The 4 Best Silk Pillowcases, Tested and Reviewed

Five pillows in different silk pillow cases, with four stacked and one upright on a bed — The Spruce / Eric Brockob

With promises to tame frizzy hair, minimize friction against the skin, and regulate body temperature, there’s no wonder silk pillowcases are having a moment right now. I’ve tested several silk pillowcases over the years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that not all are created equal.

My advice? Do not skimp on quality when it comes to silk. Look for a silk pillowcase with a momme (density) of 20 or higher. Our team’s testing found that silk pillowcases with a higher momme are more resistant to wear and feel more substantial than those with a lower momme.

My favorite silk pillowcases have a subtle weight, feel smooth and sumptuous, and are easy to clean. That said, I have also tried my fair share of options that are flimsy and thin, prone to snagging, and don’t quite feel as luxe as their price tag suggests.

A top-notch silk pillowcase can certainly be an investment, so to help you make the most informed decision, I’ve laid out some of our editors’ favorite options that we’ve tested for months—including a silk pillowcase that never leaves my bed.

Our Top Picks

Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $50

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Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $105

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Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $59

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Drowsy Damask Rose Silk Pillowcase at Amazon $99

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SALE

Blissy Silk Pillowcase at Amazon ~~$110~~ $63

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Cultiver Silk Linen Flip Pillowcase at Cultiver.com $80

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Parachute Silk Pillowcase at Parachute Home $99

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Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

$50 at Amazon $41 at Fishersfinery.com

If you've hemmed and hawed over whether to try silk, Fishers Finery will likely remove any lingering doubts, especially if your primary concern is the shiny luster coming off as an eyesore (or looking cheap). Featuring a Charmeuse-like weave, this award-winning pillowcase's finish is slightly matte in appearance, looking far more expensive than its affordable price tag implies—and it is.

We tested the natural white pillowcase and loved how it blended into our other neutral bedding items. The natural white coloring also made us confident that this pillowcase wouldn't release any dye during its first wash. After around three months of testing, this pillowcase still looks as good as new. While it's common for silk pillowcases to lose their sheen slightly over time, the Fishers Finery Pillowcase still has a beautiful, slick look.

Fishers Finery also boasts the greatest momme among our favorites (25, although it also comes in a 30-momme construction for $85), loosely translating to 32% more silk compared to 19-momme pillowcases. It's sold in singles and standard, queen, and king-size pairs.

The hefty thread weight isn't the only design detail that warrants praise from our editors. There's also an extra-large, 8-inch envelope that makes it far easier to put on the pillowcase and remove it.

While the brand prefers handwashing to extend the lifespan of the product, it ships with a handy mesh bag you can place your pillowcase in come laundry day for an extra layer of protection. We also appreciate that a detailed care instructions card is included in the packaging, so we know exactly what to do for hand washing or machine washing the pillowcase.

^{Dimensions: 20 x 28 inches; 20 x 30 inches; 20 x 36 inches | Style: Oversized envelope | Momme: 25}

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

$105 at Amazon $105 at Walmart $105 at Walmart

As a previous skeptic of silk's beneficial properties, the Slip Pillowcase is what converted me into a believer. The slick, smooth surface doesn't tug at my skin or hair, preventing bed head and pillow lines. (And as someone who tosses and turns like no other, that's no easy feat.) Unlike my previous linen pillowcases, the Slip offers no roughness or friction and feels great against my skin and hair. Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and frizz, however, isn’t the only appeal.

The buttery texture feels more high-end than many other silk and satin pillowcases I've tried. In particular, I love that it keeps cool throughout the night and feels exceptionally soft and delicate. That being said, the material is far from fragile—the natural strength of the silk fibers becomes even more evident the more you use your pillowcase. After around five months of testing, it still looks and feels as good as new.

A premium product in every way, down to the packaging, Slip boasts a weighty 22 momme and 360 thread count. Plus, I've been able to throw it in the washing machine without worry, but if you choose a darker color, I recommend making sure it's washed with similar colors. The brand recommends skipping the dryer, and in my experience, air drying has kept the material in tip-top shape.

I’d opt for the invisible zipper closure over the classic pocket style, as it fully envelopes your favorite headrest and prevents excess fabric from bunching up (a must for sleepers who tend to toss and turn throughout the night). It seems like a deliberate design choice, considering these pillowcases only come in queen or king.

Another reason I love the Slip is the playful palette range, from a bright Peony pink to a high-contrast black-and-white checker print. I own the dark blue color, which boasts a rich tone and has maintained its saturation quite well. One last detail to be aware of: the logo is embroidered on the top left corner. I like it, but those who prefer to keep that bit out of sight can simply flip it over.

^{Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches; 20 x 36 inches | Style: Zipper | Momme: 22}

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

$59 $51 at Amazon $59 at Brooklinen $64 at Zola

On the beds of multiple editors at The Spruce, Brooklinen’s pillowcase is constructed with 100% mulberry silk—the best kind you can buy. The moniker speaks to the tree leaves that silkworms feast on to produce long, thick fibers that are then spun into the shiny, smooth weave the material is known for.

Available in a few simple colors—like ivory, charcoal gray, and blush pink—Brooklinen is also ideal for shoppers who prefer elevating their bedspread with a punchy pattern. Limited-edition statements, such as the trendy Camel Stripe or moody navy-and-periwinkle Starflower combo, add trendy pizzazz to your bedding setup, especially if your go-to sheet set (like mine) skews more neutral.

Even after a multitude of washes, I can happily report that the silk has maintained its integrity. One of our editors who frequently sleeps with earrings noted that the Brooklinen pillowcase has not experienced any fabric snags or pulls since she began using it four months ago. While the pillowcase is slightly less vibrant and shiny than when it first arrived, its overall quality is still top-notch.

Note that the seasonal patterns will run you $10 extra, bumping the cost from $59 to $69—a small price to pay for good design. Plus, the New York-based brand offers a generous return policy. You have a full 365 days to decide whether to return or exchange the pillowcase, with a $9.95 restocking fee applicable for exchanges. But we'd be shocked if you did because all of us here at The Spruce have happily kept ours.

^{Dimensions: 20 x 27 inches; 20 x 37 inches | Style: Envelope | Momme: 22}

PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob

Drowsy Damask Rose Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: Drowsy

$99 at Amazon View on Drowsysleepco.com

We absolutely loved the luxe look and feel of Drowsy's silk pillowcase, which really lived up to its popular reputation during our testing. We think 22-momme pillowcases offer the best bang for your buck, and this pick is no exception. It has a high-end feel, lightweight construction, and never looks too wrinkled.

This pick has a similar weight and drape to our other top options, and we found the texture to feel soft and delicate without being flimsy or thin. After six months of testing, we're still happy with its performance but noticed that it lost its sheen ever so slightly. There have been no snags, and we were able to remove stains completely after spot treatment, giving us even more confidence in its longevity.

We tested the deep red color of this pillowcase, and we were immediately impressed with its rich, saturated hue upon arrival. While Drowsy says this pillowcase is machine washable, we've found that the darker colors tend to bleed in the wash. To avoid this issue, we recommend either hand-washing the item or choosing one of the lighter color options.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches | Style: Envelope | Momme: 22}

Other Buzzy Brands We Love

Blissy Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: Amazon

$110 $63 at Amazon $156 at Macy's $80 at Nordstrom

Arguably just as popular as Slip, Blissy’s 22-momme pillowcases are revered across the internet. While most reviews point to the brand being a “best-kept secret” of stylists and dermatologists, hot sleepers equally gush that the sumptuous surface is also moisture-wicking for nights when sweat is inevitable.

Handmade from 100% Mulberry silk, this pillow is available in a standard (20 x 36 inches), queen (20 x 30 inches), or king (20 x 36 inches) size. As with all zippered styles, be mindful of the size of your preferred pillow—overstuffing can result in rips and tears.

Cultiver Silk Linen Flip Pillowcase

PHOTO: Cultiver

$80 at Cultiver.com

If you're like me and prefer the look of linen but still want to reap the benefits of a silk pillowcase, this pick from Cultiver may be for you. The best of both worlds, this flippable pillowcase offers linen on one side and silk on the other.

One of our editors, who was skeptical as to whether the pampering properties of silk would make a difference, the duality of the design gave her the gentle nudge she needed to make the splurge.

We absolutely love this silk pillowcase during the warmer months. The natural linen side offers a more organic, earthy feel, but we liked that we were able to turn it to the silk side for an extra soft embrace at night.

It’s held up well over the years, too, considering it’s accidentally ended up in the dryer during larger laundry days a few times—in those instances, it comes out of the machine wrinkled to oblivion. Letting this one air out after a wash is important since it falls under a “one size fits all” category and shrinkage could impair its integrity.

Parachute Silk Pillowcase

PHOTO: Parachute

$99 at Parachute Home

The Spruce loves Parachute’s sheet sets, so it should come as no surprise that we’re also big fans of the brand’s silk pillowcase. Delivering a whopping 25-momme weight, it’s impossible to question the quality of these individually sold covers available in standard (20 x 26.5 inches) or king (20 x 36.5 inches).

Parachute’s design delivers a hidden flap side opening, although the color choices are the most limited on our list; these pillowcases only come in white, a light grey, and slate.

How We Tested the Silk Pillowcases

The Spruce is constantly testing bedding—we’re talking over 19,000 hours to date—in editors’ homes and at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to determine which brands are worth your hard-earned dollar.

For silk pillowcases, we slept on and washed our favorites based on the manufacturer’s care instructions (all are machine washable! A bit of a rarity for pure silk) over several months, keeping in mind the fit (and how well the cover stayed on throughout the night since silk tends to slip and slide), colorfastness, loose threads, pilling, and snags. Doing so determined a product’s quality, durability, and value.

As our results revealed, this fiber type is inherently strong (we even rubbed some with steel wool, and in most cases, the material refused to wear). But they earned top marks from testers who sleep hot no matter the time of year, share the bed with a furry friend, and occasionally sneak a midnight snack.

Most associate silk with being delicate and fussy, which it can be, but most of our product picks are inherently strong (though stains can be a bit of a struggle to remove). That said, I recommend following the care instructions to a tee to ensure the longevity of your silk pillowcase.

Long story short: shopping for silk doesn’t have to be complicated. We made sure our top picks were all constructed with the long fibers of mulberry silk to ensure breathable, luxurious buys, paying close attention to whether the pillowcases were able to reduce sweat or moisture and keep our team cool and comfortable all night long, more than whether changes in hair or skin were noticeable.

How to Shop for Silk Pillowcases

Look for Mulberry Silk

When it comes to the best silk pillowcases, our favorite finds are all made using mulberry silk—the highest-quality silk derived from silkworm caterpillars when making cocoons. Compared to regular silk, the strands are longer, stronger, and more uniform in color and appearance, offering an evenly white canvas that’s easy to dye.

These qualities will up the price tag, but mulberry silk is far more soft and durable in the long run. Better yet, it’s also breathable, wicking away moisture and making it a favorite material among our team’s hot sleepers. All of our top picks, including the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and the Drowsy Silk Pillowcase, are made from mulberry silk.

Some pillowcases labeled as silk may feature a blend or might even be an entirely different fabric altogether (hi, satin!), so always double-check that your selected product is 100% mulberry silk. Other types are more suitable for apparel, not for sleeping soundly.

Silk vs. Satin

At first glance, it may be tricky to discern between silk and satin pillowcases—that’s because both fabrics are woven in the same fashion, producing a shimmery finish. The biggest differentiator is that silk, as an animal byproduct, is an all-natural, protein-based fiber. Satin, on the other hand, is typically manmade synthetics (read: polyester or rayon). And while the latter is much easier to care for and less expensive, it isn’t as breathable or tough, which is a huge reason to invest in silk (particularly if night sweats plague you).

Prioritize a 20 Momme (or Higher) Weight

Thread counts used to be a quick and easy way for shoppers to assess the quality of sheets—the higher the thread count, the better the bedding. These days, we know the quantifier doesn’t directly translate to quality (manufacturers have been found to inflate thread counts by using a lot of thin threads or including each extra ply of fabric in the overall number). Momme, however, does.

Momme refers to the density of silk, so the higher the number, the thicker the strands and the more silk is used to create a product. It’s an easy way to quickly determine the quality of the silk pillowcase you’re contemplating buying (and if it’s worth the price).

This number can range greatly, from 6 to 30. In our research, we found that the typical momme count is around 19, but the higher quality products range between 22 and 25. We personally have found that luxurious-looking silk is 20 momme or higher. It feels thicker and more durable (more soft less slippery) and the shine doesn’t look cheap or tacky to the eye.

The option with the highest momme on this list is the Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, which has a momme of 25. Our other three top picks all have 22 momme, which we think also offers impressive quality, durability, and value.

Expect a Shiny Finish and Cooling Feel

Compared to cotton weaves, silk threads are smoother with a sheen that gives the material its recognizable shine. I've found that it's common for silk pillowcases to lose their luster slightly with time, but if you like a notably slick look, the Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase still look as shiny as they did upon arrival.

Looks aside, silk is a naturally occurring fiber with temperature-regulating properties. While most might think the fabric would cling to their skin, silk is nearly as breathable as linen, meaning it should keep your noggin from sweating in the summer months and warm when the temperatures start to dip. It’ll feel cool on your face when you first lie down and resist absorbing moisture throughout the night.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Contrary to what you might think, silk doesn't always need to be dry-cleaned or meticulously cared for; the silk pillowcases listed here are all machine washable. You’ll just want to use a silk-safe detergent (as it’s a protein-based fiber, look for something gentle and enzyme-free) and stick to delicate cycles with cold water and similar colors.

If you want to ensure your silk pillowcases look new for longer, line drying is ideal, but some editors have had success with tumble drying on low. Our hot tip is to remove silk from the dryer and lay it flat ASAP since it's prone to wrinkling.

However, it's worth noting silk repels dirt, dander, and dust mites, so you can avoid adding it to the laundry pile for a bit longer compared to other bed linens.

All of the picks on our list are available in both darker and lighter hues. In our experience, darker-colored silk pillowcases can sometimes bleed, so we recommend hand-washing them first to check for colorfastness.

Note that stains can be challenging to remove (the material has a reputation for being high-maintenance, after all). In our testing, we soiled products with makeup, coffee, and oils in the lab to simulate real-life scenarios, and nearly all stubbornly refused to come out. However, we offer some helpful advice on how to wash and care for silk here.

A Few Silk Alternatives

Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcase Set, $68 (orig. $84)

Light, airy, and oh-so-soft—Cozy Earth’s bamboo pillowcases are silky to the touch, but more akin to sateen. When my silk pillowcase is in the wash, I find this to be a similarly comfortable alternative, though it doesn't mimic the feel of silk as well as satin. On the pricier side, these are less prone to wrinkles and shrinkage compared and are backed by a warranty against pilling and abnormal wear and tear.

Constructed from bamboo viscose, a blend of natural pulp and semi-synthetic rayon, these aren’t quite as cooling, however, and sweat or detergent stains are pretty much impossible to remove. That said, the softness of the material is hard to beat and is still among our all-time favorites after months of testing.

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase Set, $10 (orig. $13)

The most affordable pillowcase you can buy from this list, this option from Bedsure is a great dupe for silk at a much lower cost. I'm a huge fan of its shiny finish and smooth texture, and I think it's only slightly less luxe than real silk. If you can’t get behind silk as an animal-made fiber, satin is a vegan-friendly alternative. After around five months of testing and several rounds in the wash, this pick is still in great shape.

While silk has a heavier drape, this satin pillowcase is a bit thinner in texture. However, you'll find a similarly slick feel with comparable benefits to pure silk. It's available in 37 different colors, plus standard (20 x 26 inches), queen (20 x 30 inches), king (20 x 36 inches), and body pillow sizes (20 x 54 inches).

Buffy Breeze Pillowcases, $44 (orig. $55)

If a cooling headrest is what you’re after, Buffy’s tencell lyocell fibers deliver. Sustainably harvested from Eucalyptus trees and transformed into a silky soft fabric, the Breeze pillowcases are gentle on the skin, deliver a subtle luster, and promise to keep your noggin from overheating throughout the night. The Spruce team can’t get enough of Buffy, and 10/10 would recommend, especially as a budget-friendly alternative.

Salon Care Arcadia Beauty Silk Pillowcase, $11

Fully constructed with polyester, this satin pillowcase by Salon Care is priced at $11. It's described as “soft, with a silk touch,” which we found to be accurate at home after several months of testing. It's certainly thicker than the other silk pillowcases that we've used, but we've found we still wake up without a ridiculous bedhead.

It’s also a breeze to maintain and safe to put in the washing machine without worrying about water temperatures or cycle settings. We've noticed a couple of snags over time, but in general, it has still held up better than most satin pillowcases we've tried. While the texture isn't as luxe as pure silk, we still think this is a great alternative for folks on a budget.

One More Thing

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and naturally antibacterial. Unlike most other bedding fabrics touted for a smooth, soft feel—think polyester, rayon, and microfibers—sleepers prone to allergies or asthma won’t have to worry about silk interfering with the quality of their Z’s.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Bianca Pineda is a writer for The Spruce who has covered all things bedding since 2022. She's constantly testing more sheets, pillowcases, and comforters than she knows what to do with. As a wellness lover and bedding snob, Pineda is a huge fan of her Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, which rarely leaves her bed.

For this piece, Pineda also examined findings from our test of silk pillowcases for quality, durability, and value to compile this list of our top picks.