8 Best Silk Pillowcases 2022 | UK Interior Designer Reviewed

1. Go for a Pillowcase With Mommes Ranging From 19 to 25 for Quality
2. Choose a Pillowcase with 400 thread count or More for Softness and Durability
3. Those With Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin Should Opt for Mulberry Silk
4. For Curly or Dry Hair Consider Charmeuse Weave 
5. Pick a Double-sided Pillowcase or a Non-slip Cotton Bottom

In terms of numbers, 8-16 mommes is considered too thin for pillowcases but ideal for clothing. On the other end of the scale, 30 mommes are more suited for heavyweight furnishings such as drapes and upholstery. The optimum count for bedding is 19-25 mommes, so stick to somewhere in between for the perfect balance of durability and a soft, light feeling for your pillowcase.

If you're on the lookout for the best bed sheets and duvet covers, we've got suggestions for you too!

Although not as commonly noted as mommes, some brands do state the thread count of the silk, which indicates how coarse or fine the fabric is due to how tightly it is woven. As you can guess, the tighter the weave, the stronger the silk will be, and the longer it will last.

Mulberry silk fabric has special properties that help fight acne-causing bacteria and allow the skin to retain its natural moisture, and repel allergens, dust mites, and irritants.

It also contains the natural protein sericin which promotes skin elasticity and smoothness, and is said to have anti-ageing qualities. Other silk or polyester-satin blends will not be as durable and beneficial to the skin, and will be less soft, so we recommend plumping for pillowcases that are 100% mulberry silk.

This traditional method of weaving makes for a robust yet lightweight silk that is lustrous and shiny, with an underside that is duller and rougher. It’s a great thermal regulator, so it will cool you when hot and keep you warm when temperatures drop.

If you are looking for a silk pillowcase to help with reducing bedhead and hair breakage, charmeuse is an excellent choice as it reduces friction. Those with dull or dry skin will also appreciate charmeuse as it is less absorbent and especially proficient at maintaining the natural oils on your skin. Less sweat absorption also means less bacteria, which is ideal for acne-prone skin types. 

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 4:

1. Best for hair & skin - ElleSilk, Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
2. Best for hair, skin & sensitive skin - SlpBaby, 100% Natural Silk Pillowcase
3. Best for hair & skin - Slip® Pure Silk Zippered Pillowcase
4. Best for hair & skin - Alaska Ber, Natural Silk Pillowcase

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Because of its antibacterial properties and non-absorbent nature, silk doesn’t need to be washed as much as other bedding materials, but try to wash them once a week. It also requires a little more care, and you need to check the washing, drying, and ironing instructions of the pillowcase before you buy, as they vary between brands.

Silk pillowcases are great for afro hair types as they reduce friction on your hair while you sleep thus helping to reduce frizz and breakage. The reason for this is because silk pillowcases aren’t as porous as your regular pillows so they won’t absorb the moisture out of your hair.

Silk is known to be a delicate material so you won’t be getting multiple years out of your silk pillowcases. That said, if you properly care for them by washing them as instructed, you should be able to get a good 18 months of use before you start to see a decline in quality.

Just like your other bedding, you should aim to wash your silk pillowcases once a week. Ideally, you’ll want to wash them by hand or machine using cold water and without any bleaching agents. Also ensure that you wash your pillowcase separately from your other sheets if they are not made of silk too.

Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo

Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.