti-bed head and anti-dust mites - so the benefits are endless. The Snuggy silk pillowcases are handmade and crafted from high-quality 22-Momme 100% Mulberry Silk - so this is the pillowcase to go for if you're looking for ultra-luxury. It's best suited to a fuller pillow. Snuggly's affordable silk pillowcase also claims to have 43% less friction than cotton and be more delicate on skin by 47%.
Review: "Great customer service for starters, quick reply's and very helpful to our situation. Fast delivery, amazing quality. I purchased 2 silk pillows, and a double bed tent for my niece, great packaging east storage for the tent I would highly recommend to anyone."
Pros
- Wide range of pack sizes to choose from
- Anti-bacterial
Cons
- Could come in more colours
Best for durability
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
When you're looking to up your sleep game with a silk pillowcase, you might as well get yourself a top-notch pillow to lay your head on. Indulge in the original anti-ageing, anti-sleep crease, anti-bed head Slip pillowcases; the brand has created a stir in the beauty world and is said to be revolutionising the way we sleep. It's said the founder of SLIP, Fiona Stewart, was prescribed a silk pillowcase by her dermatologist for her acne, so she decided to create her own.
Made from 100 per cent Mulberry silk, this gorgeous pillowcase comes in queen-size for £89, so this beautiful style is a good investment. It's a bit pricier than some of the options, so maybe worth making hints for a baby shower gift!
A reviewer said: "If you buy a silk pillowcase, it is only from the manufacturer Slip. It is really kind to the skin of the face, there are no spots left after sleep and hair does not get tangled. I bought these for the whole family. and a wonderful gift... Nice packaging too!"
Pros
- Also available in multiple colours
- Can select the quantity you'd like
Cons
- No variation in sizes
Best for anti-static
www.johnlewis.com
Description
If you are looking for a moisture-wicking silk pillowcase, this option from John Lewis is arguably one of the best. It will help to keep your hair looking fresh and free from frizz, thanks to the anti-static design. If looked after and washed and dried correctly it can last for a long time, so you can use it again and again and again.
Review: "This is a quality product for a present for a friend or to keep for oneself. In simple packaging suitable to pop in the post and it is available in a range of colours. The biggest plus however is the difference to skin and hair…..I take mine when l am away overnight."
Pros
- Broad colour options
- Anti-static
Cons
- Have to dry it naturally
The benefits of using a silk pillowcase
According to Health Practitioner Tammy Richard from Pure Optical, there are many benefits of using a silk pillow for sleep. "The curiosity surrounding the use of silk pillows when sleeping has been growing for some time now.
"Many refer to them as 'anti-ageing' pillows; however, this is somewhat misleading. Essentially, skin appears plump and hydrated as silk absorbs less moisture than that of a traditional cotton pillow.
"The softer fabric also sees that there is less likelihood of facial creasing that is caused by sleeping on one side. This may lead to more youthful-looking skin but will not aid combatting a dull or lacklustre tone."
Using a silk pillowcase can also reduce the chance of breakouts as they're better at regulating heat. "Synthetic fabrics lock in heat throughout the night, leading the skin to sweat. This increases the likelihood of breakouts and general redness through irritation.
"In addition, silk fabrics are hypoallergenic, ensuring that redness of the skin is unlikely to occur, especially if you are acne-prone.
"The regulation of heat also provides a more comfortable night's sleep, especially in a heat wave or when your pregnancy hormones are all over the place."
If you would like some extra help drifting off, it's worth using a pillow spray too (although don't spray it too close to the silk case as it could stain).
Are silk pillowcases better for you?
If you want to look after your hair and skin, then the short answer is yes.
Leon Zhao, co-founder of luxury silk bed linen company Jasmine Silk, says, "Sleeping soundly has multiple benefits for the mind and body. It is scientifically proven that a good night's sleep has a huge impact on mood and stress levels and helping fight infections.
"As well as the body, silk has a multitude of skincare benefits, such as maintaining hydration and reducing the risk of breakouts or irritation while sleeping.
"Compared to other materials such as cotton, which absorb moisture from your face, silk absorbs little to no moisture, meaning there's far less friction on the skin.
"Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it's unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It is also naturally resistant to dust mites and fungus, providing a more beneficial night's sleep."
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.