No one wants to sleep with a pillow that’s warm on both sides! Your pillowcase does more than just protect your pillow– the material and quality of your pillowcase can affect your skin, hair, and how well you can sleep. A satin pillowcase can provide a luxurious, cooling feel at an affordable price. But is a satin pillowcase right for you? In this article, you’ll explore the different types of pillowcases and be able to determine if you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect satin pillowcase.
What is a Pillowcase For?
Pillows on their own are already soft, fluffy, and cool. So why do we need pillowcases?
Firstly, pillowcases protect pillows from dust, dirt, and oils from your hair and skin. This is why it’s important to change your pillowcases regularly– not doing so can cause acne and oily skin. Pillowcases are like a duvet cover to a duvet insert or a mattress protector to a mattress. Additionally, they provide an aesthetic design to match the rest of your bed or give your pillow a sleek look (pillows on their own aren’t usually very pretty. There’s an endless amount of patterns and textures to choose from.
Types of Pillowcases
Pillowcases are classified by the type of openings they use, and there are plenty to choose from that are available in all different types of materials.
Bag Style
Bag style pillowcases are easy to maintain, making them popular in hotels and other hospitality businesses. The ends of a bag-style pillowcase are open without any zippers, buttons, or confusing centerfolds. You can fold in the ends of this pillowcase for a neat look, and you can simply pull it off when it’s time for a wash.
Housewife
Housewife pillowcases are by far the most common, so if you are unfamiliar with the types of pillowcases in your own home, you likely have these. These pillowcases don’t have a visible ‘border’ like a square or Oxford pillowcase, rather they fit snugly over the entire pillow to avoid creases.
Housewife Pillowcases We Love
by Bedsure
Mock Oxford
Mock Oxford cases are the most extravagant– they feature a stitched hem with a decorative frill along the edge. You can purchase mock oxford pillow shams for decorative purposes if you don’t want this type of style for your main pillow but still want to upgrade your bedding style.
Mock Oxford Pillowcases We Love
Pillowcase Materials
There is a wide variety of materials used for pillowcases available on the market. Each has a different feel, temperature, and provides different benefits.
Cotton
Cotton is an extremely versatile fabric that is used in bedsheets, clothing, and pillowcases alike. It is lightweight and breathable as well as affordable, lasts long, and is easy to maintain (machine washable). One downside to cotton is that it can become wrinkly, and the material may bunch up and crease and can cause frizzy hair.
Cotton Pillowcases We Love
Linen
Linen is a cooling fabric made from flax. It is breathable like cotton and ideal for a hot climate.
Linen Pillowcases We Love
Nylon
Nylon looks like silk but can be cheaper. It is easy to clean and dries fast, but one downside is that the material isn’t absorbent, so you may sweat more.
Silk
Silk is a high-quality, expensive, and delicately soft fabric. It is similar to satin and is sold according to weight. Because it is so delicate, silk must be washed by hand and not laundered.
Silk Pillowcases We Love
Satin
Satin pillowcases are good for skin, and some even recommend them to prevent and help with wrinkles. It is also good for making sure hair doesn’t get frizzy as you move around at night, and is a soft material.
Satin Pillowcases We Love
by Bedsure
Silk vs. Satin Pillowcases
When it comes to the top materials for pillowcases, silk and satin sit at a close tie. They are both luxuriously soft fabrics that benefit your skin and hair. So what sets them apart?
First of all, silk is generally more expensive than satin. Satin is affordable and is also usually mixed with other fabrics, while silk is pure silk. You should always pay close attention since some manufacturers may mix other fabrics with silk to make it cheaper. Both fabrics are hypoallergenic and breathable. Because satin is mixed with other fibers, it becomes more flexible and can feel smoother than silk. For hair, silk may be a better bet in taming frizz, although it’s a very close call.
Satin on its own does not describe a fabric but rather a type of weaving, while silk describes a fabric. Satin is a result of a mix of different materials that create a similar feel to silk and a glossy finish. It may contain silk, polyester, cotton, rayon, or other materials. Because satin is a mix, it is more flexible than silk, so it reduces friction and drapes nicely as a fabric.
One advantage to satin is that it can actually feel silkier than silk pillowcases. Additionally, you can machine wash satin without worrying about it wearing down, while you must hand wash silk. Satin also tends to be cheaper than silk, and it is easier to find.
Overall, satin gives the same benefits in terms of comfort, skin, and hair like a silk pillowcase, but is easier to maintain and at a lower price point. This is why most people will recommend satin for pillowcases.
Types of Silk Pillowcases
Silk is an expensive material, so if you are interested in comparing silk and satin, you have to be sure you don’t fall into some of the common traps others do when shopping. The main difference between the two is that satin describes a weave, while silk is an actual fiber. A pillowcase brand may boast their ‘silk’ pillowcases, but have you checked to see if it is truly 100% silk? Did you know some types of silk are higher quality than others? It is best to purchase a pillowcase that states it contains 100% mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk because it has the longest and strongest strands, and it comes from silkworms who consume only mulberry leaves. These silk fibers can be stronger than steel fibers in terms of durability, are the most uniform in color, and is the most breathable.
There are many statistical-based quality standards for silk. Because it is such a delicate and expensive fabric, many brands will try to sneakily advertise their silk products as high-end, when they are using low-quality silk. How do you ensure you’re purchasing good silk, aside from buying a mulberry silk pillowcase? Pay attention to the grade of your cotton. There are three main grades: A, B, or C. A-grade silk is the best. Within the A-grade, there are a few sublevels: 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A. Grade GA silk is the highest quality silk available. Note that it will also be more expensive than a lower-grade silk.
Lastly, the momme count of your silk product will give you a good idea of how strong the weaving is. Mommes are a unit of measurement used to describe how heavy and dense silk is. Think of it like thread count– the greater the momme value, the more durable the product.
With all of these factors to keep in mind, it can be difficult to assess which companies are hiding information from you about their products. Luckily, one brand, Myk Silk, sells myk silk pillowcases made of pure mulberry silk that is also grade-6A. If you are interested in a silk pillowcase over a satin one, this brand is the perfect one to explore first.
Satin Pillowcases for Hair
You’ve heard that satin pillowcases can work wonders for hair– they prevent breakage and frizz. But how exactly does a pillowcase fabric help revive your hair?
Satin is a smooth, glossy weaving that doesn’t wrinkle or crease. Its glossiness allows your hair to sit on the pillowcase without bunching up and frizzing like it would on a cotton or sateen surface. This is why many beauty companies choose satin to make haircare products like bonnets and scrunchies.
Satin retains the moisture in your hair, unlike cotton which can make your hair feel dry and brittle. It also retains your hair’s style to the next day. If you curled or straightened your hair, you can rest assured that you won’t wake up to the messy hair you had before styling. Satin is also recommended for curly and wavy hair because it doesn’t attempt to smoothen out your natural curl. Lastly, because satin doesn’t create friction, it also helps prevent split ends by minimizing breakage and hair loss. Many chemotherapy patients will use satin pillowcases to help protect their hair, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.
Satin Pillowcases for Skin
Has a cotton pillowcase ever given you red marks on your face after waking up? These ‘skin creases’ may seem to fade quickly, but over time, they can become permanent as your skin is regularly being stretched and marked. It may be time to take advantage of a satin pillowcase’s beauty benefits. Satin doesn’t cause any friction and is a slippery material that does not bunch up so you can avoid any marks and skin creases, which in turn helps prevent wrinkles.
Additionally, just like satin is hydrating for hair, it is also hydrating for the skin. If you have dry skin, a cotton pillowcase may absorb more moisture and make your skin even drier. A satin pillowcase will not change your skin’s hydration, so you will wake up feeling more replenished.
Lastly, satin pillowcases help to reduce acne. Other materials that are matte and crease cause more friction on your skin, which can lead to unnecessary irritation, and thus acne. Because satin is so gentle on the skin, if you have sensitive facial skin, a satin pillow may help prevent acne.
You can purchase a bedsure satin pillowcase if you are interested in satin but aren’t sure where to begin searching for the right product. Bedsure satin pillowcases are made of 100% ethically made, solid polyester satin and are available in a wide assortment of colors and sizes.
Satin Pillowcases for Skin and Hair We Love
Downsides of Satin Pillowcases
There are a few downsides to satin pillowcases, but if we have to name them, they’re related to price and feel. Satin pillowcases can be less expensive than silk but more expensive than materials like cotton and synthetic fibers. Additionally, satin is such a slippery fabric that some may find it uncomfortable to sleep on. You should also be a little more careful when washing your satin pillowcase (although they can be machine washed, hand washing is recommended) than with a regular cotton pillowcase that can be machine washed without worry. Lastly, satin is a less breathable fabric than cotton.
Satin Pillowcase Care
Satin is a bit more flexible than other rigid materials than silk, so while this may seem like a good thing, it does mean you have to place extra care into washing your pillowcase. Many people don’t know how to care for satin correctly, so here’s the step-by-step.
Remember that every satin pillowcase is different. Some will have nylon, some silk, some polyester, and some acetate. Synthetic materials like polyester can be machine washed, but silk fibers may require hand washing. Check the label of your pillowcase– it may say ‘dry clean only’ on the tag, which means you can’t wash it at home.
You should wash your pillowcase at least once a month to remove oils and dirt from your skin and hair. If your pillowcase is machine washable, try to wash it in a laundry load that includes other satin items like bedsheets. To protect it more, consider placing it inside a washable laundry bag. Before tossing it in the machine, remember to flip the pillow inside out. You will notice that the fabric feels different on the inside. This is because it is sewn with a protective inner lining that protects the glossy outer layer during washing. Do not use hot water while washing and always use a gentle laundry detergent. If you can, be sure to wash it gently by hand.
Washing is just part one– it’s also critical that you know how to dry your pillowcase correctly so you do not stretch out the fabric. Satin is flexible, so if it is stretched in one position for too long, it can warp its shape. For this reason, don’t put your satin pillowcase in the dryer. You also don’t want to hang it on a clothesline because it can stretch just by its weight. If your pillowcase is pure polyester, it is ok to hang it on a clothesline if the tag doesn’t read anything along the lines of ‘lay flat to dry’. However, the best way to dry your satin pillowcase to avoid stretching is by simply laying it flat and straight on a flat surface and letting it air dry.
Satin Pillowcase Pros and Cons
As a quick summary, a satin pillowcase may be right for you based on the following pros and cons. To start with the pros: satin pillowcases offer a tremendous amount of beauty benefits for guaranteed beauty sleep, like acne and frizz control. They are also good for those with allergies because they do not attract mold or dust mites. Your hairstyle will last longer on a satin pillowcase, and the glossy surface can smoothen your skin.
However, satin may be more expensive than other fabrics like cotton and nylon. It is also less breathable, and a very slippery material that some may not like to sleep on. Lastly, maintaining your satin pillowcase may be a bit of a hassle for some who want to be able to throw their pillowcase directly in the washer.
Summary
To sum everything up, a satin pillowcase should be next on your list for a bedroom upgrade. While cotton is a great material for clothing and bedsheets, your facial skin and hair need something more delicate and beneficial. Satin pillowcases are smooth and glossy and can reduce fine lines. The fabric does not create any friction between itself and your skin, which helps wrinkles as well as irritation and acne for those with sensitive skin. Satin is also non-absorbent so your skin will stay hydrated (unlike with a cotton product). Those with curly hair and straight hair alike can benefit from a satin pillowcase for its anti-hair breakage and frizz properties.
Silk and satin always come to a close tie. The truth is, each material suits different needs. Silk is more expensive and rare, but it is a natural fabric compared to synthetic satin. Satin is more affordable and easier to shop for. Bedsure satin pillowcases and Myk Silk silk pillowcases are two brands that offer top-quality satin and silk pillowcases for your comparison, respectively. All in all, making the switch to a satin pillowcase is one decision you won’t regret. Your hair and skin will thank you!
