Best Silk Pillowcases UK

Best Silk Pillowcases UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 10 Min.

Silk pillowcases have become increasingly popular and are most well-known for their wide range of beauty benefits. 💋

But can silk pillowcases really make you look younger and healthier?

And should you buy a silk pillowcase?

We look at all the research and recommend some of the best silk pillowcases in the UK in our guide. 📖

Let’s get started.

Silk pillowcases
Sleep Hero Favourite

LilySilk 22 Momme Envelope Silk Pillowcase

The LilySilk 22 Momme Housewife Envelope Silk Pillowcase is made from 100% Grade 6A Mulberry Silk with a charmeuse 600-thread-count weave.

This pillowcase has a housewife envelope design to wrap loosely around any pillow.

The LilySilk 22 Momme Housewife Envelope Silk Pillowcase is made from the finest 100% Grade 6A Mulberry Silk with a charmeuse 600-thread-count weave. 🐛

lilysilk silk pillowcase on pillow
The Lily Silk 22 momme silk pillowcase is a high-quality product.

This design is one up from the entry-level 19 momme option but still more affordable than the very luxurious 25 momme silk pillowcase.

LilySilk's patented Lilyáurea

All LilySilk silk products are made using Lilyáurea, an original patented silk technology that relies on over 40 years of selective hybridisation and breeding rare wild silkworms.

This results in a silk that is pure, natural, and with a golden yellow colour that doesn't require secondary dyeing. 

Most dyed silk removes sericin from the surface of the silk.

By not removing this surface sericin, LilySilk products are kinder to the environment and also have more antibacterial properties. 

They are more sensitive, though, and it's recommended to keep Lilyáurea out of direct sunlight. ☀️

LilySilk products are also OEKO-TEX certified and free from harmful substances. 

 

The 100% natural mulberry silk is rich in 18 different kinds of beneficial amino acids, enhancing silk's natural properties.

The LilySilk pillowcases are a dream to sleep on and keep hair smooth and skin wrinkle-free.

We found the LilySilk pillowcase particularly soft and comfortable. 🥰

The pillowcase is also dual-sided, so you can turn your pillow around if need be

 

While secondary dyeing is not required, LilySilk products are available in a range of colours and patterns to suit any bedroom decor.

The LilySilk 22 momme silk pillowcase has a housewife envelope design, meaning it can simply be wrapped around your pillow like a standard pillowcase.

Multiple pillowcase sizes are available, but we found the pillowcase to have a rather loose fit.

LilySilk delivery

LilySilk pillowcases are delivered in sturdy cardboard envelopes, which are easy to open up with a simple tear design.

We received an email to track the delivery status as soon as the order was placed. ✈️

The actual pillowcase is protected in tissue paper. 

In addition to the pillowcases, the packaging also includes a range of beautifully designed cards with information on silk and the LilySilk brand.

LilySilk products are made to order, so the brand never overproduces or wastes raw materials.

Lilysilk pillowcase in tissue paper
The Lily Silk pillowcases are wrapped in tissue paper and delivered in reusable cardboard envelopes.

Excess fabric is also used to make secondary products like silk eye masks and scrunchies, which are often included as free gifts.

You can hand-wash LilySilk pillowcases at 30°C or machine-wash cold on the gentlest cycle available, but professional dry cleaning is recommended. 🧼

LilySilk offers a 100-night trial period, and you can return or exchange your pillowcase within that period if you're not completely satisfied.

While the trial is largely risk-free in that you can use the pillowcase, you will have to cover the return shipping fees.

BUY LILYSILK 22 MOMME PILLOWCASE£ 49

  LilySilk 22 Momme Envelope Silk Pillowcase
Material:  100% Grade 6A mulberry silk
Sides:  Dual-sided
Fit:  Housewife envelope design
Washing instructions:  Hand wash or machine-wash cold
Trial period: 100-night trial
What we love about this product:  High-quality design and the silkiest feel
Natural Choice

Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk Pillow Cases

The Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk Pillow Case is a vegan alternative to traditional silk pillowcases.
  • 100% vegan eucalyptus silk
  • Machine wash cold
  • 30-night better skin guarantee

Tell me more about the Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk Pillow Case

The Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk Pillow Case is a 100% vegan silk pillowcase suitable for those leading a plant-based lifestyle. 

It has a silky soft feel and is designed to prevent skin creases and hair breakage. 

Eucalyptus silk is incredibly durable and gets softer and silkier with each wash.

Aeyla products come with free delivery and returns, which can be made within 30 days for refunds or exchanges.

If you haven't seen an improvement in your skin or hair and aren't happy with your purchase, Aeyla will offer you a full refund.

Reasons to buy

Vegan-friendly and sustainable

Hypoallergenic & antibacterial properties

Cheaper than real silk

Reasons to avoid

Fairly pricey 

Doesn't feel quite the same as real silk 

Silky Soft

Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is made from premium Grade 6A silk.
  • 100% mulberry silk
  • OEKO-TEX certified
  • Great for hair & skin 

Tell me more about the Amazon Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is silky soft and made from OEKO-TEX-approved 19 momme mulberry silk.

It's recommended for hair and face protection, providing a slippery surface for your skin to glide on and protecting hair (especially curls) while sleeping.

Unlike envelope pillowcases, the Alaska Bear pillowcase has a hidden zipper, ensuring that the case stays fit over your pillow.

While some zippers can be uncomfortable, the Alaska Bear zipper is beautifully designed, and we didn't feel it at all while sleeping.

The Alaska Bear silk pillowcase is available in 30 different colours and patterns and is also available in a wide range of standard pillow sizes. 

Alaska Bear recommends that you hand-wash the pillow in cold water using only natural detergents, but you can also machine-wash it on the gentlest cycle. 

Reasons to buy

Silky soft feel

Hypoallergenic & breathable

Free delivery & returns

Reasons to avoid

Requires delicate care

Budget-Friendly

Jasmine Silk 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Jasmine Silk 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase features a Charmeuse silk weave.
  • 19 momme mulberry silk 
  • 300-thread cotton
  • 50 x 75 cm (19.6 x 29.5")
  • Envelope design 

Tell me more about the Jasmine Silk 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Jasmine Silk 100% Mulberry Silk pillowcase is soft and smooth, made of 19 momme silk in a charmeuse weave.

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, which is great for sensitive skin and eczema and protects skin and hair by providing a smooth surface to glide over.

The Jasmine Silk pillowcase only features silk on one side, with a 300-thread count cotton underside to prevent the pillow from slipping on the mattress. 

This makes the pillowcase a lot cheaper than other silk pillowcases, which is great for those looking to explore silk for the first time. 

We felt it fit quite loosely around our pillows, but this did further decrease friction, leading to a more comfortable sleep.

While the company also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, items will have to be returned as new and in their original packaging.

Reasons to buy

Hypoallergenic & OEKO-TEX certified

Easy care & machine-washable at 30°C

Affordable 

Reasons to avoid

Some customers had issues with the quality 

What are silk pillowcases?

Silk pillowcases, as the name suggests, are simply pillowcases made from silk.

These have become enormously popular in recent years due to their wide range of apparent beauty benefits.

Silk is a natural protein fibre composed of fibroin, most commonly produced by silkworms to form cocoons.

The best-known silk is won from the cocoons of the mulberry silkworm. 🐛

Silk itself is a luxurious, shimmering fabric that’s soft and smooth.

Satin looks and feels similar but is not a natural fibre.

Regardless, it is often marketed as equal to the best silk pillowcases UK, though it won’t have the full range of beauty benefits.

Let’s look at these next.

What are the benefits of using a silk pillowcase?

If you’ve been sleeping on cotton or even polyester pillowcases, you may be used to waking up with deep wrinkles on your cheeks (especially if you’re a side sleeper) or unmanageable, frizzy hair.

Beauty benefits of silk pillowcases
Silk pillowcases are known for their beauty benefits for both skin and hair.

Silk pillowcases promise to solve these problems.

Indeed, silk pillowcases have been trending for their remarkable beauty benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages of silk pillowcases. 🔍

Silk helps reduce the signs of ageing

Waking up with deep wrinkles is not uncommon.

This so-called “sleep creasing [1]” is often due to friction caused by tossing and turning on your pillow.

pillow case causing skin creasing
Less-smooth pillowcases can result in skin creasing.

Anything that helps reduce this friction is beneficial in minimising sleep-induced wrinkles.

Luxury silk pillowcases are much smoother and gentler on the skin than their cotton counterparts.

This has an anti-ageing effect by decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially for side sleepers, making silk pillowcases among the best pillowcases for people concerned about ageing.

For maximum effect, though, people concerned about fine lines and wrinkles should stay away from sleeping on their sides or stomach.

different sleeping positions
Some sleep positions cause more skin creasing than others.

Sleeping on your back is a much healthier position and is least likely to cause skin compression leading to wrinkles.

And our tests confirm this - we woke up with remarkably smoother skin when sleeping on a silk pillowcase than when sleeping on a high-quality cotton pillowcase.

While any best silk pillowcase UK will do the trick, we particularly enjoyed sleeping on the uber-luxurious LilySilk pillowcase.

BUY LILYSILK 22 MOMME PILLOWCASE£ 49

Silk helps your skin stay hydrated

As a natural protein fibre, silk won’t absorb your skin’s natural moisture.

This can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

But it could even help your evening skincare products soak in more efficiently.

While cotton often draws out moisture, minimising the effects of the products you’ve used, silk allows your overnight serums to penetrate the skin, giving you maximum benefit.

Silk keeps your hair smooth

For the same reasons, silk helps reduce friction and moisture absorption from your hair.

Woman with bedhead
Silk pillowcases can help prevent bedhead.

Traditional cotton can draw out natural oils from your hair, contributing to dryer hair, split ends, and more breakages.

Silk, in contrast, allows moisture to be locked into your curls, reducing frizz, bedhead, tangles, and overall dryness.

This also helps regulate sebum production - decreasing greasiness - as your body won’t constantly want to replenish lost moisture from your scalp. 💦

Even Aeyla's vegan silk-alternative pillowcase has this smoothing effect, though you will see better results with real silk pillowcases.

BUY AEYLA EUCALYPTUS SILK PILLOWCASE£ 39

Silk helps with allergies

As a hypoallergenic material, silk is less likely to harbour dust mites, pollen, and other allergens that trigger allergies or aggravate conditions like asthma.

lady with allergies
Silk is a hypoallergenic material that can help with allergies.

Silk helps with breakouts

Since silk is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, dermatologists often recommend silk pillowcases to acne sufferers or those with sensitive skin.

In a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology [2], Dr Giampaolo Ricci also explains that silk fabrics can help in the treatment of eczema.

Silk pillowcases can even help reduce regular breakouts.

Silk gives you a cooler sleep

Silk has a soft, luxurious, and cooling texture, allowing you to sleep more comfortably.

If you’re a hot sleeper, we’d recommend matching a silk pillowcase with a cooling pillow for maximum effect.

cool pillow
Silk can enhance the cooling effects of well-ventilated pillows.

Pillows like the Simba Hybrid pillow, for example, feature unique temperature-regulating technology designed to keep you cooler and more comfortable all night.

You don't have to invest in the most expensive silk pillowcase to experience cooling.

Even one-sided, budget-friendly options like the Jasmine Silk pillowcases will change the way you sleep.

BUY JASMINE SILK PILLOWCASE£ 15.99

What are the most common types of silk?

Although often thought of as a single material, silk can actually refer to a variety of different fabrics, each with its own unique properties.

You're likely to find a range of different types of silk, including 100% silk, mulberry silk, silk charmeuse, silk satin, silk chiffon, or silk crepe.

Of these, 100% silk and mulberry silk are the most quality materials, while many of the other silk descriptions refer to various weaves or satin finishes.

What is 100% silk?

One of the most popular types of silk is 100% silk, which is made from the long, strong fibres that make up the cocoon of the silkworm.

This type of silk is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for clothing.

However, it’s also quite expensive, which is why you might not see it used as often in home decor items like pillowcases. 💷

What is mulberry silk?

Mulberry silk is another popular type of silk, which is made from the shorter fibres that are found in the innermost part of the silkworm's cocoon.

This type of silk is prized for its softness and lustrous sheen, making it a popular choice for luxury items like pillowcases and bedding.

Mulberry silk is often classed as the most high-quality silk you could invest in. ⭐️

Pure mulberry silk pillowcases like the Alaska Bear pillowcase may be more expensive, but they are well worth the investment and deserve a place on your wishlist.

BUY ALASKA BEAR SILK PILLOWCASE£ 25.99

Can you wash silk pillowcases?

Caring for silk can be somewhat delicate.

While you can wash silk pillowcases, there are a few things to keep in mind.

We'd also recommend checking the washing instructions for your particular pillowcase.

How to wash silk pillowcases

Silk is a protein fibre, which means it can shrink or stretch when exposed to water and heat.

washing pillowcases
Many silk pillow covers can be washed cold on a gentle cycle.

For this reason, it's best to hand wash silk pillowcases using cool water and a mild detergent, preferably a PH-neutral one. 🛀

Gently swish the pillowcase around in the water until it is clean, then rinse it thoroughly.

You can also machine-wash silk pillowcases on a delicate cycle, but be sure to use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, and mild detergent.

BUY LILYSILK 22 MOMME PILLOWCASE£ 49

Most quality silk pillowcases will come with detailed washing instructions, like the LilySilk washing instructions below:

Avoid using fabric softener, which can damage silk fibres.

How to dry silk pillowcases

When drying, avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can damage the fabric.

Instead, hang up your pillowcase away from direct sunlight to air dry.

Tumble drying is not recommended but if you must use the dryer, be sure to use the lowest setting and remove the cover as soon as it's dry.

Silk-like materials, like those in the Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk pillowcase, are more likely to be tumble-dry safe.

BUY AEYLA EUCALYPTUS SILK PILLOWCASE£ 39

Are silk pillowcases expensive?

Silk pillowcases can be relatively expensive, depending on the type of silk and where you purchase it.

However, silk pillowcases are lasting investment pieces that can provide beauty benefits, a luxurious feeling, and good night's sleep for years to come.

price-performance ratio
Quality silk pillowcases are generally well worth the investment.

When shopping for silk pillowcases, be sure to look for quality materials like 100% silk or mulberry silk.

Avoid cheaper alternatives like satin or polyester, as these may not provide the same benefits.

To get the most bang for your buck, look for sales or discounts from major department stores or online retailers. 🥳

Some high-quality silk pillowcases, like the Jasmine Silk pillowcase, may have a cotton underside, which brings down the overall cost while still giving you the best results.

BUY JASMINE SILK PILLOWCASE£ 15.99

Can you find silk pillowcase discounts?

While silk pillowcases can be more expensive, it is possible to find unique silk pillowcase promotions or discount codes.

Most major online retailers will have sales every now and then, especially for peak periods like Black Friday or Christmas. 🤩

If there are any sales currently running, we’ll be sure to advertise them throughout this page.

Also look at our discounts page for all current online promotions or sign up to our newsletter to get the latest deals straight in your inbox.

How to choose the best silk pillowcase

Although silk pillowcases may look similar, there can be very distinct differences in terms of quality and feel.

We'll help you figure out which silk pillowcases are worth investing in.

Make sure you're buying real silk pillowcases

There are many pillowcases sold as luxurious silk items, but they're actually cheaper polyester satin or polyester microfibre covers.

Silk is a fibre, and satin is the weave.

While many real silk pillowcases are also satin, you'll be able to find satin pillowcases made of polyester for a much lower price.

Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk you can find - think of it as the Egyptian cotton equivalent of silk. 🏆

Check the silk momme

Momme is the unit of measure for the weight of silk and can often be compared to cotton’s thread count.

Momme ranges from 6 to 30.

The heavier the silk, the higher the momme and the more durable it will be.

A silk pillowcase with a high momme count will also feel softer and more luxurious. 🤗

Most silk pillowcases are available in 19 momme or 22 momme counts, though occasionally you’ll also find slightly higher momme ratings.

The best-selling LilySilk options, for example, are available in 19-momme mulberry silk, 22 momme silk pillowcases, and even 25-momme silk.

BUY LILYSILK 22 MOMME PILLOWCASE£ 49

Consider how the pillowcase fits

Since silk is such a smooth material, it may not fit as snugly as a cotton or polyester pillowcase.

Some silk pillowcases will use an envelope closure, where the fabric tucks into itself, while others will use a hidden zipper.

Silk pillowcases with a zipper tend to fit better, but make sure that the zipper is decently constructed, so it's easy to open and close and won’t affect sleeping comfort.

Alaska bear pillowcase zipper
Silk pillowcases may come with a zipper instead of an envelope design.

The Alaska Bear silk pillowcase has a zipper that's beautifully designed.

BUY ALASKA BEAR SILK PILLOWCASE£ 25.99

Check the washing instructions

Silk is delicate to care for.

While most silk pillowcases can be machine-washed, some do need to be hand-washed.

If you lead a very busy lifestyle and are unable to take the time out to hand-wash your pillowcase, it's best to look for a cover that's machine-washable. 🚿

Some silk pillowcases can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on a gentle setting.

Read our section on washing silk pillowcases.

Check the delivery conditions

While not directly related to the quality of the product, the delivery conditions of the brand you end up buying from do matter.

  • Does the product come with free standard delivery?
  • Is next-day delivery an option?
  • Are additional shipping costs calculated upon checkout?

We prefer buying from brands that include free delivery and returns.

What other silk sleep accessories are popular?

You’ll find many luxury bedding options made of silk, including sheets, duvet covers, and bedding sets.

For beauty and haircare, though, silk scrunchies and soft silk sleep masks are also popular.

Silk scrunchies can hold your hair up without causing unnecessary breakage, while silk eye masks can further protect the sensitive area around your eyes while sleeping.

But you'll also find a range of silk bedding - and even pyjamas!

LilySilk, for example, is a brand committed to all sorts of silk products and you'll find a host of both silk sleep and clothing items in their online store.

SHOP LILYSILK

Are silk pillowcases worth it?

Absolutely.

We’ve loved sleeping on silk pillowcases and wouldn’t want to go back to regular cotton.

Silk pillowcases may be more expensive, but if you care about the condition of your skin and hair or simply enjoy the gentle feel, they’ll be well worth the investment.

Here's a recap of the best silk pillowcase UK options:

Frequently asked questions

  • Is silk or satin better?


    Silk is a more expensive, natural-fibre material, while satin often refers to the weave of the material and can be made from cheaper polyester. 

    However, satin still feels soft to the touch and can be quite similar to silk in terms of smoothing benefits - just not quite as smooth. 

    If you can’t afford a silk pillow case, then a satin pillowcase can be a good alternative that will still be better for your hair and skin than a standard cotton pillowcase.

  • Which momme silk is best?


    Generally, silk pillowcases will be available in a momme range of 12 to 22, with 19 or 22 the most common options.

    We would not recommend opting for anything lower than 12.

    Very high-quality options include 25-momme silk and higher.

  • Where can you buy silk pillowcases?


    If you’re new to the world of silk, you may be wondering where to buy silk pillowcases.

    Conveniently, the recent rise in the popularity of silk pillowcases has meant that many more retailers now offer silk pillowcases.

    Some options include:

    • Silk pillowcase M&S
    • Silk pillowcase John Lewis
    • Silk pillowcase Dunelm
    • Blissy silk pillowcase
    • Slip silk pillowcase
    • Argos silk pillowcase
    • Next silk pillowcase
    • Jasmine silk pillowcase
    • Silk pillowcase Asda
    • Alaska Bear silk pillowcase
    • Dorma silk pillowcase
    • TX Maxx silk pillowcase
    • Boucleme silk pillowcase

    You’ll also find dozens of silk pillowcase Amazon options.

  • Are silk pillowcases available in different colours?


    While you may think that silk pillowcases are only available in white, you can actually get silk pillowcases in a wide range of different colours and patterns.

    Some of the most common options include:

    • Grey silk pillowcase
    • Black silk pillowcase
    • Pink silk pillowcase
    • White silk pillowcase
    • Silver silk pillowcase
    • Cream silk pillowcase
    • Patterned silk pillowcase

    Silver or white silk pillowcases are the most popular.

    You can even find silk pillowcases in a range of different patterns.

  • In what sizes are silk pillowcases available?


    Most silk options are standard pillowcases that will fit standard UK pillows, but you may also find some king-size silk pillowcases online.

    Some brands will also offer a range of US, UK, and European pillow sizes, as well as square pillowcases. 

    The Lily Silk pillowcases, for example, are available in a wide range of different sizes.

  • What is the best silk pillowcase?


    If you have the budget available, you'd want to choose a UK silk pillowcase of the highest quality momme and thread-count available.

    22 momme and 25 momme are usually good options.

    You'd ideally also look for a pillowcase that comes with a trial period and one that comes with free delivery and returns.

    Of course, always look for a 100% real silk pillowcase UK of Grade 6A mulberry silk.

  • Who wins in the Blissy vs LilySilk debate?


    Both Blissy and LilySilk are high-quality real silk pillowcase brands available in the UK.

    While some Blissy vs LilySilk comparisons online compare the best Blissy product with a lower-end LilySilk product, it's worth noting that this comparison is faulty.

    For example, one comparison we found suggested that all Blissy real silk pillowcases are 22 momme, while all LilySilk real silk pillowcases are 19 momme.

    This is simply incorrect.

    Both companies offer high-quality real silk pillowcases made of 100% Grade 6A mulberry silk.

    Both also offer good value for money, and neither rank among the most expensive silkpillowcases available.

    Blissy is a bit more expensive, though, but this comes with a greater selection of colours and sizes.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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