7 Silk Pillowcases for Better Hair and Skin, According to a Textiles Expert
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As an analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab , a former textiles lecturer, and a longtime silk pillowcase user, I've spent years evaluating the benefits of silk firsthand. While silk is known for its smooth feel and temperature-regulating properties, I love it most for helping reduce overnight hair frizz and minimizing sleep creases on my skin.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best Overall: Fishers Finery 25mm Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
A smooth, substantial-feeling silk case that's comfortable, moisture-wicking, and durable.
✔️ Best Value: Promeed 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
A budget-friendly silk pillowcase with a smooth feel that impressed our testers.
✔️ Best for Hair: Blissy Silk Pillowcase
Our testers with curly, thick, and frizzy hair said they woke up with less bedhead.
✔️ Best for Skin: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Its smooth, cool feel helped prevent creases on our consumer testers' skin in the morning.
To find the best silk pillowcases, the pros in the Textiles Lab have tested them for more than a decade, evaluating strength, durability, washability, and moisture management in the Lab, and collecting feedback from at-home consumer testers. In recent years alone, we've tested 38 silk pillowcases, and I've personally slept on more than a dozen brands to identify the smoothest, most comfortable, and most durable options.
1) Fishers Finery 25mm Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Consistently a top performer in our tests, this silk pillowcase from Fishers Finery is made of a high-quality material: mulberry silk with a 25 momme weight, meaning a substantial amount of silk is used in the fabric for a thicker, more luxe feel. It stood out from other silk pillowcases for its moisture-wicking and durability(though it shrunk slightly in the wash). In fact, the pillowcase showed no signs of wear in our Lab's rigorous abrasion tests. It even impressed us enough to win a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award .
Though we recommend the 25-momme option for its balance of cost versus benefits, Fishers Finery also carries a 19-momme silk fabric that costs slightly less and a 30-momme option that costs a little more.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:At-home testers unanimously told us the pillowcase was comfy to sleep on and said they woke up without creases in their skin. They specifically highlighted the soft, smooth feel in their feedback and said they preferred it to other silk and cotton pillowcases they'd previously used.
One tester noted, "It felt cool for longer," and added, "The silky case was better for my hair than my cotton pillowcase." Another tester similarly commented, "It worked wonders for my hair and left it noticeably untangled in the morning."
- High scores for comfort and smoothness
- Abrasion-resistant fabric in our tests
- Wicks moisture and feels cool
- Slight shrinkage in the wash
2) Promeed 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Despite costing significantly less than other styles we've evaluated, this silk pillowcase from Promeed is made of quality fabric that thoroughly impressed us.It earned just average abrasion-resistance scores but proved both strong and durable in our tests. Even more, the material proved to be sweat-wicking in our moisture-management evaluations, helping you feel more comfortable as you sleep.
Beyond its proven performance, this silk pillowcase also comes in a wide range of sizes (more than other options) to help you find the best fit, including a mini size for toddler or travel pillows—perfect if you want to take the benefits of silk on the go, as I do. The brand also carries single or two-piece sets, which are an even better value.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:The fabric was highly regarded by our sleep testers. One of our consumer testers described the silk material as "smooth and more comfortable than the cotton ones I was using." Our consumer testers also gave the fabric high scores across the board, from softness to appearance to overall satisfaction, and noted that it held up well to home laundering without snags or shrinkage.
I've slept on silk pillowcases from all of our top-tested brands and more, and Promeed's are just as luxurious as others I've tried. I've even found them on sale for under $20, which is when I start to stock up.
- Rated as smooth by sleep testers
- Excellent moisture-wicking scores
- Good assortment of sizes
- Less abrasion-resistant than other cases we tested
3) Blissy Silk Pillowcase
My first introduction to silk pillowcases, Blissy is one of the most searched-for silk brands on the market. It's a personal favorite of several GH editors and product analysts who use it at home and swear by it. Beyond that, the pillowcase looked and felt great after our laundering tests and maintained its smoothness after washing, which is a huge feat for delicate silk. It also wicked moisture well and proved pill-resistant in our tests.
Just note that we've seen marketing from Blissy that made claims we couldn't validate in our evaluations. For instance, it has claimed to "fight against acne," a term the FDA says should be used only by drugs or medical devices that have received approval to make such claims. Though we can't recommend buying a silk pillowcase solely on these kinds of promises, we still love how smooth silk is for comfort and crease prevention.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:This pillowcase earned high ratings from testers for helping them to maintain mess-free hair. Our consumer testers with thick, curly, and frizzy hair said they woke up without bedhead,and I have found the same to be true.
I swear these pillowcases help stop knotting in my fine yet frizzy and wavy hair—a recipe for endless tangles. I have been sleeping on the same Blissy pillowcases for the last six years (in my regular pillowcase rotation), and the material still looks and feels nicer than other silk I've tried, with just minimal fading. I'm always buying Blissy pillowcases and the brand's scrunchies as gifts for family and friends.
The silk pillowcase also earned perfect comfort scores, and another tester described the fabric as "the perfect weight—not too light or too heavy."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Blissy Silk Pillowcase
- Testers said it prevented bedhead
- High comfort ratings
- Fabric held up well to washing
- The brand makes bold claims that we couldn't validate in our review
4) Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
If you're most concerned about facial lines, our testers gave this pillowcase perfect scores for preventing skin creases.I'm in my 30s now, so I'm trying harder to take better care of my skin than I did in my 20s and have noticed that this silk pillowcase feels exceptionally smooth. In the Lab, we found that its smoothness faded a bit after repeated washings, but the material held up well overall throughout our tests.
Another perk with this pillowcase is the brand's year-long trial period: Brooklinen offers returns for 365 days, so you can get a refund, even after using the pillowcase for months and washing it. If it's not up to par, send it back for just a $9.95 return fee.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:Besides noting that they woke up without creases on their skin, testers gave Brooklinen's silk pillowcase high marks for feeling smooth, cool, and comfortable—the silk pillowcase trifecta.
Our consumer testers also liked how substantial it appeared and thought it seemed thicker than other silk pillowcases they'd used. "I like the closure of the pillowcase," one said. It has an envelope closure that creates a pocket to keep the pillow in place, so it doesn't slide out of the case while you're sleeping. The tester further added, "I like that the fabric was thick, cold, and nice to sleep on. I love that the pillowcase is machine-washable! That makes all the difference."
- Luxurious and comfortable material
- Users saw no facial skin creases after sleeping on it
- Testers liked the thick fabric
- Less smooth after repeated laundering
5) Bedsure Satin Pillowcases
This one is an Amazon best seller, even though it's not actually made of silk. Instead, the fabric is polyester satin, so it's less expensive and less delicatethan silk, making it much easier to care for: safe for both the washing machine and the dryer. It held up well to washing and was more wrinkle-resistant than real silk in our Lab's evaluations.
And although it's not the real deal, we were surprisingly impressed with its performance and sleek appearance. And because it's sold as a set of two, each pillowcase is around $6 a piece—usually on sale for less.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:I only sleep on silk (or satin) pillowcases, and I love to travel with them, but I took things a step further at my parents' house. I shipped them these satin pillowcases to keep on hand when I come to visit, since I'm there all of the time. I know it seems a bit out there, but for under $12, I get to sleep on smooth satin instead of a rough cotton cover. They're not a pain to wash and look great every time I pull them out of the drawer upon arrival.
Our consumer testers unanimously rated this pillowcase as feeling smooth, and many highlighted how comfortable it felt to sleep on. "It was so soft to the touch and never felt sweaty during the night," one told us. Another shared that she preferred it over her regular pillowcase and said her hair was much less messy in the mornings. Just note that synthetic satin doesn't feel as luxurious as real silk, so it didn't score as highly in areas like bedhead reduction, skin-crease prevention, and cooling.
- Excellent value
- Smooth and lustrous look
- Holds up well to laundering
- Polyester instead of real silk
6) Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Slip is a buzzy brand that 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—it's actually one of the softest pillowcases we've ever tested and my absolute favorite.
The pillowcase is expensive, but 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 when washing.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:When we laid out silk pillowcases in our Textiles Lab, this one earned the highest softness ratings from testers in a blind comparison.I've tested more than a dozen silk pillowcases on my own bed, and I remember being absolutely wowed by just how soft and smooth the Slip pillowcases felt when I first opened them. I even reluctantly share one of these pillowcases with my husband, who is pretty indifferent about bedding, but noticed a difference with Slip.
Our consumer testers also said it felt great to sleep on. One called it "calming to use at night because it was soft and cool to the touch." Another tester shared, "The fabric is supple and soft and feels so gentle against my face and hair."
RELATED: The Best Silk Scrunchies
- Ultra-smooth fabric
- Moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating material
- Comfortable to sleep on
- Expensive and delicate
7) THXSILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
If you prefer to cover your entire bed in silk for the ultimate luxurious experience, THXSILK also carries a wide range of other silk products on Amazon, including silk sheets that have stood out in our Textiles Lab tests. 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 Textiles Lab's abrasion tests that mimic real-life use, like tossing and turning at night. It did show some signs of wear after laundering, though, and the brand makes skin-related claims that we couldn't validate in our evaluations.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:Our consumer testers gave the pillowcases perfect smoothness ratings after trying them out at home. They also highlighted the easy-to-use zipper closure and unanimously said the pillowcase felt cool. In fact, one said it felt almost " too cold" when she first used it, making it especially great for hot sleepers.
With THXSILK, I can't get over how great a value the pillowcase is. Earning perfect scores for smoothness and priced for less than $40 makes it a no-brainer for me.
- Perfect smoothness scores from testers
- Cool feel
- Sold directly by the manufacturer to help keep prices lower
- Showed signs of wear after laundering
8) Other silk pillowcases we tested
Though these didn't perform quite as well as our top-tested picks, they had some standout features that are worth considering:
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Best Sustainable: The Ethical Silk Company Mulberry Silk Pillowcase uses a unique production process in which the silk is taken from the cocoon after the moth has already left it, unlike traditional silk fabrics. As a result, the fabric is more matte and less shiny (the fibers aren't as long and lustrous). The pillowcase is also undyed to lessen the environmental impact. The downside is this one wasn't abrasion-resistant or moisture-wicking in our Lab's evaluations, and it wasn't as smooth in our consumer tester reviews.
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Most Durable:The Cuddledown Silk Pillowcase is ideal for those most concerned about protecting delicate fabric. It earned the highest overall durability rating and showed no signs of wear during our abrasion tests. However, it didn't wick moisture as well as other silk cases in our evaluations.
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Most Luxurious: This Clementine Sleep Organic Silk Pillowcase is made from 100% mulberry silk with a 22 momme weight and is GOTS-certified . Testers gave it high marks for its smooth feel, but it showed signs of abrasion in our tests. The brand's silk bonnet aced our tests, though, and was even a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award recipient.
9) How we test silk pillowcases
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate pillowcases for comfort, performance, and durability. Because silk pillowcases can be a significant investment, we also assess how well they hold up over time. Before making our recommendations, we tested 38 silk and satin pillowcases. Here's how we evaluated them:
✔️ Fabric strength:We use our specialized machine, an Instron (pictured here), to pull apart fabric swatches and determine how strong the material is.
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✔️ Abrasion resistance:Our Martindale machine (pictured here) rubs silk swatches in various directions against a wool-abrasion fabric, which mimics real-life tossing and turning. Throughout this process, we check the fabric for signs of wear, including pilling and holes from abrasion.
✔️ Moisture-wicking capabilities:To check if the pillowcases can keep you cool, we use drops of water to measure how well the fabrics wick away liquids to show how the fabric will respond to sweat. The ideal pillowcase spreads out a drop of liquid quickly.
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✔️ Washability:We launder each pillowcase according to its care label and measure shrinkage, change in appearance, and change in softness after repeated launderings. We then visually assess creases that form in the fabrics after laundering to get a sense of how much they'll wrinkle.
✔️ Consumer tests:Last but not least, we send the pillowcases to at-home reviewers to sleep on for weeks, who then provide feedback on aspects like comfort, bedhead resistance, skin-crease prevention, and temperature regulation. They also answer open-ended questions to give us a deeper understanding of their experiences.
12) How to shop for the best silk pillowcases
Although they may look similar, silk pillowcases can vary widely in 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 for pillowcases. 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 indicate how much silk is used. You'll usually find a range of 15 to 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, some 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.
13) What are the benefits of silk pillowcases?
Not only do they feel great to sleep on, but the benefits of silk pillowcases 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.
14) Are silk pillowcases machine washable?
Yes, most of the time, silk pillowcases can be machine-washed on the gentle cycle. Make sure to check the care label before laundering. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab also recommends using a mesh laundry bag and a mild detergent.
RELATED: The Best Way to Wash Silk Pillowcases
15) What are the disadvantages of silk pillowcases?
While silk pillowcases offer numerous benefits, it's important to consider the drawbacks. Silk is a delicate material and generally requires special carecompared to traditional cotton pillowcases, which are usually machine washable and dryer safe. Silk has a slippery feel that isn't for everyone, either.
16) Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles Lab and has been with Good Housekeeping since 2022. She has tested silk pillowcases in the Lab and coordinated sleep testing with consumer testers to try the pillowcases out on their own beds. Constantine has been sleeping on silk pillowcases for years, and even packs one with her when she travels, because she's a true believer in silk's benefits. She used her personal and professional expertise when updating this article. Constantine also referenced former data collected by Lexie Sachs , Good Housekeeping Institute executive director of strategy and operations, who began working with silk pillowcases when they first hit the market.
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