by Furnishly | Apr 23, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
We recently tested a large amount of silk pillowcases for our Best List, and while that is a celebration in and of itself, we have to talk more about our very favorite, the best overall winner, the MYK 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. “I’ve tested a variety of silk pillowcases,” says AT contributor Allie Arnold, “and this one (the 25 momme version) might be the best.”
Okay, wait…what is momme? Put simply, it’s a unit of measure used to gauge the heft and durability of woven silk. The higher the momme count, the higher the quality, and usually the higher the cost. In the case of this MYK pillowcase, which has a momme count of 25, it exceeds the average by far (which usually falls between 15 and 19) and the difference can be felt and even seen. “Me and my hair get a great night’s sleep with this pillowcase,” Allie says. “Usually after washing and air-drying my silk pillowcases, they get quite stiff and aren’t as soft, but this pillowcase remains silky soft to the touch and with less wrinkles!” When silk is thin and has a low momme count, be it 100 percent mulberry silk or otherwise, it tends to wrinkle, stiffen, encourage static, and show stains easily. Basically, momme count is everything when it comes to silk and this MYK pillowcase, despite its Amazon-low price, has a higher count than a number of luxury brands.
“The standard size fits my pillow perfectly,” Allie continues, “so it doesn’t move around and wrinkle. I also think its zipper closure keeps the pillowcase from moving around.” If you tend to find excess material, which can be typical with silk pillowcases, a well-fitted pillowcase can make all the difference. “It’s really easy to care for,” as well, Allie mentions. “It’s machine washable on a delicate setting and can be tumble-dried on low or air-dried, however I choose to air dry. It’s also an OEKO-TEX 100 Certified product and comes in a variety of color options,” and good ones too, we might add. Basically, “for a 25 momme pillowcase,” Allie says of her luxe-level quality MYK pick, “you can’t beat this price!”
by Furnishly | Mar 30, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
I am the first to admit that I’m a bit of a bedding snob. I have a very clear idea of what I like (and don’t like) on my bed, and I tend to stick to what I know. In most instances, my preferences are just as much about style as they are comfort. Don’t get me wrong — there is nothing better than cozying up in a soft, cloud-like bed at the end of the day, but maintaining the right vibe in my bedroom is important to me, too. That usually translates to linen or (patternless) percale — but do you know what definitely doesn’t fit the aesthetic? Shiny, silky sheets.
I know, I know — a bit harsh, right? By this point, we’ve all heard about how good silk pillowcases can be for our sleep routines. Not only are they soft and cool, but they can reduce friction, helping you wake up frizz and wrinkle free. Trust me when I say, I am definitely not immune to waking up looking like a goblin and could definitely benefit from those two perks, but for the longest time I just couldn’t get over the aesthetic downgrade silk pillowcases would lend to my bed (at least in my eyes).
Enter: Cultiver’s genius Silk Linen Flip Pillowcase. With one innovative product, the Australian bedding brand completely reinvented what beneficial sleep feels and looks like. Typically known for their luxury linen bedding (they even made our Best List!), Cultiver ventured into silk pillowcases with the explicit goal of solving the exact pain point I was experiencing: wanting the silk pillowcase perks without the silk pillowcase aesthetics.
Their pillowcase features two supremely luxe sides — one made from 100 percent Mulberry silk and one that’s 100 percent pure European flax linen. Mulberry silk is innately hypoallergenic and gentle on both your hair and skin, which results in the most worry-free sleep experience possible. The linen side is durable, great for hot sleepers, and will coordinate beautifully with the rest of your bedding. Says one reviewer, “Smooth, cool silk on one side and Cultiver linen on the other is the best of both worlds. The advantage of this flip linen/silk setup is that not only does it match Cultiver’s linen sheets, but the linen bottom helps keep the pillow from sliding around if you are a sleeper who tosses and turns, which can be an issue with 100 percent silk pillowcases.”
Personally, I love climbing into bed after my nightly skincare routine with the linen side up, which helps prevent my pillowcase from sticking to my skin as my products dry and I read. Then, when it’s time for shuteye, I flip the pillow over to reveal the cool silk and drift off into dreamland with images of smooth hair and blemish-free skin dancing in my head. Come morning, I turn the pillow linen-side-up so my made bed looks neat, complete, and — above all — not shiny.
At $70 per pillowcase, this piece is definitely a splurge, but that’s typical for quality silk pillowcases. Knowing that we spend over half our lives in bed, I’m happy to treat myself to quality bedding that I know suits my decor, improves my sleep, and does wonders for my skin and hair. What’s not to love?
Buy: Cultiver Silk Linen Flip Pillowcase, $70
by Furnishly | Mar 25, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Growing up, I always associated silk pillowcases with my grandmother. She slept on one every night and always had the perfect head of hair in between her trips to the beauty salon. Although admittedly prone to horrible sleep habits and extreme bedhead, I am definitely a health and beauty devotee, so I regret never having thought much about including a silk pillowcase in my sleep routine. That was, of course, until they became much more popular in the beauty world, promising not just smooth, frizz-free hair but also hydrated and protected skin and a cool night’s sleep. Still, even I was skeptical of the silk pillowcase’s promises, so I, along with my AT colleagues, put a number of them to the test. After trying several, I can now say I’m committed. My grandmother would be so proud.
There’s a wide variety of silk pillowcases on the market, so it can be quite a challenge to figure out which ones live up to the hype. That’s why we did the work for you to determine the best of the best, considering everything from quality to price. Your skin and hair can thank us later.
The Best Silk Pillowcases
What to Consider When Buying a Silk Pillowcase
Not all silk pillowcases are created equal. There are a few terms to know and several factors to consider while shopping to ensure you end up getting what you intend to pay for and don’t just succumb to good marketing. Are you dreaming of waking up with gorgeous hair without breaking the bank? Perhaps you’re in search of the most luxurious silk money can buy. From momme count to care instructions to price point, these are the facts to consider when choosing the best silk pillowcase for you.
It may not sound pretty, but mulberry silk threads are the byproduct of silkworms that have eaten the leaves of a mulberry plant. There’s actually several types of silk named after the weave or fabric or the type of worm that secretes the silk threads, but mulberry silk is the most common and the type of silk that goes into all of our top picks here.
There’s a reason mulberry silk is used for a variety of beauty products, including pillowcases, sleep masks, scrunchies, and robes: It contains 18 amino acids and proteins known to benefit the hair and skin. Because silk isn’t as absorbent as cotton or other common bedding fabrics, you don’t have to worry about your night creams coming off while you sleep or even your natural hydration being wicked away by your pillowcase during the night. The smooth surface of a silk pillowcase keeps hair from breaking and tangling, and prevents pillow marks, premature lines, and wrinkles. It’s also known to be breathable and hypoallergenic, which is great for hot sleepers and for those with sensitive skin and allergies.
Like I said, not all silk pillowcases are the same, and this has to do with momme. Similar to thread count, momme count measures the fabric’s quality and durability. The higher the momme count, the heavier and more durable the silk… aaand the higher the cost. Most silk pillowcases range from 15 to 30 momme, but not all brands advertise the momme count of their silk, so keep an eye out to make sure you’re not paying for more than you’re getting.
How Do You Care for Silk?
While silk takes a little more work to care for than other fabrics, it’s not much different from the extra care you give when washing your most beloved items. Most of the brands behind silk pillowcases advise washing their product in cold water or, better yet, hand washing with a mild detergent (no bleach, detergent pods, or fabric softeners) and laying flat to air dry. That said, some are able to go in the dryer and can be fairly low maintenance. Just be sure to check the label on your pillowcase since proper care can vary. Similar to wet hair, silk is extra delicate when wet, so you’ll want to handle with love.
Like most air-dried items, silk pillowcases can be a bit stiff or wrinkled, but after a night of use, they go back to their normal, smooth selves. To get rid of wrinkles in the pillowcase, many brands allow ironing on low heat. Like all things, the better care you give your silk, the longer it will last. In turn, you can give yourself shiny locks and supple skin for years to come.
What We Look For in a Silk Pillowcase
We tested a range of silk pillowcases, from low to high momme count and price point, judging them on the following criteria:
The Best Silk Pillowcases
MYK Silk offers among the best varieties of silk pillowcases, ranging between 19 and 30 momme, all at affordable prices. I tested the 25 momme version, which is one of the thickest, smoothest pillowcases I’ve tried and costs less than $45. Most silk pillowcases are 19 or 22 momme and come at a much higher price, which makes MYK Silk our hands-down pick for best overall. It comes in three sizes and several beautiful colors, and it’s OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, to boot. I love a zipper closure for silk pillowcases because they keep it from moving around, and the MYK Silk pillowcase fits my pillow perfectly, allowing it to stay nice and plump throughout the night. After washing, sleeping on, and comparing it to the others tested, MYK’s pillowcase remained the softest with the least amount of post-wash wrinkles. The only downside? I don’t want to get up when my alarm goes off.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want durable, smooth silk with a high momme count at a manageable price; those who want a variety of sizes and colors to choose from.
Good to Know: MYK Silk offers a variety of silk pillowcases from 19 to 30 momme, some with a cotton underside so you can get the best of both worlds. You can also find silk pajamas and robes for women and men, eye masks, scrunchies, and bonnets.
*Honorable Mention: Best List writer Kendall has tried several silk pillowcases and Casper’s is her new favorite. “I wake without bedhead or pillow marks, my skin is far less irritated, and I’m not sticking to the pillowcase, no matter how toasty I get,” she says. The smooth and durable silk pillowcase can also be purchased as a bundle, which includes a matching sleep mask.
Commerce writer Britt was happily surprised with this budget-friendly silk pillowcase from Mildly Home. “I really liked this pillowcase more than I expected to, and it’s less than half the price of my all-time favorite silk pillowcase,” she says. “I also really liked that the zipper kept the pillow from sliding out of the case, no matter how much I tossed and turned!” Compared to more expensive silk pillowcases, it feels just as smooth, soft, and cool, says Britt. She typically wears a satin bonnet when she sleeps, but the one night she forgot, she woke up with hair that wasn’t dried or tangled. She also wakes up free of lines and creases on her face, thanks to this pillowcase — perfect for that morning video call.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a budget-friendly option.
Good to Know: It comes in five beautiful color palettes — Britt loves the blue!
*Honorable Mention: Britt also recommends the Mellanni 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase as another budget-friendly option. It has a momme count of 19, which isn’t as high as our best pick, but it comes in several more colors and is still extremely soft and luxurious for its price point. Since it’s delicate, Britt notes to adhere to the care instructions.
Multiple AT staffers love Brooklinen’s Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, especially our master tester Britt, who gave it a glowing review and says that it’s by far her favorite mulberry silk pillowcase. “Once I started sleeping with this pillowcase, I definitely noticed a change in my skin,” says Britt. “I don’t break out very often, in general, but I woke up looking rested with smooth, clear skin versus having to deal with any lines on my face from a wrinkled pillowcase.” She also adds how easy Brooklinen’s pillowcases are to clean. “Even if you don’t wash them exactly right, they won’t get ruined after one bad wash.”
I’m also a huge fan of this pillowcase, which fits my pillow perfectly and comes in several limited edition colors and patterns that you can’t find anywhere else. I’m obsessed with the funky Wild Purple pattern that adds a colorful, unique touch to my bedding. I’ll definitely be grabbing another to create a matching set before this pattern goes out of stock!
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a reliable pillowcase, but nothing too fancy. Those who like fun colors and limited-edition pattern options.
Good to Know: You can also purchase Brooklinen’s Mulberry Silk Pillowcase as a bundle, which includes a silk eye mask so you can really catch those Zzzs. Scrunchies and a solo eye mask are also available.
The Parachute Silk Pillowcase is the first silk pillowcase I tested, and it was a total game changer for my dry skin and frizzy hair. It has a 25 momme count, which sets it apart from most others, as you can immediately feel the difference when you slide your hand across it. I also love that it’s OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The care instructions recommend washing it in a mesh bag, but I’ve had no problems washing it without one alongside other delicates. The only downsides are its price point, which is higher than MYK’s silk pillowcase of the same momme count, and its limited color selection. But, given how soft and visibly thick and durable this pillowcase is, there’s no way we could leave it off this list. I know I’ll personally be using mine for years to come.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a luxurious and soft pillowcase; those looking for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified bedding.
Good to Know: In addition to being free of over 100 harmful substances, Parachute’s fabrics aren’t artificially softened.
For those who don’t love the look of shiny pillows atop their cotton or linen sheets but still want all the beauty benefits of a silk pillowcase, CULTIVER’S Silk Linen Flip Pillowcase is the perfect solution. We’re big fans of the brand’s luxuriously soft linen (in fact, their sheets made our Best List), so the dual-sided combination of mulberry silk and linen may just be the versatile solution we all need — especially those of us sticking to a certain decor aesthetic. It’s definitely the best of both worlds for AT contributor Alyssa, who loves sleeping on the silk side at night and then flipping the pillow over when making her bed in the morning to showcase the equally luxurious linen side.
Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t like the look of silk; those who want options; those who love the feel of both silk and linen.
Good to Know: The pillowcase can also be purchased in a set of two and as a bundle with an added silk sleep mask. Did we mention it also comes with a matching silk and linen drawstring bag? This may be your new travel companion.
NIGHT’s Trisilk Luxe Pillowcase is just that: luxe. It’s super soft with a bit of stretch, given the added spandex, which makes it a great option if you want something luxurious but with a little give. I received the Standard/Queen size for testing, but it seemed pretty loose on my pillow, despite its use of spandex for a snug fit. However, I do think my pillow is quite flat and that perhaps a larger pillow would work perfectly. I love that this pillowcase has both a zipper and envelope flap, which hides the zipper, but the flap is visible on the front (overly so with my flat pillow), which is an aesthetic choice.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a pillowcase with stretch; those who want added protection for their pillow.
Good to Know: This pillowcase is available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Nordstrom so you can easily add it to your existing carts (or just shop from your favorite retailer).
SEO writer Sarah loves Bedsure’s 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, which comes with a bonus eye mask for a truly peaceful night of sleep. “It’s silky soft so it feels great against the skin, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my hair — my blowouts look better longer and it’s been so kind to my curls (nothing better than waking up after a wash day and not having frizzy curls).” While the pillow tends to wrinkle easily, this wasn’t a deal breaker for Sarah, who also loves the matching eye mask. “I think this makes it a lovely gift for the wellness obsessed in your life as well as a great travel option for those looking to keep their sleep routine in tact while on the go.” While the instructions say to dry clean or hand wash, Sarah machine washed hers on gentle and hung it over her shower door to dry.
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for an affordable option; those who prefer a pillowcase with an envelope closure; those looking for the perfect bundle to gift.
Good to Know: Sarah also recommends this set for travel so you can use your own pillowcase and catch some sleep with the eye mask wherever you go.
by Furnishly | Aug 11, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Now that I’m in my thirties, adequate sleep is one of those things I simply won’t sacrifice. I make it a point to get a full eight hours of zzz’s (yes, even on weeknights) because I feel like I’m running on E without adequate rest. Over the years, I’ve learned that calling it a night involves so much more than plopping your head on the pillow and drifting off. You need quality sheets, a cozy comforter, and (according to experts) total darkness. One way to achieve the latter? Sleep masks. After trying out several for our Best List, I totally fell in love with the lustrous silk sleep mask and pillowcase set from Cilque. Yep, going to bed just got oh-so bougie, and I’m loving it!
The Cilque sleep mask and pillowcase set seemed at first like an extravagant — but very giftable — purchase. However, after giving it a whirl for the first few nights, I’m pleasantly surprised by how much it’s transformed my sleep for the better.
Let’s start with the sleep mask: Simply put, it’s amazing. It’s made from 100 percent lustrous silk, and you can feel the high quality at the first buttery-soft touch. The moody mauve Amethyst colorway that I chose feels luxe and stylish, and the mask has a buckle- and clasp-free scrunchie strap that easily slips onto my head without getting caught in my hair. In the past, I’ve experimented with sleep masks that were either too tight (as in, caused blurred vision the next day due to excess pressure against my eyes) or slipped off in the middle of the night. ‘Twas not the case with the Cilque mask. This one stayed on all night and made me feel way more rested the following day. So far, so good!
Next, I was especially excited to try the silk pillowcase. Not only is silk said to be a good material for acne-prone skin (which I have), but my hairstylist recommends silk and satin pillowcases to help preserve braids and twists and to protect my curly/natural hair from frizz and breakage better than traditional cotton pillowcases. I typically wrap my hair up in a bonnet or silk scarf at night, but the Cilque pillowcase eliminates the need for that entirely.
The soft and breathable silk material of both these products made me drift off to sleep way faster than usual, and, to no surprise, the increase in quality sleep has left me feeling way more energized. What a win!
And when you’re ready to freshen up the Cilque set, just throw the mask and pillowcase into the washing machine on the gentle cycle and hang to dry. While the padding in the sleep mask has fluffed some since I first used this mask, the softness hasn’t changed one bit. If you’re able to splurge on one thing before the summer is out, my vote would be this divine sleep set. Trust me, it’s worth the spend!
Jasmine Grant
Senior Commerce Editor
Jasmine is Apartment Therapy’s Senior Commerce Editor, where she’s devoted to leading shopping guides and bringing you the best deals on the internet. She knows a whole lot about rugs, candles and geometric vases. Ask away!
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