Guide: How to Choose the Best Silk Pillowcase
Last Updated on October 6, 2024
by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed
Shopping for a new pillowcase? If you’ve already researched the different types of pillowcases and have landed on silk as your top choice, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll share our best tips for selecting the best silk pillowcase, including the terms to know and features to look for.
Overview: How To Choose the Best Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase is an excellent investment, offering a luxurious sleeping experience alongside fantastic hair and skin benefits. As you research and shop for the best silk pillowcases, look for the following:
- 100% silk, as opposed to a blend
- Mulberry silk, specifically
- 22 momme or higher
- Extra-durable details, like reinforced stitching
I. What to Know About the Types of Silk
II. What to Know About Thread Count
III. What to Know About Momme & Silk Rating
IV. Other Factors
V. Experience GhostBed Silk
I. What to Know About the Types of Silk
Silk pillowcases are available in a variety of styles and price points, so it’s important to do your research before making your purchase.
To start, there are four types of silk to know:
- Mulberry silk
- Eri Silk
- Tasar Silk
- Muga Silk
Most silk you see on the market today is Mulberry, and this type of silk is known as the best for consumer products. You can learn more about Mulberry silk here, but the most important thing to know is that it’s made from silkworms raised in captivity. This allows for better quality control, as the silkworms are fed an exclusive diet of Mulberry leaves, which results in silk that’s refined and consistent in quality as well as a naturally pure-white color.
Another important thing to know is the difference between silk and satin. Although commonly used interchangeably, there’s actually a big difference between the two. Silk refers to the fiber, while satin refers to the type of weave. This means your satin pillowcase, although advertised as silk, may have other (lesser quality) fabrics woven into it as well.
So if you’re looking to get the most beauty bang for your buck—not to mention all the other benefits of silk — make sure to look for a pillowcase that is 100% silk, not just a blend that includes silk. If you’re not sure, check the label.
II. What to Know About Thread Count
We hear a lot about thread count when it comes to bedding, but what about pillowcases?
The reality is this: thread count doesn’t actually matter. Thread count is simply the measure of horizontal (filling threads) and vertical (warp threads) threads that are in one-square-inch. But it’s not the best measure of quality.
To better assess the quality of your bedding and pillowcases, focus on the fabric type. And for silk in particular, it’s best to focus on the type (e.g. 100% Mulberry silk), as well as the momme and rating, which we’ll get into next.
III. What to Know About Momme & Silk Rating
So what is momme, exactly? Sometimes abbreviated as “mm,” this term refers to the weight of the silk and reflects the quality and durability of the fabric. The ideal silk threads are plump and dense, making them more durable. The silk’s momme is found by weighing a piece of 100-foot long by 45-inches wide fabric in pounds.
Most consumer products are within the range of 15-30 momme, with the best silk pillowcases at 22 momme or higher. 22 mm silk has about 20% more silk per square inch than its 19 mm equivalent does, which is perfect for a pillowcase since it’s an item that gets a lot of use!
You’ll also see silk graded on a scale of A, B and C, with A being the highest quality.
Momme Weight Chart
A silk pillowcase is an excellent investment, offering a luxurious sleeping experience alongside fantastic hair and skin benefits. As you research and shop for the best silk pillowcases, look for the following:
- Typical Range: 15 to 30
- Good Quality: 12 to 19
- High Quality: 19+
- 17 mm silk: best for lightly-used items, such as scarves
- 19 mm silk and above: best for daily-use items, such as pillowcases and bedding
- 22 mm silk has about 20% more silk per square inch than its 19 mm equivalent does
The GhostBed Silk Pillowcase is made with 22-momme silk, designed for durability and maximum luster and sheen.
IV. Other Features to Look For
Other features to consider as you look for the best silk pillowcase include:
- Dual-sided silk: Some pillowcases are made with silk on one side and cotton on the other to save on costs. But why scrimp? A dual-sided silk pillowcase ensures you get the best beauty sleep on both sides.
- Machine Washable: Most consumer silk products are machine washable these days, but it pays to check. (Tip: learn more about caring for your silk pillowcase here!)
- A reputable manufacturer: Not sure where to buy the best silk pillowcase? Shopping with a reputable company that manufactures its products in the United States and offers extra perks like free shipping is key.
- A solid warranty: A warranty can help with peace of mind, so look into whether your purchase includes one. (GhostBed’s silk pillowcases include a 90-day warranty, for example.)
V. Experience GhostBed Silk
The best silk pillowcase is one that’s made with the finest Mulberry silk, designed with exceptional quality and durability in mind. And you’ll find all of these features in the GhostBed Silk Pillowcase, available now in two sizes (Queen and King) and two beautiful colors (blush and white). Shop now and enjoy free (and fast!) shipping to all 48 continental states.
Plus, explore our best-selling pillows to pair with your pillowcase:
Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More