The 6 best silk pillowcases of 2025, tested and reviewed

Business Insider

03-06-2025

As a hot sleeper with frizzy hair and acne, I'm the perfect candidate for a silk pillowcase. The best silk pillowcases offer benefits for skin and hair thanks to their smooth, slick surface that reduces friction and snags, preventing breakage, tangles, wrinkles, and other benefits while also providing a soothing, cool feeling and temperature regulation for hot sleepers. They're a great investment for anyone with curly or dry hair, sensitive skin, or acne. And so, lured by the siren song of smooth curl structure and soft skin, I set out on a mission to find the best silk pillowcases.
Silk is known for its softness and durability, with a shiny luster and a slick feel. Unlike satin, which is a type of fabric weave, silk is a natural animal product, made with the cocoons of silk worms. Silk is measured in mommes, which refers to the weight of the silk and indicates quality and density.
When testing silk pillowcases for this guide, I considered aspects like feel, effect on hair and skin, cooling, durability, and care, while also noting mommes, closure type, and price range. I also talked to two experts: Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist in NYC and an assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of the book "Skin Rules" and Katrina Walker, sewing professional and textile expert.
Our top pick, the Lilysilk 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase, is made with GOTS-certified, luxurious, thick silk. It's impressively durable and has a 100-night trial. The Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is our best budget pick, made with 100% mulberry silk for under $30.
Our top picks for best silk pillowcases
Best overall: Lilysilk 22 Momme Silk Pillowcase- See at Lilysilk
Best budget: Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase- See at Amazon
Best for skin and hair: Slip Silk Pillowcase- See at Amazon
Best overall
When I think of the ideal silk pillowcase, I think of luxuriously soft yet durable fabric, a cooling touch, and a soothing feel on the skin. Lilysilk's 22 Momme Silk Pillowcase checks all of those boxes. Made with Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified organic materials, this pillowcase performed very well in all our tests, from comfort to cooling.
The silk is noticeably thick and high-quality, and is resistant to tearing. I loved the way it felt against my skin and hair. It's incredibly comfortable to sleep on, and I found myself gravitating toward it when I wasn't actively testing another product. Even now, after the testing period is over, you can find the Lilysilk pillowcase on my bed.
To test durability, I scratched the pillowcase with my fingernails 50 times to simulate pet scratching or an earring catching in your pillowcase, I noticed no loose threads or pilling. It also performed well in cooling tests, only increasing in temperature by about 2.2 degrees after lying on it for two minutes. Subjectively, I never once woke up feeling overheated when using this pillowcase.
I noticed that the pillowcase wrinkles easily, especially immediately after removing it from its packaging and washing. The washing process is more tedious than that of other pillowcases in our guide. While some silk pillowcases can be machine washed on delicate, the Lilysilk pillowcase is hand-wash only. That said, it held up well to handwashing. All saliva stains (gross, I know) were completely gone after hand washing.
Lilysilk's silk pillowcase comes in standard, queen, and king sizes. You choose from eight colors, from a classic black to a sunny butter yellow. Add a personal flair to your silk pillowcase with a monogram in the top-right corner. For $20, you can embroider up to 10 characters. Non-customized items can be returned within 100 days of use, although you'll have to pay for return fees.
Best budget
Silk is a pricey material, making finding a budget silk pillowcase difficult. Many companies remedy the expense by blending silk with a cheaper material, like cotton, or using silk on only one side of the pillowcase. But our budget pick, the Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, is made entirely with 100% 19-momme mulberry silk and costs under $30 on Amazon.
When I unboxed it, I was impressed with its quality. I had expected a cheaper feel, but Bedsure's pillowcase compared well to pillowcases double the price. It's not the thickest silk, but it's remarkably smooth. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin and hair when I used this silk pillowcase.
One of my pillow pet peeves is when a pillow shifts in its pillowcase. That said, I loved the hidden zipper in this pillowcase. The pillowcase fit the pillow well, and the zipper kept everything in place. I never felt the zipper when I was sleeping, either.
Between care and abrasion testing, this isn't the most durable option. This pillowcase stained easily, with noticeable saliva stains against the light pink color. Bedsure's silk pillowcase is handwash only, and even when I scrubbed at the stains per the care instructions, they remained. The stains aren't as pronounced now, but they still stand out on the pillowcase. There were also several loose threads after abrasion testing.
Bedsure's silk pillowcase also has subpar cooling. It started at 73.2 degrees Fahrenheit before rising to 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit after I lay on it, which was above the average starting and testing temperatures. That said, the heat dissipated to the original temperature after two minutes.
Bedsure offers 30-day returns for their products, but you'll have to pay a $9.99 return fee if your item isn't defective when you buy directly from their website. On Amazon, you can return your pillowcase within 30 days for free. The Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is sold in three sizes and eight colors.
Best cooling
As a hot sleeper, I find that the heat from my face gets trapped in my pillowcase, which leaves me flipping my pillow over to find the cool side. I never had that issue when testing the Celestial Silk 25-Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. The fabric stayed cool to the touch throughout the night, easily dissipating my body heat for a comfortable night's sleep.
While the Celestial Silk pillowcase wasn't the objectively most cooling pillowcase we tried— that title goes to the Slip Silk Pillowcase, our best for skin and hair pick — it was still outstanding in our cooling tests. Plus, it subjectively felt the coolest throughout the testing period.
I was also impressed with this pillowcase's ease of cleaning. While other picks in our guide are handwash only, the Celestial Silk is machine washable. Just toss it in a delicates bag, wash on a cold cycle, and then hang to air dry. The pillow looked and felt good as new after washing and drying.
After unboxing the pillowcase, I did notice some loose threads in the seam, but I could remove them without damaging it. Celestial Silk also only offers 30-day returns for unused items.
The Celestial Silk 25-momme pillowcase is available in 19 colors and patterns. I tried the hot pink and loved the splash of vibrant color it brought to my room, but you can also buy it in neutral tones or designs like floral or marble. It's available in standard, queen, and king.
Best for skin and hair
My skin and hair can be temperamental. I have dry, sensitive skin that's prone to acne and wavy-curly hair that loves to frizz no matter the time of year. Like many other people on their curly hair journey, I've heard silk combats bedhead for smoother hair. After testing almost a dozen silk pillowcases, I found that Slip's Silk Pillowcase is the best for skin and hair.
I usually sleep with a satin bonnet to protect my hair, so I was nervous to sleep without one while testing silk pillowcases. Usually, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase completely ruins my curl structure and leaves my hair frizzy and poofy the next day. With Slip's pillowcase, though, my curls looked soft and bouncy, even without a satin bonnet.
I saw benefits in my skin, too. I noticed a considerable reduction in my skin's redness and didn't have as many breakouts. My skin felt plump and moisturized — a far cry from the tight, dry skin I usually have after waking up on a cotton pillowcase.
The benefits for skin and hair come from the pillowcase's unbelievably smooth texture. This pillowcase was, by far, the softest and smoothest silk pillowcase I tried. There was little friction between my head and the pillow. Plus, it performed best in our cooling tests, so it's great for hot sleepers, too.
The quality comes at a high price tag, though. A queen-size pillowcase will cost you $105. It's also cumbersome to wash since Slip recommends a specific pH-neutral detergent to clean it.
Slip's silk pillowcases, which are sold in queen and king sizes, are also available with an envelope enclosure. Slip consistently releases limited-edition colors and patterns—I especially love the scalloped edge and vibrant pink and red stripes on this pillowcase.
Best organic
The process for silk to be considered organic differs from that of other materials since silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms. To be considered organic, all fibers must be made using sustainable practices and be chemical and GMO-free. For silk, the silkworms must only eat organic plant matter, and the cocoons must be boiled and washed.
Because of these requirements, organic silk is difficult to find, so I was excited to try Clementine's Organic 22-momme Silk Pillowcase. I attest, it's a hidden gem. Not only did I sleep easy knowing that the pillowcase was GOTS-certified organic, but I loved this pillowcase's feel. It had the thickest silk of all the pillowcases I tested. It was also ridiculously soft, with a feel similar to a bamboo sheet.
The envelope enclosure did have a habit of slipping off at night, but it was a quick fix in the morning. Even the packaging is perfect — your pillowcase comes in a cotton cover in a thick, magnetic cardboard box. It'd make an ideal gift for the eco-conscious friend. It comes in seven colors, including a luxe gold, and queen and king sizes.
As expected for the quality and certification, this is an expensive pillowcase. You can also only return your pillowcase if unused within 30 days, so it's more of a risk if you decide you don't like it. I also noticed torn threads in the stitching and pillow during abrasion testing; it sustained the most damage of all the pillowcases I tested. You'll have to be extra careful when using this pillowcase and keep it away from pets and their claws.
Best mulberry
In my interview with Walker, she said that mulberry silk is produced by a certain type of moth caterpillar. "'Mulberry silk' refers to silk produced by the Bombyx mori silk moth, a domesticated insect. The Bombyx mori silk moth caterpillar only eats the leaves of the mulberry tree," Walker said. "As a result, the cocoons it spins are pure white." While many picks in our guide are made of mulberry silk, Fisher's Finery takes the cake for best mulberry silk pillowcase.
At 30 mommes, it's rare to find such high-weighted silk. I tried the 25 momme and 30 momme silk pillowcases from Fisher's Finery, and I could immediately tell a difference between the two pillowcases. The 30 momme pillowcase is thick and substantial. While it wasn't the softest pillowcase I tested, it performed well in the cooling tests, so it's a good choice for hot sleepers.
I did notice that this envelope-style pillowcase moved around on the pillow a lot. I had to readjust it each morning to fit properly on my pillow. It also slipped around the bed — I frequently woke up with it on the floor after shifting around at night.
This pillowcase is easy to care for, especially since Fisher's Finery provides a mesh delicates bag with each silk pillowcase (which came in handy as I washed the other pillowcases, too). That said, there was noticeable pilling and torn threads after washing, so you'll want to be extra careful when caring for this pillowcase.
Fisher's Finery offers 30-day returns for unused silk pillowcases. They are sold in standard, queen, and king sizes and are available in packs of two and singles. It comes in eight neutral colors, including striped designs.
What else we tested
Besides our top picks, these are the other silk pillowcases we tested:
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: We love Brooklinen's 365-day return policy, but this pillowcase was thinner and scratchier than others we tested.
What to look for
Material: Silk is measured in mommes, which refers to the number of silk fibers in your pillowcase. You can find silk ranging from 19 to 30 mommes, with higher momme counts meaning a more durable and luxurious pillowcase. Mulberry silk is the golden standard and highest quality silk.
Closure style: There are two main closure styles: envelope and zippered. Envelope enclosures have an interior pocket that hugs the edge of the pillow, while the outer flap covers the pocket for a seamless look. Zippered closures have a zipper on the edge of the pillowcase and keep the pillow stay secures in the pillowcase. Closure style comes down to personal preference, depending on the look, adjustability, and fit you prefer. Most brands sell silk pillowcases in both closure styles.
Durability: Silk pillowcases are an investment, so you'll want one that will last for years. Higher mommes mean a heavier silk, so they're usually more durable.
Care: Silk is notoriously difficult to care for. It's a strong yet delicate material, so care instructions for silk pillowcases can be complicated. Many silk pillowcases are hand-wash only, but others are machine-washable on a delicate setting. Also, pay particular attention to the recommended detergent, since some silk pillowcases require special silk or pH-neutral detergent. All silk pillowcases should be air dried, and be careful to keep them away from the sun, which can hurt the gentle silk fibers in your pillowcase.
Color/Pattern selection: In this guide, we've tried to include picks with a range of classic, neutral colors and fun, bright styles. Choose the design that blends seamlessly into your bedroom, or pick a vibrant pattern for a standout piece.
How we tested
Effect on hair and skin: To test the impact on hair and skin, I slept on each silk pillowcase with my hair down for seven nights while continuing my usual hair and skincare routines. Then, I noted the look and feel of my hair and skin, focusing specifically on issues like frizz and acne.
Cooling: To test cooling, I first measured the temperature of each pillowcase on my Brooklinen Down Pillow before lying down. Then, I lay my face on the pillow for two minutes. After the two-minute period, I measured again. Finally, I measured the last temperature two minutes after lying down to determine how the pillowcase dissipates heat. I also noted if I overheated in my sleep during the testing period.
Durability: I tested durability by scratching each silk pillowcase with my fingernails 50 times in two places: once in the middle of the pillow and once near a seam. This test was meant to replicate accidentally scratching your pillowcase, pet nails, or snagging an earring on the fabric. My partner, who has stubble, slept with each silk pillowcase for seven nights to check for noticeable damage from abrasion. I also looked for torn threads and pilling after washing.
Care: I followed the care instructions for each silk pillowcase. After washing and drying, I also checked how well any stains were removed from the pillowcase.
What's the difference between silk and satin pillowcases?
Silk is a natural animal product, whereas satin is a type of weave that can be made from any material. Silk pillowcases are generally more expensive than satin pillowcases since creating and harvesting silk is cumbersome. Both silk and satin pillowcases are good for hair and skin.
What is "momme," and why does it matter?
A momme refers to the weight of silk, so a heavier weight means there are more silk fibers in the fabric, according to Walker. "Momme" (pronounced "mummy") is a historic unit of weight measurement. The abbreviation is "mm" which should not be confused with millimeter, which is a measurement of thickness or length — when you see "mm" in reference to silk it is a measurement of weight," she said. "Although we now have much more common units of measurement for weight, momme is still used in the silk trade."
"Silk is sold by weight and always has been sold this way," Walker continued. "When comparing fabrics of the same weave structure (silk charmeuse, a crepe-back satin, for instance), the heavier momme indicates a thicker yarn and generally a higher quality fabric."
Is mulberry silk better than other types of silk?
As Walker said, mulberry silk is made by feeding the Bombyx mori silk moth caterpillar mulberry leaves. "Other breeds of silk-producing moths' caterpillars eat a wider variety of leaves, which permanently color the silk," Walker said. "You are what you eat!"
Because of the creation process, Walker also says that mulberry silk is generally better than other types of silk. "'Mulberry silk' is arguably of higher quality than many other types of silk due to its consistent fiber diameter and its ease of dyeing into vibrant colors," Walker said.
How do I clean a silk pillowcase?
Walker recommends handwashing your silk pillowcase and air drying it, rather than putting it in the dryer. "To ensure the longest life for your silk pillowcase, it is recommended to hand wash it with mild soap or detergent, roll in a towel to remove the excess water, and lay flat to dry. A light rinse in a liquid fabric softener can help preserve the softness," she said. Be gentle with the silk when washing, as it is weaker when wet. Dry cleaning is also an excellent option."
Do silk pillowcases help with frizz and wrinkles?
Dr. Jaliman said that silk pillowcases help with wrinkles and skin texture. "Silk reduces friction on the skin, so it helps prevent sleep lines and wrinkles," she said. "Silk absorbs less moisture than, for example, cotton, so it's better for keeping your products on the skin and not absorbing them into the pillowcase."
Silk pillowcases also work to combat frizz. "Since silk is very smooth, it reduces friction and prevents frizziness of the hair," Jaliman said. "It also helps to maintain a hairstyle longer because of less friction on the hair."
Are silk pillowcases good for acne-prone skin?
A quality silk pillowcase can last for years. To increase its longevity, be sure to follow the care label's instructions.
"A silk pillowcase's lifespan is determined by the thickness of the fabric and quality of construction combined with laundering habits and the person using the pillow," Walker said. "Someone with stubble facial hair will wear out a silk pillowcase faster due to abrasion over time. Putting a silk pillowcase in a washing machine and dryer will also eventually abrade the pillow. But even with this mistreatment, a good quality pillowcase can likely last a few years."
Kinsley Searles
Home and Sleep Reviews Fellow
Kinsley Searles first joined Business Insider as a Freelance Writer in February 2024 where she tested and reviewed products from carry on luggage to hamster cages. Kinsley joined the Reviews team as a Home and Sleep Reviews Fellow in February 2025. A self proclaimed connoisseur of all things cozy, she is devoted to researching and trying the most innovative sleep and home products on the market. A lifelong Kansan now living in Indiana, Kinsley received her B.A. in English Literature and her M.A. in Composition and Rhetoric from Kansas State University. When she's not researching or trying out a new mattress, you can find Kinsley playing video and card games, attempting every arts and crafts project, watching bad movies, and hanging out with her spoiled and crazy dog, Boo.
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