15 best silk pillowcases for smoother hair and skin in 2024, tried and tested

As for other health benefits, the material is naturally breathable, hypoallergenic and prevents the build-up of dust mites, fungus, mould, and other allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Silk pillowcases also tend to be great at temperature regulating, which means less flipping of your pillow over to the cool side.

While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still under-researched, a few studies (like this 2019 article) have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see – just read the reviews for any silk pillowcase and you'll be convinced. Ready to switch over to a truly luxe silk pillowslip? Thought so.

The Big Silk Hypoallergenic Pillowcase

£74 at Anthropologie

Grey Oxford Square Silk Pillowcase

£40 at Jasmine Silk

• 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 luxury silk pillowcases run from 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 22 momme or 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). For the highest-quality textiles, look for mulberry silk; the fibres are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.
• Colour: These days you can find a silk pillowcase in almost any shade. Classics (like white, beige, and black) and jewel tones (like royal blue and orange) are the most common options. Silk is highly susceptible to washing machine-resistant stains, so pick a dark colour or a busy print if the marks will bother you.
• Closure: A zipper closure keeps the material tight over your pillow, making silk’s natural wrinkles less prevalent. Envelope closures, on the other hand, have more give. Fidgety sleepers might find that these slip off during the night.
• Care: Make sure to read the care instructions before throwing your pillowcase set in the laundry with your bed sheets and duvet cover. Not all pillowcases can be machine-washed on a delicate 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 price point options that stood the test of time just as much as Blissy and other high-end competitors.

Where beauty meets fashion meets homeware, there’s certainly a crossover of brands offering silk products, and therefore we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to silk pillowslips. On the one hand, you have the bedding-focused outlets such as Gingerlily, Soak & Sleep, and The White Company, and on the other, dedicated brands whose raison d’être is our silk-enhanced haircare and beauty regime. Think Blissy and SLIP. But high street giants such as John Lewis and M&S are not to be overlooked either, with some impressively wide silk pillowcase offerings, often at more affordable prices.

After more sleep content? Head this way for the best silk bedding to transform your bedroom, and in this direction for mattresses for your best night’s sleep yet. This way for mattress toppers, weighted blankets, mattress protectors and body pillows. Finish things off with the best duvet covers, blankets, linen bedding and a good quality pillow spray to send you off to the Land of Nod.