Why you should invest in a silk pillowcase – the best ones to buy now
You’d probably file a silk pillowcase under ‘nice, but not entirely necessary’. But did you know that there may be tangible beauty benefits to making the switch? The properties of pure silk make it the best choice for a night of literal beauty sleep when it comes to your hair and skin.
Here, see why you should consider making the switch, and shop the Bazaar verdict on the best silk pillowcases to invest in now.
The benefits of a silk pillowcase
So, why silk? All of the material's benefits stem from its moisture-repelling properties. Cotton absorbs moisture, which often leads to 'bed head' come morning.
As trichologist Stephanie Sey, who works with the medical haircare brand Nizoral, explains: "Cotton pillowcases are known to absorb the oils from your hair, which can lead to your locks becoming dry, brittle and prone to breakage. A silk pillowcase can avoid causing damage, keeping your hair frizz-free and looking silky smooth."
Those with breakout-prone skin should pay particular attention too, as those hair oils, once on your pillow, are likely to spread to your skin, where they can congest pores and conjure flare-ups. It's for these reasons that Slip – the first silk pillowcase to be branded and marketed as a beauty product – was born. "In 2003, I was prescribed acne medication which resulted in extremely sensitive skin and thinning hair," explains the brand's co-founder Fi Stewart. "My dermatologist suggested sleeping on a silk pillowcase and, after I was unable to find one, we sourced the best silk we could find and wrapped it around my pillow. The results were dramatic and immediate."
In addition to helping hair and preventing congested skin, silk won't soak up your skincare like an absorbent cotton pillowcase will. This means you'll see better results from your serums and creams – rather than waking up to dehydration and pillow creases. After all, if you’re investing in an efficacious skincare routine, you’ll want to give it a chance to work its magic.
Considering we spend a third of our lives in bed, an investment in silk makes perfect sense.
Which type of silk is best for pillowcases?
Of course, there's numerous of different types of silk out there, which can make purchasing a silk pillowcase more slightly more confusing.
"Just because something feels silky, don’t assume it’s made of natural silk," explains Dr Sophie Shotter. "Silk satin from a natural source can be an excellent choice - it’s silky, smooth and also helps you to thermoregulate. A heavier weight of silk satin will last for longer. Silk jersey is excellent if you’re wanting one to fit on an anatomically shaped pillow, as it’s stretchier and moulds to the pillow."
Holly Mason from The Skin Investment Clinic, agrees. "Pillowcases made with 100% mulberry silk with a momme (weight) of 19-25 are the best for quality and durability. "
How to wash and take care of your silk pillowcase
As to be expected, being gentle is key to ensuring your silk pillowcase remains in the best condition.
"Hand-wash or use a gentle cycle to maintain the silk's integrity," Mason explains. "You should wash high-quality silk pillowcases once a week and use cool soapy water and rinse. It is best practice to turn the pillowcase inside out and avoid soaking for more than 30 minutes, as silk can weaken when wet for too long. To dry put on a hanger and avoid direct sunlight."
Silk vs satin pillowcases
Can material really make all the difference? Dr Shotter explains silk's natural properties make it significantly better compared to satin.
"Silk is smoother than satin, and contains nutrients and amino acids which can help replenish the skin," she says. "Silk is also hypoallergenic which is very helpful for many skin conditions.
"Silk is breathable whereas satin is not, meaning it helps natural heat regulation and can therefore promote a more restful night’s sleep."
"The smooth texture of silk reduces potential friction with your skin and the fabric is best placed for people with sensitive skin and allergens," Mason adds. "With so many of us having conditions like adult acne, eczema and other conditions, which can be aggravated during the winter months, silk is a good choice.
"Satin can irritate skin because of the chemicals used in its manufacturing and can actually make conditions like acne worse as it can cause your skin to sweat more, leading to oil production."
The best silk pillowcases to buy now
Oxford edge silk pillowcase
If you love a clean, classic look, opt for Espa's pure silk pillowcase, which is of the very best quality (as you'd expect from the spa beauty expert). Traditional Oxford edges and gossamar stitching add that extra touch of luxurious elegance.
The Ultimate Collection silk pillowcase
So many silk pillowcases only come in pale, neutral shades, but John Lewis' well-priced version is available in a variety of hues, from classic cream to burnt terracotta. We particularly like this 'Pebble' tone, a warm khaki that will look smart with any bed linen.
Forget Me Not silk pillowcase
Erring on the more expensive side, this collaboration between Gingerlily and Memo Press’s led to the creation of the soothing Forget Me Not collection. The delicate floral print takes inspiration from watercolours, which creates a calming sensation perfect for bedtime - and that's before we even consider the pillow's hypoallergenic properties.
Midnight blue silk pillowcase
Drowsy is famous for its plush sleep masks, and its pillowcases are just as difficult to beat. This midnight blue one is made from the finest silk fibres – plus it's hypoallergenic, breathable and 100 per cent washable. If there were ever an investment in your sleep, this pillowcase is it.
Queen petal silk pillowcase
Another name-to-know when it comes to silky sleep aids is Slip, which makes the perfect eye masks for popping into your travel bag for flights. This pure silk pillowcase, which promises to be anti-aging and protect against 'bed-head' hair is unlike any other on the market thanks to its kitsch floral pattern. If we're going to spend one third of our lives in bed, we might as well be doing it in style.
Organic silk pillowcase
For the ultimate in fashionable sleep, consider this organic silk pillowcase, designed by Jasper Conran. Densely woven to give a long-lasting softness, this unique satin weave uses a process of four over, one under to maximise the number of threads visible on the upper side of the fabric. The result is a medium-weight fabric with rich softness, available in an array of subtle and beautiful colours.
'Audley' pure silk pillowcase
When it comes to spoiling homeware, The White Company is always a good port of call. The brand stocks a range of high quality silk pillowcases, but we like the 'Audley' breakfast pillowcase: it fits a smaller-than-average, extra pillow that's just perfect for tucking behind your head or under your face for a touch more comfort.
Satin pillowcase
The ultimate multitasking hero (at an incredible price to boot), this satin pillowcase from Kitsch is especially good for keeping hair from tangling overnight, and comes in a lovely range of colours, from silver and leopard print to marbelized pastel and butterfly patterns. We'd recommend this chic blush shade, which won't date and will look pretty in nearly every bedroom.
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