I found myself in a bit of a predicament when coming to choose my pillow cases, do silk pillow cases make a difference?
Then I realised that I wanted to share all I know about silk pillow cases before you buy one.
Let’s get right into it.
What is silk and do silk pillow cases make a difference?
Did you know that silk is derived from an ancient Chinese process called Sericulture? The most prized silks are produced by this way.
Silkworms produce through their salivary glands silk cocoons and dependant on if its the outer or in inner cocoon layer it produces different quality of silk.
The outer cocoon layer produces the raw silk whereas the inner cocoon layer produces fine silk.
A silk pillow case is a cushion cover made out of silk.
But in the world of silk pillow cases you must be aware that some brands can have silk blends instead and pass them off as silk! So beware of the below facts when you choose your silk pillowcases!
The Silk comes in 3 different main grades of silk type and this will largely affect the quality of the silk.
What silk grades are there?
The silk grade can play an important role in knowing if silk pillow cases make a difference.
Silk comes in 3 different grades:
Grade A silk
Grade A silk is top grade silk and has that lustful shine and colour to it. The best part of it is that it provides the most comfort you will ever experience, because the finer the silk does not require stitching to hold.
Making the silk pillow case in this grade as it can last up to 10 years and have a uniform temperature.
Just picture laying on your Grade A silk pillow case and that pillow fresh feeling.
Grade B silk
Grade B silk is silk which in layman terms has some clumps, requires some stitching and will create uneveness and air pockets. However, it does have almost the same colouration as Grade A silk.
Grade C silk
Grade C silk is even more clumps due to the thread from the inner part of the cocoon being shorter. It also has a yellow hue to it. All this will create more air pockets and uneveness unfortunately.
Bear in mind, that yearly there’s a limited supply of silk floss yearly.
Silk pillowcase quality depends very much on the above factors.
Is silk pillowcase thread count an important factor to consider?
Thread count is a measurement by which threads within one square centimeter or one square inch of fabric. This includes the length and width threads.
As a rule of thumb, the thread count comes hand in hand with Momme weight, this later is a unit used to measure the quality of silk fiber.
The higher the Momme weight the better the quality, Momme weight in silk can range from 19mm – 25 mm.
The higher the thread count as with the Momme weight also the better the quality of the silk.
Don’t forget that the better the quality, the longer it will last and the more expensive it will be.
What type of silk types are there?
There are four main silk types: Eri silk, Muga silk, Mulberry silk and Tasar silk.
However, there are 35 different types of silk found around the world.
The most sought out silk is Mulberry silk which accounts for 90% of the world silk.
Mulberry silk is the finest silk in the world. The softness of it and durability cannot be compared to other silk.
Why should you sleep on a silk pillow case?
Considering tthe amount of time that is spent sleeping in a lifetime, it is important to get the best possible sleep experience.
Sleep is the time where are body and mind regenerate, they don’t call it beauty sleep for no reason.
When it comes to resting your head on a silk pillow case, you will be surprised by how many dermatologists and beauty expert swear by it.
The beauty benefit as well as hypoallergenic properties can make it a true life saver!
A silk pillowcase is good for a series of reasons and this is why you should sleep on it:
Silk pillowcases reduce wrinkles
Have you ever stroked silk and seen how smooth the surface is?
Well, imagine that when you lay your face on it, the smoothness of the material will reduce the strain on the skin such as creasing your skin as you rest your face on it.
So when you move your face around your silk pillow in the long run, thanks to the extreme smoothness wrinkles will be reduced.
Silk pillowcase help acne
This unfortunately isn’t necessarily true but the benefit of a silk pillow case will greatly improve skin moisture levels.
So if your skin is more hydrated it will also look healthier.
Silk pillowcase protect hair
The major benefit behind owning silk pillow cases is that silk unlike other materials has the key benefit of not sucking out moisture!
This in turn helps keep the moisture in your hair rather than draining it out.
So this is a god send for people who suffer from a dry scalp, dry hair or hair breakage.
A silk pillowcase to prevent hair breakage may be well be the solution to your hair problems.
Silk pillowcase to prevent frizzy hair
The smoothing properties of silk will ensure a friction free surface for hair so that tangles, bed hair and frizz will be minimised.
People with curly or textured hair have used this secret for years to keep their hair frizz-free.
Silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic and antu-bacterial
The hypoallergenic properties derive from the fact that silk does not irritate skin and thanks to it not being exposed to chemicals and dyes can reduce allergic reactions or irritation from these factors.
Silk also deters moulds, fungi, dust mites!
Silk pillowcases regulate temperature
A main silk property includes the fact that its a temperature regulating material.
Silk has the unique feature to warm up in accordance to your body temperature so if you are not a fan of that constant cold feeling you usually get with satin sheet silk may be a better option for you.
Will a silk pillow case make a difference?
A silk pillow case can make a difference for retaining skin and hair moisture. It also can reduce skin creasing and hair frizz.
Be ware that to reap these benefits you will have to look out for a high Momme count.
Battle of the fabrics
silk vs cotton pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are a great alternative to a cotton pillowcases for people with sensitive skin.
The smooth material minimises that cotton roughness and hence may well be an option to consider for the extremely sensitive skin types.
silk vs polyester pillow case
Unfortunately, polyester is made in the lab and can contain harsh chemical or dyes which are a complete no go for sensitive skin and should be completely avoided.
If you don’t want to invest in luxury silk, organic cotton may be a good option.
silk vs satin pillowcase
Silk is a natural fiber whereas satin is a weave.
Satin has a dull gloss appearance whereas silk has a shimmery one.
Both ssilk and satin provide a favourable material type to retain hair and skin hydration, as well as reduce skin creasing.
If you are a fan of cool retaining cases or sheets you are best going for satin.
Where can I buy a silk pillow case?
There are so many retailers who sell silk pillowcases, don’t forget that there are different grades of silk and silk blends when you are making your choice.
If you are looking for the finest Mulberry silk pillow cases Mayfair Silk provide 25mm Momme – finest 100% pure Mulberry silk pillow cases.
The silk pillowcases they offer are envelope style and come in a total of 7 colour variations:
- Brilliant White Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Teal Breeze Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Pastel Blue Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Ivory Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Precious Pink Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Charcoal Mulberry Silk pillow cases
- Midnight Blue Mulberry Silk pillow cases
These pillowcases are sold individually and come in it’s own gift box.
It also comes in two sizes a standard size 5[ 0x75cm (20x30in)] and a king size [ 50x90cm (20x36in)] pillow cover.
Silk pillowcase price range
The Mayfair Silk 25mm Momme 100% finest quality Mulberry Silk pillow case retails at only £59.
This is because this is the best silk type in the world.
Are there vegan silk pillowcases?
Bear in mind that silk comes from silk worms so it’s not exactly vegan.
But don’t despair there is a vegan silk alternative which is derived from Bamboo lycocel.
Bamboo lycocel is animal friendly and sustainable.
There are two brands leading the way with vegan silk and these are Hair lust and Etittude.
How can I tell that the silk is genuine
The sheen to the fabric will be a tell tale to check if its genuine silk.
Fake silk will have a white sheen to it where as real silk shimmers.
Real silk will be far more soft that fake silk.
Real silk when burnt will not produce a visible flame and will smell of burnt hair and fake one will have a visible flame and smell like plastic! (and no, I do not want you to flame test it!)
Washing silk pillow case instructions
Silk pillowcases should be either washed by hand or by washing machine on a max 30° cycle. As you have learnt silk is very delicate.
However, Mayfair Silk’s research has show that since silk is anti bacterial and hypo allergenic it doesn’t need washing as often as cotton. Every week or two can suffice.
Bear in mind if you notice any stains it is advisable you remove them as soon as you notice them.
Mayfair Silk’s research also suggests that the detergent you use should be ‘neutral’ pH. Most importantly the detergent should be a delicate non-bio detergent (by delicate non-bio the detergent needs to be without enzymes). The problem is that enzymes attack the protein of silk and break it up , making it brittle and damaging the fibres. This would destroy this delicate and luxurious material.
Turn the pillowcase inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag before placing it in the washing machine.
All be it,
Now that you’ve learnt all about silk pillowcases the choice is yours.
I own the Mayfair Silk MayfairSilk Pillowcase – Ivory 25 Momme – Finest 100% Pure Mulberry Silk – Envelope Style and it feels and looks magnificent.
Now that I am used to sleeping on silk covers I can’t imagine sleeping any other way.
My skin feels hydrated, skin will keep rejuvenated and my hair definitely frizz free.
If you enjoyed this post and are stuck on what perfume gift to get someone feel free to check out my post on TIRED OF HAVING TO FIND THE PERFECT PERFUME GIFT FOR HIM OR HER? I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM.
Did you enjoy this post? Do you have any silk preference? Comment below and let me know, I would love to know your point of view.
“Although the item above was gifted to me, all the opinions above are truthful and my own.”
