11 Best Silk Pillowcases, Tested and Approved by Glamour Editors

Clearer skin
As you shift position throughout the night, your skin rubs against your pillowcase, causing friction on your skin, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s dermatology department in New York City. “Friction can cause skin folding and contribute to low-grade inflammation and wrinkles. Silk is a soft, natural fiber that allows the skin to glide. Plus, it’s light and breathable to minimize the amount of sweat that builds up on the skin.” Basically, less rubbing and beauty-product absorption that you can get from other fabrics like cotton can help if you have sensitive skin. Silk, derived from domesticated silkworms, might even make your beauty routine more effective because your products won’t rub off as easily.

Healthier hair
“Unlike cotton, silk absorbs less. This means silk helps you retain both the moisture and natural oils of the hair. This prevents hair dryness and promotes hydration and shine,” says Nicole Salame, MD, FAAD, a general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist. “Silk is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps or eczema. Its cooling effect can also reduce sweat, which can further cause scalp irritation and damage.” Silk pillowcases prevent bedhead by reducing friction on your hair as you sleep, “decreasing split ends, frizz, breakage, and tangles,” Dr. Salame continues. (Every single one of our testers will tell you that if you’re looking for a pillowcase to fix frizzy hair, silk is the way to go—and a few noticed it helped prevent night sweats.)

Less buildup of allergens
The fiber is naturally hypoallergenic and prevents the buildup of dust mites, fungus, mold, and other allergens. While the effects of silk pillowcases on skin and hair are still underresearched, a few studies, like this 2019 report, have found promising results. Empirically, though, the material’s benefits are easy to see—just read the reviews for the silk pillowcases our team has tested and endorsed.

Although one small 2017 study found that silk had a “positive influence” on back acne, which suggests that it might be helpful for breakouts elsewhere, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that silk can help with acne. At this time, more research is necessary to draw any conclusions.

Momme count refers to the density of silk and indicates the quality of the material. (It’s pronounced either “mom” or “mom-may,” by the way.) Think of it like thread count—more threads mean extra durability, and often a higher cost. Most silk pillowcases run from 19 momme (soft, relatively affordable) to 25 momme (top-of-the-line, more expensive). You can go as low as 16 momme, but there are options above 20 momme in the sub-$30 range. For the highest-quality material, look for mulberry silk; the fibers are longer and more uniform, making the fabric smoother and longer-lasting.

Is 30 momme worth it? We don’t have anything that high on this list because, frankly, it’s hard to tell the difference when the count goes above 25. If you have especially sensitive skin, prefer extra-smooth material, or want to treat yourself to some of the highest-quality silk available, feel free to buy one. (Fishers Finery makes one that offers a great overall value.)

Silk is a fiber, while satin is a weave—a particularly smooth-surfaced weave. Silk can be woven into satin fabric; artificial fibers like polyester can also be woven into satin. However, the phrase satin pillowcase is most often used to denote products that are woven from some material other than silk.

Polyester satin, an ultrasmooth fabric that mimics silk satin, provides many of the same friction-reducing benefits for skin and for straight and curly hair, as confirmed by our in-house testing. Manmade materials are a cost-effective and more easily washable alternative to silk pillowcases at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Silk and artificial satin can cost about the same amount, depending on the brand. If you’d rather sleep on natural fibers or want the hypoallergenic benefits of silk, stick to the real thing.

“Washing or changing your pillowcase at least once a week ensures you are consistently removing bacteria, dirt, oil, hair products, skin care products, dust, and other allergens that accumulate over the week,” Dr. Salame says. “If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, washing or changing your pillowcases every two to three days reduces the oils, bacteria, dust, and other particles that build up on the pillowcase and can be the first step to improving your skin. If you are someone who sweats overnight or uses extensive hair products, washing or changing your pillowcase every one to two days is also recommended.”

Wondering how to wash silk pillowcases? Just make sure to read the care instructions. Not all pillowcases can be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle cycle; some types of silk require hand-washing in cold water. Air-drying is best (and it’s fast), as dryers can cause damage to the material. You can steam your pillowcase to remove any wrinkles.

If you don’t mind a few unavoidable stains, silk pillowcases can last for years before they need to be replaced. Silk is a delicate but durable material; the higher the momme count you pick now, the denser and stronger your pillowcase will be. Our testers generally started to notice changes to their pillowcases around the six-month mark, but the fabric can last for much longer.

Proper care can extend the life of your silk pillowcase. Follow each brand’s care instructions thoroughly—even if that means hand-washing your pick—and always avoid the dryer, which can dull silk’s shine and affect its durability.

Unless you have a sensitivity to silk, there are no skin- or hair-related downsides to silk pillowcases. However, silk is harder to maintain than materials such as cotton or linen. To keep them from shrinking or losing their sheen, you should typically hand-wash and air-dry silk pillowcases. Some people also don’t like the slippery feel of silk, preferring the friction of typical cotton.

Shocker: Men can use any silk pillowcase! There’s no reason to gender these pillowcases, since anyone can want smoother skin, fewer breakouts, and less frizzy hair. However, if we had to nominate an option for men, it would be J Jimoo; it’s a no-nonsense pick with zero external branding and a reasonable price tag. Plus, one of our male testers likes that it’s a little less slippery than other options.

Sizes: Standard, king / Closure: Envelope / Material: 100% silk / Momme: Unlisted / Colors: 5 options / Care: Machine-wash cold; lay flat to dry

• What we liked: Seasonal colors available; durable silk; relatively wrinkle-free
• What could improve: Rougher feel than other options

Brooklinen’s silk pillowcase brings a polished, elevated feel to your bedding with a smooth, slightly structured finish that holds up well over time. Made from 100% mulberry silk, it’s available in both classic solids and playful patterns—and unlike many silk options, it resists staining and maintains its sheen even after multiple washes. That said, this one didn’t make our top list, as some testers found the texture slightly stiffer compared to other options.

What testers say: “I love the luxurious feel of a silk pillowcase, and Brooklinen’s are standouts in my robust bedding collection (its silk scrunchies are a staple in my morning and night routines as well),” says Audrey Lee, a commerce editor at Architectural Digest, who owns two other brands of silk pillowcases. “The material has a lovely sheen to it, and it feels incredibly gentle on my skin and hair. Available in both solid hues and charming patterns, these pillowcases still look great even after several washes (and run-ins with stains).”

Glamour’s Wolle, however, prefers Hill House Home’s softer, glossier silk: “The silk feels a bit stiff in comparison,” she says, though she notes the upside is “it’s mostly wrinkle-free.”

Sizes: Standard, queen, king / Closure: Zipper / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 22 momme / Colors: 24 options / Care: Hand-wash or machine-wash on a gentle cycle; lay flat to dry

• What we liked: Lots of colors; durable construction; high-quality silk
• What could improve: Wrinkles more easily than any option we tested; has a sharp zipper that tends to stick out

Blissy’s 22-momme silk pillowcase has earned a loyal following among Glamour staffers and online reviewers alike. It strikes a nice balance between softness and price, and with over a dozen color options, it’s one of the most customizable picks on the market. Like Slip, it features a zippered closure that keeps the case snug and relatively wrinkle-free, but we found Blissy wrinkled more easily than most, so you might want to give it a quick steam or tuck it behind a decorative pillow if appearance matters. After extended use, we also found the silk can lose a bit of its original sheen, and one tester flagged that the zipper pull can feel sharp if left exposed.

What testers say: “I’ve used my Blissy pillowcase for more than three years, and it’s withstood countless washes. While it did begin to tatter and lose its luster over time, it was still supersoft and cool to the touch,” says Schwartz.

Sizes: Standard, queen, king / Closure: Envelope / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 25 momme / Colors: 7 options / Care: Hand-wash or machine-wash on a gentle cycle; lay flat or tumble-dry on low

• What we liked: Oeko-Tex certified; luxuriously soft
• What could improve: Large external tag

At $43, this 25-momme mulberry silk pillowcase delivers the smooth, luxe feel of more expensive options while offering real benefits for both hair and skin. Testers reported less dryness and frizz and even subtle improvements in their complexions with consistent use. The biggest downside? The large outer tag can be distracting, especially if you’re sensitive to details while sleeping.

What testers say: “This 25-momme pillowcase really helps my skin. I can actually feel the difference between this and my cotton pillowcase, which soaks up my beauty products,” says Glamour contributor Khaliha Hawkins. “Yes, my head slips and slides on the pillow, but my face no longer feels dry or dehydrated when I wake up.”

Sizes: Standard, queen, king / Closure: Zipper / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 22 momme / Colors: 10 options / Care: Hand-wash or machine-wash in lukewarm water on a gentle cycle; lay flat to dry

• What we liked: Concealed zipper; inexpensive
• What could improve: Sizing runs small

This silk pillowcase stands out for its plush, velvety feel and impressive durability, holding up well even after multiple washes. It features a convenient side zipper that makes it easier to put on, which is something you’ll especially appreciate if you dread laundry day. That said, the sizing can run a bit small, particularly on plusher pillows, so consider sizing up for a better fit.

What testers say: “The softness of this pillowcase makes me feel like a rich lady,” says Calle. “It’s been through many washes and hasn’t lost its velvety feel. And as someone who dreads laundry days, I appreciate the zipper on the side for faster bed-making.”

Sizes: Standard, king / Closure: Zipper / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 22 momme / Colors: 2 options / Care: Machine-wash on gentle; lay flat to dry

• What we liked: Affordable; tons of colors and patterns
• What could improve: Sizing didn’t seem quite right

FluffCo is a relative newcomer in the silk pillowcase space, but it’s already earning praise—especially for fine or straight hair. The fabric has a thicker feel than many others in this price range, which testers say helps minimize frizz and flyaways. It’s also machine-washable, which adds to its practicality. That said, it only comes in two colors (white and silver), making it harder to match with more colorful or patterned bedding. It also runs a little large and tends to wrinkle after washing.

What testers say: “I’ve used cheap silk pillowcases in the past, and I can definitely tell a difference with FluffCo,” says Glamour tester Stewart Savin, who has straight hair. “I’ve been sleeping on it for a little over a month, washing it once a week. The fabric is thicker than others I’ve tried, and I think that is helping minimize frizziness. The pillowcase itself is fairly wrinkled after each wash and is pretty large on my pillow, but those aren’t deal breakers for me.”

Sizes: Queen, king / Closure: Envelope / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 22 momme / Colors: 10 options / Care: Hand-wash or machine-wash on a gentle cycle; lay flat to dry

• What we liked: Great colors; true mulberry silk; machine-washable
• What could improve: Very large interior tag; external logo

Drowsy’s mulberry silk pillowcase is thick and luxurious with vibrant color options. In testing, it's held up well to repeated machine washing, which is no small feat for silk. It also offered noticeable benefits for both hair and skin. The silk isn’t overly slick, which some sleepers may actually prefer, especially if you find yourself sliding around on other silk options. It does, however, wrinkle more easily than some competitors, and a few testers noted quirks like a large interior tag and visible branding.

What testers say: “My navy blue pillowcase still looks great after putting it through the washing machine over three months, which not every option can say. It’s also not too slippery, meaning I’m not constantly falling off of it during the night,” says Smith. “I struggle with frequent zits and breakouts, and I noticed a real difference in my skin’s overall clarity while testing this option. That’s not to say my pimples disappeared entirely, but they slowed down enough for me to notice a change.”

Sizes: Standard, queen, king / Closure: Zipper / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 19 momme / Colors: 9 options / Care: Hand-wash only

• What we love: Hidden zipper closure; available in three sizes and plenty of color options
• What could improve: It lost its sheen faster than some others we’ve tested

The Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase delivers a surprisingly luxurious feel at a budget-friendly price. Despite its lower 19-momme count, it impressed testers with its smooth texture, cooling feel, and noticeable beauty benefits—particularly when it came to reducing frizz and preserving hairstyles overnight.

If you’re new to silk pillowcases or want an affordable way to add one to your rotation, this is a great place to start. It may not have the same weight or shine as high-end options, but in terms of comfort and results, it definitely punches above its price.

What testers say: “I love the cool-to-the-touch feel of this budget-friendly pick,” says Earley. “I definitely noticed a difference in my hair in the morning too. I like to style my very long, thick hair in loose curls, and when using this pillow, I don’t have to do as much of a touch-up in the morning. My curls stay mostly intact with noticeably less frizz all around.”

Sizes: Queen, king, boudoir / Closure: Envelope / Material: 100% silk / Momme: 22 momme / Colors: 9 options / Care: Hand-wash; lay flat to dry

• What we love: Shiny finish; 100% silk; solid momme count; cooling feel
• What could improve: Very expensive

It’s one of the pricier picks, but Branché sets the bar high with an ultra-sleek, high-gloss silk pillowcase. Its high momme count and 100% silk construction give it that luxurious, smooth finish that really stands out, and the pillowcase comes in a range of rich, elegant colors that make it as much a style statement as a beauty upgrade.

While it tends to wrinkle more than some other picks, the tradeoff is the seriously shiny look and excellent smoothing benefits for both skin and hair. Just be aware there’s a small external tag on the back of the envelope closure, which a few testers noted but didn’t find distracting.

What testers say: “I tested it out with both wet and dry uncovered hair, and I woke up on both days with hair that looked barely touched,” says Glamour contributor Brionna Jimerson, who has curly hair. “I also kept cooler at night.”