How to choose your silk pillowcase: the complete guide

What Is the Best Silk Pillowcase?

These days, many brands sell silk pillowcases online. As a result, choosing among all these brands isn’t always easy. The best pillowcase choice depends largely on your budget, the size of your pillow, the type of closure you prefer, and how much importance you place on color options.

To compare products as closely as possible, we’ve selected four mulberry silk pillowcases with a density of 22 mommes.  The table below lists only the essential features, but we’ve also prepared comprehensive comparisons for each of the brands mentioned in this article, which you can view if you’d like (links are available in this article).

Comparison of Four 22-momme Silk Pillowcases

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Housewife 22 momme silk pillowcase

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All four models share similar features: they are made from 22-momme mulberry silk. The most significant differences relate to price, available sizes, closure, and design.

Which pillowcase should you choose based on your priorities?

For a wide selection of sizes and colors

The Maison de la soie 22-momme pillowcase is an attractive option for those looking for 6A-grade mulberry silk, several standard sizes available in France, and a wide range of colors.

It is available in eight sizes, in rectangular formats (40x60, 40x75, 50x70, 50x75, 50x80) as well as square (60×60, 65×65, and 80×80). Its envelope closure holds the pillow securely in place without the need for a metal clasp.

For a zipper closure and silk advertised as organic

The Emily’s Pillow brand offers a pillowcase made of 22 mommes, grade 6A mulberry silk, certified to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Its zipper closure may be suitable for people who do not like flap closures.

However, its selection is limited to just three sizes (51×76, 51×91, and 65×65 cm). The price for the 51×76 cm size is slightly higher than that of Maison de la soie’s 50×75 cm size.

Would you like to learn more about the 22 mommes Emily’s Pillow pillowcase? We invite you to check out this comprehensive comparison: read the comparison

For a wide range of sizes and customization options

At LilySilk, you’ll find a minimalist silk pillowcase available in eight sizes, including several rectangular and square options. It also features a envelope-style opening, eliminating the need for a zipper.

The brand offers a monogramming option for an additional fee. Like the other pillowcases in this comparison, it has a thread count of 22 mommes. The unit price is €72 (excluding tax) per pillowcase. It’s important to note, however, that LilySilk ships from China, which means you’ll likely have to pay VAT and customs duties on your order. 

Find all the differences between the LilySilk and Maison de la soie pillowcases in our comprehensive comparison: View the comparison

For a premium offering and patterned designs

The pillowcase offered by Slip Silk is made from 22-momme, Grade 6A mulberry silk and features a zipper closure. The Australian brand offers a more limited selection of sizes but stands out with a wide range that includes solid colors (17 solid colors available) and patterned colors (11 patterned colors available).

Its price is significantly higher than that of the other products in this selection: the “Queen” rectangular size (51×76 cm) was listed at €118 at the time of our comparison.

To better compare the 22-momme Slip Silk pillowcase with the one from Maison de la soie, check out our comprehensive comparison: view the comparison 

What criteria should you consider when choosing a silk pillowcase?

Price or a brand’s reputation alone aren’t enough to determine a pillowcase’s quality. Several features should be closely examined before making your choice.

Composition

A pillowcase can be made entirely of silk or combine silk with another material. To enjoy the feel and properties of this natural fiber, make sure the composition clearly states “100% silk.”

The phrase “silk-like feel” does not necessarily mean that the fabric contains silk. Some retailers may use this term to describe a synthetic material (such as polyester satin) designed to imitate silk, but without silk’s natural properties.

Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk is a natural fiber produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori, which is traditionally fed mulberry leaves. It yields long, uniform silk threads that are perfectly suited for making smooth, even fabrics. Silkworm farming has its ancient origins in China. It is there that Maison de la soie pillowcases are crafted by expert hands.

Mulberry silk is often reserved for high-end pillowcases. However, the label “mulberry silk” alone is not enough to distinguish between two products. You must also look closely at the weight of the silk used and its grade. Information regarding the weaving process and finishes can also be taken into account.

The Grade of the Silk

Some brands specify a grade up to 6A. Grade 6A corresponds to the highest quality level for the silk threads used in manufacturing.

When the grade is not specified, this does not automatically mean the silk is of poor quality. However, the absence of a silk grade does not reflect well on the brand that fails to mention it.

Certification

The presence of OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification indicates that the textile has been tested and meets the requirements of this independent institute regarding the absence of substances harmful to health.

This certification is a recognized mark of trust in the textile industry.

Understanding Momme: Which Density Should You Choose?

Momme is a unit traditionally used to express the weight of a silk fabric. The higher the number of mommes, the greater the amount of silk used per unit area.

A higher momme count generally results in a denser, stronger, and more durable fabric. The momme of a silk fabric is an important factor to consider, but it alone does not determine the fabric’s quality.

For bedding items such as pillowcases, weights typically range from 19 to 25 momme. At Maison de la soie, you can even find pillowcases up to 30 momme.

A 19-momme pillowcase

19-momme silk feels light and smooth to the touch. It’s a great way to get started with natural silk on a more affordable budget.

For everyday use, it should be cared for with care to preserve its fibers and softness.

A 22-momme pillowcase

The 22-momme variety offers a popular balance between softness, density, and durability. It’s ideal for those looking for a thicker pillowcase that’s just as soft as a 19-momme model, without the higher price tag of heavier weights.

While the 19-momme silk pillowcase can be considered the more affordable entry-level option, the 22-momme silk pillowcase falls into the mid-range category.

25- and 30-momme pillowcases

The 25- and 30-momme weights are designed for those seeking a thicker, denser fabric that feels just as luxurious.

These high-end models require a greater investment. Choosing a higher thread count isn’t essential for all users: a good-quality 19- or 22-momme pillowcase is perfectly suitable for everyday use.

Maison de la soie currently offers pillowcases in 19, 22, 25, and 30 mommes, with or without a ruffle depending on the collection.

Why choose a silk pillowcase for your hair?

The main difference between silk and rougher fabrics like cotton or synthetic materials lies in the smoothness of their surface. Since hair glides more easily against the pillowcase, it experiences less friction throughout the night.

This lack of friction, combined with contact with the silk protein, helps reduce tangles, frizz, breakage, and static in the morning when you wake up. Unlike cotton or polyester, silk helps preserve your hair’s moisture, and the results are usually visible fairly quickly.

Fine or Damaged Hair

Fine hair is often more prone to breakage. Night after night, contact with mulberry silk helps protect it and can make styling easier when you wake up.

A silk pillowcase doesn’t repair damaged hair, but it helps create a gentler environment while you sleep. 

Dry hair

Silk generally absorbs less moisture and hair care products than an absorbent fabric like cotton, which will “soak up” the treatments applied to your hair. It can therefore help better retain the products applied to the lengths of your hair before bedtime.

However, a silk pillowcase is still just a complement to your beauty routine and does not replace the moisturizing or nourishing treatments you might use.

Curly, Wavy, or Coily Hair

Textured hair is particularly sensitive to friction and dehydration. A silk pillowcase can help preserve curl definition, reduce frizz, and minimize tangles when you wake up.

It can also be used in conjunction with a protective hairstyle or a silk night hat.

Straight hair

For straight hair, reducing friction can help minimize static electricity and prevent stray strands from forming overnight.

Regardless of hair type, results also depend on the condition of your hair, your hair care routine, and how often you care for the pillowcase.

Is a silk pillowcase suitable for sensitive skin?

Silk’s soft, satiny surface creates less mechanical friction than other materials commonly used to make bedding. This softness can be appreciated by people whose skin is sensitive to repeated contact with the pillow.

Silk is also less absorbent than some other fabrics. As a result, it tends to retain less of the skincare products applied to the face before bedtime.

However, a silk pillowcase is not a dermatological treatment. In cases of persistent irritation, severe acne, eczema, or allergies, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Regardless of the material chosen, a pillowcase should be washed regularly. The softness of the fabric does not exempt you from maintaining good bedding hygiene.

How do you choose the right size?

The size of your pillowcase should match that of your pillow. A pillowcase that is too small is not recommended because the pillow could put strain on the seams of the pillowcase. A pillowcase that is too large will wrinkle and won’t hold the pillow as well.

Among the sizes commonly found in France are:

• 40×60 cm for some small rectangular pillows
• 50×70 or 50×75 cm for rectangular pillows
• 60×60 or 65×65 cm for square pillows
• 80×80 cm for large square pillows

International brands sometimes use the terms “Standard,” “Queen,” or “King.” It’s important to check the exact dimensions in centimeters, as these sizes don’t always correspond perfectly to French standards.

Envelope closure or zipper closure?

The closure primarily affects the pillow’s shape retention, but it’s also a matter of aesthetics.

The envelope closure

The envelope closure uses a fabric flap to keep the pillow inside the pillowcase. It contains no metal parts and offers a very discreet finish, often appreciated for its simplicity and elegance.

The flap must be deep enough to prevent the pillow from slipping out of the cover.

The zipper closure

The zipper completely encloses the pillow and ensures a secure fit. A high-quality zipper should be slim, securely sewn, and positioned so as not to interfere with sleep.

Neither of these two systems is inherently superior to the other. The choice depends mainly on individual habits and preferences.

How do you care for a silk pillowcase?

A silk pillowcase can retain its feel and appearance for a long time as long as you follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

In most cases, it is recommended to:

• wash the pillowcase by hand or in the washing machine on a delicate cycle
• use a low temperature, generally limited to 30 °C
• turn the pillowcase inside out and place it inside a care net
• use a special silk detergent
• select a gentle spin cycle (400 revolutions per minute maximum)
• Avoid the dryer and direct heat sources
• Let the pillowcase air dry naturally

Fabric softeners, bleaching agents, and detergents containing harsh enzymes can damage the fibers. Always check the care label and the care instructions on the manufacturer’s website, as recommendations may vary.

FAQ – How to Choose the Right Silk Pillowcase

Our Detailed Comparisons