Whether you are looking for a bedroom refresh or you have heard about all the silk pillowcase benefits, if you are deciding whether to invest in a silk pillowcase, we know that there are a number of key factors to consider before you purchase your first real silk pillowcase.
Whilst is now a well known fact that using a silk pillowcase is an effortless way to look after skin and hair as we sleep, not all silk pillowcases are made the same, and often they can be confused with pillowcases advertised as 'satin pillowcases'.
So are they the same thing and do they have the same benefits? One of the most common questions we get asked is:
"Why is a silk pillowcase better than a satin pillowcase?"
At first look, silk and satin pillowcases seem to be very similar in terms of their super soft touch and feel, so it is understandable that many assume that they bring the same benefits and are made from the same material. However, this is not the case, despite it often being advertised as so! For this reason, real silk pillowcases do tend to come with a higher price tag, and we will delve into reasons for this in this blog post.
Here we share how real silk pillowcases differ to satin ones across three key areas:
1. Material quality
2. Benefits for hair, skin and sleep
3. Cost and value for money
Based on this, you will be able to weigh up the relative pros of cons of a silk pillowcase vs. satin pillowcase, and make an informed decision about whether to invest in a real silk pillowcase!
Spoiler alert: While a silk pillowcase and satin pillowcase may feel similar, a real silk pillowcase has a number of additional benefits for your skin, hair and quality of sleep. If you are looking to invest in a silk pillowcase, discover our best-selling silk pillowcases here for the ultimate luxurious night's sleep.
The Silk Collection 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
1. Material quality: Silk vs. Satin pillowcase
Silk, a natural protein fibre, is a material produced by silk worms, offering a unique combination of strength, smoothness, and natural sheen. Natural silk is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, which makes it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. The production of silk, especially mulberry silk, is a meticulous process that ensures a uniform and high-quality product.
In contrast, Satin is in fact not a raw material but a weave. A satin weave can therefore be made from a variety of fibres which gives it a wide range in terms of quality and feel, depending on the composition of the material used.
TOP TIP: A real silk pillowcase will be made from 100% Silk Satin, and this is what you need to look out for if you are looking to purchase a 'satin' pillowcase. The most important factor to look at is the quality of the silk, which can be determined by looking at the Momme Count. The higher the Momme Count, the thicker and more luxurious the silk will feel.
In most cases, satin pillowcases do not contain any real silk, and instead are actually made from a range of synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, which means that they tend to lack the natural benefits of real silk. While a satin weave may mimic the smoothness of silk, it does not offer the same health benefits as natural silk fibres.
Therefore, if you are looking for a 100% natural material for your pillowcase, it is essential to use a real silk pillowcase rather than a satin one.
2. Benefits for skin, hair and sleep: Satin or Silk pillows for hair
Following the above, if you are looking for real benefits for your skin and hair over time, it is important to opt for a real silk pillowcase to maximise the benefits. By using a real silk pillowcase, you can benefit from mulberry silk's natural properties:
Silk pillowcase benefits
Reduce hair breakage
Silk's natural smooth surface reduces friction, minimising hair breakage, tangles, and the formation of sleep wrinkles.
Prolong hairstyles
Natural silk helps maintain hairstyles longer and keeps skin clear and free from irritation.
Naturally hydrating
Natural silk is made up of amino acids that make it less absorbant than other materials. This means that your skin ahd hair stay hydrated overnight as you sleep.
Naturally hypoallergenic:
Silk can help prevent acne and other skin conditions, thanks to its natural hypoallergenic properties.
Naturally heat-regulating
Real silk pillowcases are very breathable, which increases comfort to promote a more restful night's sleep. Silk naturally adapts to body temperature, providing cooling relief in summer and warmth in winter.
Satin pillowcases - the limitations
Satin pillowcases will still feel smooth against skin to help reduce hair breakage and friction. However, using a satin pillowcase will not bring the same level of benefits for skin and hair as it lack of properties that 100% natural silk brings.
Given that we spend around a third of our lives sleeping, this means that we're spending years of our lives pressed against our pillowcase, so you might as well get all the benefits of a real silk pillowcase whilst you sleep each night!
3. Cost and value for money: Silk or Satin
There is no doubt that satin pillowcases tend to come at a considerably lower price tag compared to real silk pillowcases. This is usually because of the composition of the material (often made from synthetic, cheaper fibres). Therefore, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option then a satin pillowcase can be a good option.
Investing in silk pays off
When considering the longevity and benefits of silk vs. satin pillowcases, the saying "quality over quantity" rings true.
The initial cost of a silk pillowcase may be higher than that of a satin one, but the investment in silk pays off over time! Silk's high quality and durability means it can withstand numerous washes without deteriorating (yes, our silk pillowcases are machine-washable!), which means it will last for years to come with proper care (see our silk care guide for step-by-step instructions). This longevity, combined with its unparalleled benefits for hair and skin, means silk offers significant savings in the long run on skincare and haircare products.
If you are someone who follows a daily skincare regime using overnight serums and moisturiser, a real silk pillowcase will be absolutely essential as its natural properties help to prevent moisture absorption during the night! This means your overnight serums and moisturisers stay on your face rather than being transferred onto your pillowcase. Just this can save you cost and effort over time!
Invest in Quality Made to Last
As you can see, silk pillowcases do offer an unparallelled advantage in terms of the quality of material, benefits for skin, hair and sleep, and long-term value for money.
Silk’s ability to maintain moisture, reduce friction, and regulate temperature, all while being naturally hypoallergenic, offers an unmatched sleep experience.
Here at The Silk Collection, we truly believe in investing in the highest quality materials that are made to last, which also comes with a number of advantages not just for individuals but also for the environment. All of our silk pillowcases are also OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 which means that they have been tested to be free from harmful chemicals.
The Silk Sleep Set (Silk Pillowcase + Eye Mask Set)
