9 best silk pillowcases beauty editors swear by
When I first considered investing in one of the best silk pillowcases, I expected a small upgrade to my nighttime routine, the kind of swap you make and then forget about. I was wrong. Now? I’ll only ever sleep on a silk pillowcase. My old cotton cases now feel purely functional, and even my favourite bedding sets have been quietly demoted in favour of silk bedding.
Silk helps to retain our skin’s natural moisture while we snooze, keeping it soft and supple, and in turn can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts. Sure, it's no secret that silk pillowcases cost a bit more upfront than linen or cotton, but the payoff is priceless – deep, luxurious sleep.
So, if you’re yet to invest in this beauty editor's must-have, you’re seriously missing a trick. But fear not, I've outlined below the benefits of switching to silk, along with a wealth of tried-and-tested recommendations of the best silk pillowcases to invest in today, to help you achieve the best beauty sleep of your life.
Typically, silk pillowcases are sold either individually or in pairs, and can be used separately to complement our luxe bedding set-up. But for all-out opulence, look for complete pure silk bedding sets, sheets, duvet covers, and bedspreads. Throw in an electric diffuser, sleep mask, and a weighted blanket, and you’re in for a serious sleep upgrade.
Taking beauty sleep to new levels.
Meet the expert:
| Georgia Louise | Celebrity Facialist and Global Skin Care Adviser at La Mer. |
How I tested the best silk pillowcases:
With so many silk pillowcases on the market – differing in silk grade, momme weight, size, and care instructions – it can be tricky to know which one truly delivers on comfort, durability, and beauty benefits. To cut through the noise, I tested a wide range of silk pillowcases across weeks of use to find the ones genuinely worth the investment.
I focused on pillowcases made from high-quality mulberry silk, all with a minimum of 19 momme for optimal softness and longevity. My testing spanned different closures (envelope vs. zipper), fit across standard and king pillows, and additional features like hypoallergenic properties or OEKO-TEX certifications. While most of my testing was done with standard-size pillowcases, I also included king, travel and square sizes to accommodate different needs.
Each silk pillowcase in this round up has been evaluated for its smoothness, breathability, ease of care, along with any notable beauty benefits we noticed after switching to silk. I also considered whether they held up well after repeated washing, before giving each one a score out of 10.
Why you can trust me
I’ve been a journalist for over five years, spending the past few of those reviewing products across beauty, lifestyle, interiors, and more. I don’t just take brands at their word – I dig into the details, speak to experts (from sleep scientists to facialists), and most importantly, test as much as possible myself.
When it comes to silk pillowcases, for example, I don’t just try them for a night or two. I sleep on them for weeks (sometimes months) at a time, paying attention to how my skin and hair feel, how soft the fabric is, how well it washes, and whether I wake up refreshed or irritated. If a product doesn’t live up to its claims, it doesn’t make the cut – simple as that.
Ahead, the best silk pillowcases to elevate your beauty sleep tenfold.
LilySilk 19 Momme Housewife Envelope Silk Pillowcase
Why we love it: Luxury silk label LilySilk is renowned for its impeccably crafted menswear and womenswear, but it’s the silk bedding that truly has our hearts. Crafted from pure charmeuse silk, this buttery soft pillowcase is available in a choice of 13 pretty shades.
I personally didn't believe the hype behind silk pillowcases before I tried it – in fact, I'll be the first to admit I thought they were a bit of a fad. I used to think, how can fabric really affect your hair or skin? But LilySilk has completely changed my mind. In fact, my husband has started enjoying the benefits too.
One side of the pillowcase has a beautiful, smooth, pearl-like sheen, while the other has a more matte finish that still feels incredibly soft. What I love most is how breathable and gentle it is on my skin – it’s hypoallergenic and helps retain moisture, which has been great for both my hair and acne-scarred skin.
When people say that sleeping on silk is like resting your cheek on a cloud, they are not wrong. I'm just annoyed at myself for not ditching the cotton sooner.
Specifications:
- Best: For an envelope closure.
- Dimensions: 75cm x 50cm.
- Silk: 100% 19-momme silk charmeuse, GOTS certified.
- Colourways: 13.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
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OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- It comes in various colours.
- Has a hidden zipper for a secure fit.
- Hypoallergenic.
Cons- Hand wash and air dry only.
Mayfair Silk Cherry Blossom Pure Silk Pillowcase
Why we love it: Not only will the print of this cherry blossom pillowcase calm you, but so will the fabric. Handcrafted from 25-momme pure mulberry silk, this design is thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic and mite-resistant.
Of all the silk pillowcases I've tested (and as a shopping writer, I've tried quite a few over the years), Mayfair Silk offers the widest range of patterns — 28 to be exact — and its pillowcases feel like an absolute dream to sleep on.
I was initially worried about putting it in the washing machine because of how delicate it feels, but I was pleasantly surprised that it retained its colour and shape after multiple washes.
While it’s definitely an investment, it comes with a 30-night sleep guarantee, which adds some extra peace of mind. It also requires less frequent washing than cotton, which is an added bonus.
Specifications:
- Best: Design.
- Dimensions: 75cm x 50cm.
- Silk: 25-momme mulberry silk of the highest grade 6A long-fibre
- Colourways: 28.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Lots of colours and prints to choose from.
- Comes with a 30-night sleep guarantee.
- Requires less frequent washing than cotton.
Cons- Envelope-style closure means your pillow is more likely to fall out in the night.
The White Company Silk Hair & Skin Beauty Pillowcase
Why we love it: The smooth, cool finish of this silk pillowcase feels sensational to sleep on (it's the secret to a good night's beauty sleep), and despite its delicate feel, you needn't worry about the durability. It'll last a lifetime.
Crafted in Portugal from pure silk, this pillowcase boasts naturally hypoallergenic properties and is designed to help retain moisture in both hair and skin. As someone who struggles with breakage and dryness, I was particularly excited to try this out.
From the first night, the silk felt noticeably softer and more comfortable against my skin than my usual cotton pillowcase. After a few weeks of use, I started to notice less breakage – something I’ve always struggled with – and my hair felt smoother in the mornings, with fewer flyaways and tangles.
I also think it makes a wonderful gift, either on its own or paired with the brand’s signature scented candles or cashmere socks.
Specifications:
- Best: For minimalist interiors.
- Dimensions: 75cm x 50cm.
- Silk: 19-momme 100% silk.
- Colourways: One.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Machine washable for ease.
Cons- Only one colour available.
Soak & Sleep Ivory Pure Mulberry Housewife Pillowcase Pair
Why we love it: This pair of silk pillowcases (means that you and your partner can both enjoy the benefits – or you can just keep one for a spare when you're washing the other!
As a beauty writer, I’m no stranger to using silk pillowcases. Given that my tangle-prone hair practically demands it, I’ve made it a nightly habit to protect my strands while I sleep.
I was impressed by the cooling, soft material, which instantly felt more premium than many others I’ve used over the years. After three months of consistent use, I noticed a slight reduction in hair fallout and far fewer tangles in the morning. The silk's smooth surface has helped reduce friction, which means less breakage and split ends – a huge win for me.
Beyond the hair benefits, I also noticed an improvement in my skin. The hypoallergenic properties and its ability to retain moisture helped my skin feel smoother and more hydrated when I woke up.
While it's a bit tricky to track these changes accurately, I'm convinced that with no other changes to my hair and skin routine, adding a silk pillowcase has helped calm my acne-prone skin and dry hair.
Specifications:
- Best: For a lustrous finish.
- Dimensions: 75cm x 50cm.
- Silk: 100% 19-momme mulberry silk.
- Colourways: Seven.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Commerce Writer.
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OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Naturally temperature-regulating, this one proves great for hot flushes and keeping hair tangle-free.
Cons- Soak & Sleep's packaging is pretty basic across all of the brand's bedding offering, so perhaps it's not the best for gifting.
Ethical Bedding Eucalyptus Silk Pillowcase Pair in White
Why we love it: This pillowcase pair is crafted from sustainable eucalyptus silk, produced by breaking down eucalyptus wood into ultra-soft fibres. It offers the same benefits as traditional silkworm silk, such as helping retain the natural moisture in your skin and hair while reducing friction.
Eucalyptus silk tends to be more affordable, more durable, and machine washable in comparison to traditional silkworm silk — so these are a practical and eco-friendly choice. To add to their glowing roster of specifications, the pillowcases are also naturally hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and temperature-regulating.
Paired with my matching bed linen from the brand, these pillowcases are some of the softest I’ve ever slept on. I tested them alongside the bed sheet bundle and was immediately impressed by the material’s lustrous sheen, which not only looks great in situ but feels like a dream to sleep on.
Best of all, the pillowcases deliver on their promises — no more crazy hair or sleep creases! With a growing fan base and rave reviews, they’ve earned our Glamour seal of approval as an excellent alternative to traditional silk.
Specifications:
- Best: Naturally hypoallergenic.
- Dimensions: Regular: 50 x 75cm, Super King: 50 x 90cm, Square: 65 x 65cm.
- Silk: 100% eucalyptus fibre.
- Colourways: Six.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Available in either Oxford or Housewife style.
- Wide selection of colours to pick from.
- Packaged in a lovely bag, making it perfect for gifting.
Cons- Some colourways are frequently unavailable.
Why we love it: I’ve been looking to upgrade my bed sheets for a while, so this silk pillowcase was a fantastic addition to my bed. The softness feels wonderful against my skin and has significantly smooth hair from my usually tangled bedhead.
As someone with sensitive skin, I appreciate that it’s free from harmful dyes and chemicals. It fit my pillow perfectly and complemented my Dorma duvet covers beautifully. I also love this silver colourway – it's a refreshing change from the endless sea of neutral ivory silk pillowcases on the market.
I have to admit, the pillowcase doesn’t quite match the cooling capabilities of others I’ve tried, but I’d prefer to invest in a cooling pillow for that anyway. Plus, at £30, it’s much more affordable than some of the options in our edit.
Specifications:
- Best: Affordable.
- Dimensions: W48cm x L74cm.
- Silk: 100% silk.
- Colourways: Six.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
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OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- More budget-friendly compared to other 100% silk pillowcases.
- Offered in six different colourways.
Cons- The momme weight is not specified.
Scooms Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Why we love it: This mulberry silk pillowcase offers exceptional temperature-regulating properties, making it an ideal choice for year-round use.
I have very dry skin, especially in the winter, so finding a pillowcase that helps maintain skin hydration was essential for me. This pillowcase has done exactly that. With the help of my serum and night cream, I’m finally getting the beauty sleep I've been after.
Made from 22 momme mulberry silk, it’s incredibly breathable, cooling, and as aforementioned, moisture-retentive. It has truly enhanced my sleep experience, keeping me comfortable and refreshed throughout the night.
While Scooms has a more limited colour selection, with only an ivory or black hue to pick from, it stands out for its attractive pricing. At £55 for a standard size, and £60 for a king size, it's one of the most affordable silk pillowcases I've found, especially for a grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase.
Specifications:
- Best: Cooling pillowcase.
- Dimensions: 50 x 75cm.
- Silk: 100% mulberry silk 22 momme.
- Colourways: Two.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Comes in a gift box.
- Machine washable.
- OEKO-TEX certified.
Cons- Limited range of colours available.
Why we love it: Anyone with curls or waves knows the struggle of going to bed with perfectly styled hair, only to wake up to flatness. I always thought taming that morning hair was going to take more effort than it actually did. But after switching from a cotton pillowcase to a silk one, I’ve been completely proven wrong.
This silk pillowcase from Only Curls has honestly been a game-changer. It’s incredibly soft to sleep on, and it’s worked wonders for both my hair and skin. It's even helped me to regulate my temperatures while sleeping – (no more flipping my pillow in the middle of the night, woohoo!).
Not only has my hair felt softer and silkier, but my curls have also been more manageable in the morning. Plus, my skin is noticeably softer, and I’ve seen fewer breakouts. On top of all that, I’ve even noticed a difference in how I sleep — I no longer have to flip my pillow halfway through the night to cool off. It’s safe to say I’ll be investing in more silk pillowcases (and maybe even silk bedding) moving forward.
Specifications:
- Best: For curly hair.
- Dimensions: 50cm x 75cm.
- Silk: 100% 19 momme mulberry silk.
- Colourways: Two.
- Tested by: Shaunelle Harrydass-Clark, Intern.
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OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Ideal for all curl types, it helps maintain your curls overnight.
Cons- None here!
Slip Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase With Scalloped Edge
Why we love it: Looking to add a pop of dopamine decor to your bedroom? This silk pillowcase delivers just that, with bold candy stripes that bring a playful, maximalist touch.
I think it’s the finer details that truly make this pillowcase stand out, though. The scalloped edges aren't just a subtle trim — they’re large, generous, and unapologetically extravagant, giving the pillowcase an extra special feel.
Beyond the eye-catching design, the quality is exceptional. Cut from soft, breathable mulberry silk with a luxurious 22 momme thickness, it feels silky smooth against the skin. The piped edges provide a polished, tailored finish that balances the dramatic scallops with a touch of structure — fun and flouncy, but still sophisticated enough for a refined look.
As someone who tends to run hot at night, I’ve found that the silk helps regulate temperature, keeping me cool without getting too chilly. And the invisible zipper is a game-changer — no more pillows slipping around or falling out of their cases.
I think this is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their sleep experience while benefiting from silk’s natural temperature regulation and hypoallergenic properties.
Specifications:
- Best: For a pop of colour.
- Dimensions: Unspecified.
- Silk: 22 momme.
- Colourways: One.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Statement scalloped edge detailing.
- Gorgeous colourway.
- Designed with an invisible zipper.
Cons- Expensive price point.
Silk Pillowcase FAQs
What should I look for in a silk pillowcase?
- Momme: Momme count refers to the density of silk and indicates the quality of the material. Think of it like thread count — more threads mean extra durability. Most luxury silk pillowcases run from 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 22 momme or 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). For the highest-quality textiles, look for mulberry silk; the fibres are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.
- Colour: These days you can find a silk pillowcase in almost any shade. Classics (like white, beige, and black) and jewel tones (like royal blue and orange) are the most common options. Silk is highly susceptible to washing machine-resistant stains, so pick a dark colour or a busy print if the marks will bother you.
- Closure: A zipper closure keeps the material tight over your pillow, making silk’s natural wrinkles less prevalent. Envelope closures, on the other hand, have more give. Fidgety sleepers might find that these slip off during the night.
- Care: Make sure to read the care instructions before throwing your pillowcase set in the laundry with your bed sheets and duvet cover. Not all pillowcases can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle; some types of silk require hand washing in cold water. Line-drying is best, as dryers can cause damage to the material; you can steam your pillowcase to remove any wrinkles.
- Price: Are expensive silk pillowcases better than the budget-friendly ones? In short, not necessarily; they often use high-quality materials and finishing so they’ll last longer, but our testers loved plenty of under-£50 price point options that stood the test of time just as much as Blissy and other high-end competitors.
Which silk is best for pillowcases?
Mulberry silk is widely regarded as the best silk for pillowcases due to its long fibres, which create a smoother, stronger fabric. This type of silk comes from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori moths, solely on mulberry leaves, leading to a high-quality, hypoallergenic material that is gentle on the skin and hair.
Where should I buy a silk pillowcase?
Where beauty meets fashion meets homeware, there’s certainly a crossover of brands offering silk products, and therefore we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to silk pillowslips. On the one hand, you have the bedding-focused outlets such as Gingerlily, Soak & Sleep, and The White Company, and on the other, dedicated brands whose raison d’être is our silk-enhanced haircare and beauty regime. Think Blissy and SLIP. But high street giants such as John Lewis and M&S are not to be overlooked either, along with Amazon, who stock some impressively wide silk pillowcase offerings, often at more affordable prices.
Are cotton or linen pillowcases bad for skin and hair?
Cotton and linen pillowcases may absorb moisture, but they can leave your skin and hair feeling dry and deprived of essential hydration overnight. Both fabrics often have a slightly rough texture that can cause friction, leading to breakage, hair damage, and those pesky sleep lines. Opting for a smoother surface to rest on, like silk, can help retain moisture and keeps your skin and hair looking refreshed and nourished.
Is it worth buying a silk pillowcase? The verdict:
Silk, derived from domesticated silkworms, is widely agreed to be less likely to contribute to fine lines than your average cotton pillowcase, which doesn’t have such a smooth surface. Plus, silk pillowcases might even make your beauty routine more effective – they won’t pull the hydration out of your skincare products overnight, meaning your creams and serums will actually have a chance to penetrate the skin’s barrier and do their job. “They keep your products from escaping from your skin, so you can really ensure they are penetrating,” says celebrity facialist and La Mer global skin care adviser Georgia Louise.
Perhaps most importantly? Just like your silk scrunchie, or silk sleep masks, silk pillowcases lessen the chances of breakage and split ends caused by moving around in your sleep, making for smoother, healthier hair. Silk bedding also proves a great choice for curly hair, so if you’re as obsessed with the viral Curly Girl Method as we are, add in a silk pillowcase to the regime and your ringlets will thank you for it.
As for other health benefits, the material is naturally breathable, hypoallergenic and prevents the build-up of dust mites, fungus, mould, and other allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Silk pillowcases also tend to be great at temperature regulating, which means less flipping of your pillow over to the cool side.
While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still under-researched, a few studies (like this 2019 article) have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see – just read the reviews for any silk pillowcase and you'll be convinced. Ready to switch over to a truly luxe silk pillowslip? Thought so.
How the best silk pillowcases compare
Glamour's silk pillowcase comparison table: our top 5 picks
| Silk pillowcase | Best for | Pros | Cons | Momme | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LILYSILK Housewife Envelope Silk Pillowcase | Overall | Varied colours, hidden zipper, hypoallergenic | Hand wash and air dry only | 19 Momme | £39 |
| Mayfair Silk Cherry Blossom Pure Silk Pillowcase | Design | Many colours & prints, 30-night guarantee, low-maintenance. | Envelope-style closure may let pillow slip out. | 25 Momme | £82 |
| The White Company Silk Hair & Skin Beauty Pillowcase | Smooth | Keeps pillow cool all night; available in multiple sizes | Only one colour available. | 19 Momme | £65 |
| Soak & Sleep Ivory Pure Mulberry Housewife Pillowcase Pair | Mulberry | Naturally cool, ideal for hot flushes & tangle-free hair | Basic packaging, not ideal for gifting. | 19 Momme | £80 |
| Drowsy Akoya Pearl Standard Sized Silk Pillowcase | Hair protecting | Many colours, 30% off pairs, machine washable | Only available in an envelope closure | 22 Momme | £79 |
After more sleep content? Head this way for the best silk bedding and over here for the best Egyptian cotton bedding to transform your bedroom, and in this direction for mattresses for your best night’s sleep yet.
