Silk pillowcase: the complete guide (benefits, momme and how to choose yours)

Some nights you go to bed with perfect skin and wake up with pillow creases, messy hair, and that slept-too-warm feeling. It isn't your moisturiser. It isn't your shampoo. It's your pillowcase.

A silk pillowcase changes that equation in a single night. Here's everything you need to know before buying yours, with no unnecessary jargon, just the facts that actually matter.

What exactly is a silk pillowcase?

A silk pillowcase is a case made from natural silk (usually mulberry silk, the purest and most prized kind) that slips over your regular pillow. Unlike cotton, silk barely absorbs moisture and creates far less friction against your skin and hair while you sleep. That's the secret behind every one of its benefits.

At Herriet we use 22 momme mulberry silk, grade 6A, certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Below we explain what each of those figures means and why they should matter to you.

What does "momme" mean in silk?

Momme (mm) is the unit that measures silk's density and weight. The higher the number, the denser, stronger and more durable the fabric.

• 16–19 momme: the standard most brands sell. Fine, but thin.
• 22 momme: where real quality begins. More body, more durability, better drape.
• 25+ momme: luxury territory, with a price to match.

Herriet works at 22 momme on purpose: it's the point where silk feels genuinely premium to the touch and holds up wash after wash, without reaching an unattainable price. If a pillowcase doesn't state its momme, please be suspicious.

Benefits of a silk pillowcase

For your skin

Cotton absorbs. It absorbs water, it absorbs your natural oils, and it absorbs the moisturiser you just applied. Silk doesn't. Your routine stays where it belongs (on your skin, not on the fabric).

By reducing friction, silk also prevents those morning pillow marks and the sleep creases that set in over the years. It's naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites which is a plus if your skin is sensitive or reactive.

We go deeper in our article on the benefits of silk pillowcases for skin and hair.

For your hair

Less friction means less frizz, less breakage and fewer tangles. You go to bed with your hair done and wake up with it practically intact (something anyone with curly or fine hair notices from the very first night).

For your sleep

Silk regulates temperature naturally: cool in summer, warm in winter. It keeps that hotel-bed feeling all night long, without the sticky heat synthetic fabrics trap.

Silk vs. satin: they are not the same

This is the most common mistake. Satin isn't a fibre, it's a type of weave and most "satin pillowcases" are made of polyester, a plastic-based material. It can look silky, but it builds up static (hello, frizz), traps heat, and shares almost none of the benefits of real silk.

We break it all down here: silk vs satin differences.

How to choose your silk pillowcase

Before you buy, check five things:

1. Momme: look for 22 or higher. Below 19, the fabric will be too thin.
2. Type of silk: make sure it's mulberry silk, not unspecified "silk".
3. Silk grade: grade 6A is the highest, purest quality.
4. Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guarantees no harmful substances.
5. Closure: a hidden zip keeps the case in place all night.

Our silk pillowcases meet all five, and come in several tones to suit your bedroom.

How to care for it so it lasts for years

Good silk is more resilient than you'd think, but it asks for a little care: hand wash or a delicate cycle in cold water, inside a mesh bag, with gentle detergent, air-dried away from direct sun. Cared for well, a 22 momme pillowcase stays with you season after season.

Here's the step-by-step guide: silk pillowcase care.

Frequently asked questions

Is a silk pillowcase worth it? Yes, if you care about your skin, hair or sleep quality. It reduces sleep creases and marks, cuts down frizz and hair breakage, and keeps your skincare on your skin instead of absorbing it. A well-cared-for 22 momme pillowcase lasts for years, which spreads out the investment.

Is a silk pillowcase good for curly hair? Especially so. By removing friction, it helps curls hold their shape, with less frizz and fewer tangles on waking.

Which is better, 19 or 22 momme? 22 momme. It's denser, more durable and drapes better, whereas 19 is the minimum market standard.

How often should you wash a silk pillowcase? Every one to two weeks, depending on your skin and routine. Hand wash or use a delicate cold cycle and air-dry it.

Does silk feel hot in summer? No. Mulberry silk regulates temperature naturally: it stays cool in summer and warm in winter, unlike polyester or synthetic satin.

---

Ready for the switch? Discover our 22 momme silk pillowcases — the easiest thing you can do for your skin and your sleep today.