Chances are a night of particularly deep sleep has wreaked havoc on your hair or skin at some point—but the best silk pillowcases are here to help you avoid that outcome. Silk’s texture prevents hair breakage and static caused by friction, and it can also help prevent wrinkles and breakouts. (And it’s just plain luxurious to sleep against silk.) Throw in a pair of cozy pajamas and you’re in for the best beauty sleep of your life.
So, what are the benefits of silk pillowcases?
As you shift throughout the night, your skin rubs against your pillowcase, causing friction on your skin, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s dermatology department in New York City. “Friction can cause skin folding and contribute to low-grade inflammation and wrinkles. Silk is a soft, natural fiber that allows the skin to glide. Plus, it’s light and breathable to minimize the amount of sweat that builds up on the skin.”
Silk, derived from domesticated silkworms, might even make your beauty routine more effective because your products won’t rub off as easily, says celebrity facialist and La Mer global skin care adviser Georgia Louise.
Plus, the material is naturally hypoallergenic and prevents the buildup of dust mites, fungus, mold, and other allergens. While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still under-researched, a few studies, like this 2019 report, have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see—just read the reviews for the silk pillowcases our team has tested, and endorsed.
What to 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 silk pillowcases run from 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). For the highest-quality material, look for mulberry silk; the fibers are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.
- Color: These days you can find a silk pillowcase in almost any shade, but silk is highly susceptible to stains, so pick a dark color or a busy print if the marks will bother you.
- Closure: Zipper closures keep the material tight over your pillow, making silk’s natural wrinkles less prevalent. Envelope closures, on the other hand, have more give if you have extra plump pillows.
- Care: “Silk pillowcases should be washed weekly to remove sweat and oil that may have transferred from your face to the pillowcase,” Dr. Zeichner recommends, and make sure to read the care instructions. Not all pillowcases can be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle 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 options that stood the test of time just as much as Blissy and other high-end competitors.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $80
- Most Popular: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, $89
- Best on Amazon: J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $20
- Best Value: Mommesilk Silk Pillowcase, $19
- Best Washable: Lunya Washable Silk Pillowcase, $78
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1/10
Best for Skin: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Perhaps the most well-known silk pillowcase on the market, Slip’s mulberry silk offering is available in a ton of colors. From the well-made construction to the shiny finish and pretty shades, Slip is at the front of the pack in terms of design. But it also gets rave reviews from multiple Glamour editors (and Dr. Zeichner) for helping with hair and skin—and even our resident beauty pro swears by it. “My Slip silk pillowcase has saved my skin and hair—I never wake up with red, aggravated skin anymore, and my blow-dries actually last for days,” says Glamour associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay, who even travels with it. “As for the case itself, it’s so, so soft and silky, and it feels cool and lightweight on my skin. I wash it on cold and dry on mild, and I’ve never had a problem with it getting wrinkly or losing structure.” (The brand also makes sleep masks and scrunchies to help fight fine lines and spit ends, FYI.)
Sizes: Queen, king / Colors: 12 options / Closure: Zipper / Momme: 22 momme
Pros: Lots of color options; cooling feel; great frizz-fighter
Cons: Might fray quickly if machine-washedSave on the best silk pillowcases with these Nordstrom promo codes.
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2/10
Most Popular: Blissy Silk Pillowcase
Blissy’s pillowcase is a favorite among reviewers and Glamour staffers alike; four of our colleagues recommend it as a top-notch option for skin and hair. At 22 momme, it’s plenty soft but not overly expensive. “I’ve used my Blissy pillowcase for over three years, and it’s withstood countless washes and wears beautifully,” raves Brie Schwartz, Glamour’s commerce director. “It’s luxuriously soft and cool to the touch (perfect for hot sleepers), but it does wrinkle easily, as you can see from the photo, so if you care about the look of your bed, it’s best to hide it behind a decorative pillow or steam it after washing.” The big drawback, she says, is a sharp zipper, so make sure you tuck the pull in before heading off to bed.
Sizes: Standard, queen, king / Colors: 12 options / Closure: Zipper / Momme: 22 momme
Pros: Lots of colors; durable construction; high-quality silk
Cons: Wrinkles easily, stains are visibleSave on the best silk pillowcases with these Nordstrom promo codes.
