Explained
Silk Pillowcases, Explained
After reading, you'll understand momme, silk grades, weaves and closures, and how to tell a silk pillowcase from a satin one.
In this guide
Silk pillowcases are marketed with before-and-after photos and clinical claims, while the specs that actually describe the product get less attention. The key questions are whether it is really silk, how heavy the silk is, what grade it is and whether both sides are silk.
The 30-second version
- Satin isn't silk, because satin is a weave usually made from polyester.
- Momme measures silk weight, and higher numbers mean more silk.
- Grade 6A is the top common grade, with long, even fibers.
- Check both sides, since some cases use cotton on the back.
- Benefit claims are usually brand-funded, so weigh specs over studies.
The products this guide is about
Our verdict on each, with the full reasoning on the companion review.
- Buy Fishers Finery 25 Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase A heavy 25 momme mulberry silk pillowcase with silk on both sides, for a mid-range price.
- Buy Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, Queen Zippered The brand that popularized silk pillowcases, with 22 momme 6A silk and an invisible zipper.
- It depends Blissy Silk Pillowcase, Queen A heavily marketed 22 momme silk case with a hidden zipper and a trial period.
- Skip Kitsch Satin Pillowcase A cheap, smooth satin case that is often bought as a silk substitute but doesn't state its fiber.
What actually matters
- Fiber - Silk is a natural protein fiber. Satin is a weave that can be polyester, silk or other fibers.
- Momme - The weight of the silk fabric. Higher momme feels more substantial and wears longer.
- Grade - A rating of fiber quality. Grade 6A indicates long, uniform fibers.
- Weave - Charmeuse is a smooth, lustrous weave common in pillowcases.
- Both sides - Silk on both sides lets you flip the pillow; cotton backs are cheaper.
- Closure - Zippers hold the pillow in; envelopes avoid hardware against your face.
- Care - Silk usually needs cool water, gentle washing and air drying.
The specs, in plain English
Green flags vs red flags
Green flags
- "100% mulberry silk" on the label.
- A published momme weight of 19 or higher.
- Grade 6A stated.
- Silk on both sides.
- Clear care instructions and certifications.
Red flags
- "Silky" or "satin" without a fiber listed.
- No momme figure on a case sold as silk.
- Thread count used to describe satin.
- A cotton back not disclosed up front.
- Big medical claims backed only by brand studies.
Who's who: the brands
- Slip - Australian brand that popularized silk pillowcases as a beauty product.
- Fishers Finery - US silk brand known for momme-graded pillowcases and sleepwear.
- Blissy - Direct-to-consumer silk pillowcase brand known for heavy advertising.
- Kitsch - Hair accessory brand selling satin pillowcases and scrunchies.
- Brooklinen - Bedding brand that sells a mulberry silk pillowcase alongside cotton sets.
How to read a listing without getting fooled
Start with the fiber line: it should say 100% silk, ideally mulberry. Then check momme and grade, and whether both sides are silk. Look at the closure, the size against your pillow, and the care instructions. Finally, read benefit claims with care: note whether studies are the brand's own. If a listing says satin, find out what fiber the satin is made of.
How much should you spend?
Budget cases are usually polyester satin, smooth but not silk. Mid-range silk cases offer 19 to 25 momme mulberry silk with good grades. Premium brands add zippers, easier care and big brand names, sometimes with lighter silk than mid-range options. Paying more makes sense for heavier momme and silk on both sides.
Questions, answered
How long does a silk pillowcase last?
With gentle washing, often a year or more of regular use. Heavier momme silk tends to last longer. Harsh detergents and high heat shorten its life.
Can I put a silk pillowcase in the dryer?
Most brands recommend air drying. Heat can weaken silk fibers and dull the shine. Check the care label.
Is silk good for hot sleepers?
Silk is breathable and many people find it comfortable in warm weather. Brooklinen describes its silk as cool to the touch yet insulating. Your mattress and bedding matter more for temperature.
Does a silk pillowcase replace a bonnet?
It helps, but a bonnet covers your hair all night even when you move off the pillow. Many people with curly or textured hair use both. We compare sleep bonnets separately.
Or jump to the head-to-head: Fishers Finery 25 Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase vs Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, Queen Zippered.
