The smooth fabric has major benefits for your skin and hair.
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Silk pillowcases are widely recognized for their beauty benefits: The ultra-smooth surface allows skin and hair to easily glide over the fabric, thereby reducing friction. This makes all the difference because friction from traditional pillowcases can cause skin creases (which may cause wrinkles over time) as well as frizz and bedhead, so switching to a silk pillowcase helps reduce this effect. That being said, silk pillowcases can be pricey and not all are of the same quality, so it's important to invest in one that'll last.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly tests silk pillowcases — along with other silk products like silk sheets, silk pajamas and silk scrunchies — to see which ones are smoothest, most durable and most comfortable to sleep on. We use specialized equipment in our Lab and send them home with consumer testers to get real-world feedback. We've tested over 30 silk and satin pillowcases and reviewed more than 5,000 data points before making these recommendations.
You can find more information about how we test and how to shop for silk pillowcases at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested picks.
This style was a top performer in our tests and is made of a high-quality material, mulberry silk with a 25 momme weight, which means more silk is used in the fabric. It stood out from other silk pillowcases for being moisture-wicking and durable (despite some shrinkage in the wash); in fact, it didn't show any signs of wear in our Lab's rigorous abrasion tests. It even impressed us enough to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.
It's also available in a 19-momme silk fabric that costs slightly less and a 30-momme option that costs more. We think the 25-momme silk offers the most bang for your buck, and though it's not inexpensive for a pillowcase, it's still half the price of other silk options.
TESTER NOTES: At-home users unanimously told us it was comfy to sleep on and that they woke up without creases in their skin. They specifically highlighted the soft, smooth feel in their feedback and said they preferred it over pillowcases they'd previously used. One noted, "It felt cool for longer," and added, "The silky case was better for my hair than my cotton pillowcase."
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 25 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Colors: 13 options
This silk case wowed our textile experts with its quality materials, despite costing significantly less than other styles. The fabric was both strong and shrink-resistant in our Lab's durability tests, though the abrasion resistance scores were just average. It also proved to be sweat-wicking in our moisture management tests.
Beyond its proven performance, this silk pillowcase also comes in a wide range of offerings to help you find the best fit. It's available in more sizes than other options (including a mini size to fit toddler or travel pillows), and you can choose between a single or a two-pack for an even better value.
TESTER NOTES: The fabric earned praise from sleep testers for feeling soft and smooth, especially compared to cotton. Our testers also gave the fabric high scores across the board, from comfort to appearance to overall satisfaction, and noted that it held up well to home laundering.
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 23 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Toddler/travel, standard, queen, king, California king | Colors: 12 options
This popular pick is one of the most searched-for silk pillowcase brands, and our testing showed it lives up to its hype. In fact, it's a personal favorite of several GH editors and product analysts, who use it at home and swear by it. There's an impressive assortment with dozens of colors and prints, including neutrals and fun options like tie-dye and animal prints.
Beyond that, the pillowcase looked and felt great after our laundering tests, which is a huge feat for delicate silk fabric. Besides maintaining its smoothness, it also wicked moisture well and was pill-resistant in our tests.
TESTER NOTES: For starters, it earned the highest mess-free hair ratings from testers. Users with thick, curly and frizzy hair said they woke up without bedhead. It also earned perfect comfort scores and one tester described the fabric as "the perfect weight — not too light or too heavy."
READ MORE: Here's Why We Love Blissy's Popular Silk Pillowcase
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Toddler/travel, standard, queen, king | Colors: Over 40 options
If you're most concerned about facial lines, our testers gave this pillowcase perfect scores for preventing skin creases. It feels exceptionally smooth, though we found that its smoothness faded a bit after repeated washings. Still, it held up well throughout our tests.
One thing we love about this case in particular is the brand's generous trial period: Brooklinen offers a year-long return policy so you get a full refund even if you just don't love it.
TESTER NOTES: Besides noting that they woke up without creases on their skin, testers gave it high marks for feeling smooth, cool and comfortable. Testers also liked how substantial it appeared and thought it seemed thicker than other silk pillowcases they'd used.
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, king | Colors: 6 options
This one's an Amazon's best-selling silk pillowcase, even though it's not actually made with any silk. Instead, the fabric is polyester satin so it's less expensive and less fragile. And even though it's not the real deal, we were surprisingly impressed with its performance.
It held up well to washing and was more wrinkle-resistant than real silk in our Lab's evaluations. On top of that, it has over 290,000 reviews with an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon. And because it's sold as a set of two, each pillowcase costs less than $5!
TESTER NOTES: Our sleep testers unanimously rated it as feeling smooth, and some even praised how comfortable it felt to sleep on. Just note that synthetic satin doesn't feel as luxurious as real silk, so it didn't score as high in areas like bed-head reduction, skin-crease prevention or cooling capabilities.
Fiber content: 100% polyester | Fabric weight: N/A | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Standard, queen, king, California king | Colors: Over 30 options
This buzzy brand was one of the first silk pillowcases sold at beauty retailers (like Sephora and Nordstrom) and helped make silk pillowcases popular in the U.S. It's still a top performer today thanks to its super smooth fabric; in fact, it's one of the softest pillowcases we've ever tested.
The fabric wicked moisture exceptionally well in Lab tests, which means it can help keep you cool throughout the night. Just note that the fabric wasn't as strong as others, and it was prone to wrinkles after laundering, so take special care with this one. It also costs more than other smooth options.
TESTER NOTES: When we laid out silk pillowcases in our Lab, this one earned the highest softness ratings from testers in a blind comparison. Plus, the at-home users also said it felt great to sleep on. One even called it "calming to use at night because it was soft and cool to the touch."
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk | Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Envelope | Sizes: Queen, king | Colors: 18 options
Silk pillowcases can be pricey, but you really only need one side to sleep on. This smart design has a 100% silk fabric on top with a cotton underside to make it more affordable. The silk held up well in our wash testing, maintaining its smoothness after repeated launderings and proving to be shrink-resistant. The fabric was also fairly strong in durability tests.
TESTER NOTES: The scores from consumer testers were fairly average and not as high as our other silk pillowcase recommendations, though overall it was well received by users. They told us the silk side "felt great," though the cotton side was a bit rough. They especially liked how the silk was smooth without being too slippery.
Fiber content: Silk and cotton | Fabric weight: 25 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Colors: Over 30 options
If you prefer to cover your entire bed in silk, THXSILK also carries a wide range of other silk products on Amazon, including top-performing silk sheets. The items are all sold directly by the silk manufacturer, which helps keep the cost down without sacrificing performance.
This pillowcase in particular earned perfect scores in our Lab's abrasion tests that mimic tossing and turning. Just note that it did show some signs of wear after washing, and the brand makes skin-related claims that we couldn't validate in our evaluations. Still, it's a great option if you're looking to try a silk pillowcase without spending a fortune.
TESTER NOTES: Sleep testers gave it perfect smoothness ratings after trying it at home. They also highlighted its easy-to-use zipper closure and unanimously told us it has a cooling feel. In fact, one said it felt almost too cold when she first used it, making it especially great for hot sleepers.
Fiber content: 100% mulberry silk| Fabric weight: 22 momme | Closure type: Zipper | Sizes: Twin, queen, king | Colors: 6 options
Though these weren't as smooth as others for skin and hair benefits, they had some standout features that are worth considering as you shop:
In the GH Textiles Lab, we evaluate each pillowcase to make sure it will feel comfortable and offer you optimal benefits. And we also want to make sure our picks are durable enough to last — especially since silk can be costly. We tested over 30 silk and satin cases and reviewed more than 5,000 data points before making our recommendations. Here's how we review each one:
Although they may look similar, silk pillowcases can vary greatly in terms of quality and feel. Here's what to consider when shopping for your silk pillowcase:
✔️ Know the difference between silk and satin: Silk is a fiber, whereas satin is a weave. Most silk pillowcases are both silk and satin, but you can find satin pillowcases made of polyester for a lower price. Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk you can find. Think of it as the Egyptian cotton equivalent of silk: The fibers are longer and more uniform so the fabric is smoother and more durable.
✔️ Check the momme: This term is used to describe silk fabric weight. Unlike thread count for cotton sheets, silk fabrics use momme to let you know how much silk is used. You'll usually find a range of 15-30 momme, but in our tests, the top performers were 22 momme or higher.
✔️ Consider the pillowcase closure: Silk pillowcases can be slippery, so you want to make sure your favorite pillow will stay put inside. Some covers use an envelope closure where the fabric tucks into itself, while others use a zipper. The zippers tend to enclose the pillow better, but they sometimes look a little flimsy and can be finicky to open and close.
✔️ Check the care instructions: Believe it or not, silk pillowcases can be machine-washed. Check the care label before you buy to make sure; most will suggest using the delicate cycle and hang-drying.
Yes! Not only do they feel great to sleep on, but silk pillowcase benefits also include smoother hair and smoother skin.
Studies show friction from tossing and turning causes creases in the skin, and a silky smooth surface can reduce this effect in the long run, says Neal Schultz, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and author of It's Not Just About Wrinkles. Similarly, with less friction on your hair, you're less likely to wake with frizz and tangles.
But keep in mind: You should always be wary of unrealistic promises, and you can't expect major changes like fewer breakouts, amino acid absorption or anti-aging benefits.
Yes! Most of the time silk pillowcases can be machine washed on the gentle cycle. Make sure to check the care label before laundering. Good Housekeeping's Cleaning Lab also recommends using a mesh laundry bag and a mild detergent.
RELATED: Experts Share the Right Way to Wash a Silk Pillowcase
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all bedding evaluations. She has been hands-on testing silk pillowcases since they became popular in the U.S. in 2016, and has since tested dozens of real silk and synthetic satin options. Lexie sleeps on a silk pillowcase every night and personally swears by its benefits.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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