10 Things to Consider When Buying a Silk Pillowcase

10 Things to Consider When Buying a Silk Pillowcase

Well done on making the leap into real silk bedding! Congratulations; your bed will soon feel like the ultimate five-star hotel experience. Before clicking ‘Buy Now’, there are a few details you need to take note of; not all silk pillowcases are created equal and without due research, you could wind up with cheap satin disguised as silk (yes, that's a thing). So before making this significant purchase decision it's essential that you do some due diligence.

To help ensure you purchase the best silk pillowcase Canada has to offer, let's go through 10 key elements you should keep in mind before purchasing one.

1. Make Sure It Really Is Silk

Firstly, be wary that not everything that looks like silk actually is real silk. Unfortunately, many fake pillowcases on the market today made from polyester satin can feel smooth at first, but lack breathability, temperature regulation or benefits to hair and skin health.

How to identify real silk:

  • Search the product description for words like ‘100% Silk’.
  • If it just says ‘silk’ without specifying, be suspicious.
  • Real silk has a subtle sheen rather than being super glossy like polyester fabrics are.
  • Additionally, if the price seems too good to be true then chances are high it probably is!

2. Understanding Different Silk Types

Not all types of silk are created equal; for maximum quality and durability, Mulberry silk should be your top pick. Created by silkworms who feed exclusively on mulberry leaves for their diet, Mulberry silk features smoother fibers which make up strong yet resilient fabric that lasts much longer.

Other types of silk (Tussah or Habotai) tend to be coarser and less durable, without providing as luxurious an experience. If you want the highest-grade Mulberry silk pillowcase Canada has available, be sure it actually says Mulberry on its label.

3. Analyse Momme Weight

Momme is the thread count of silk fabric; higher mommes indicate better quality and longer durability.

  • 19-22 momme are perfect for pillowcases (light, breathable and durable)
  • 25+ momme is ultra luxurious and long-wearing but heavier. 
  • Anything below 19 momme is of poor quality, thin and won't last very long.

If you want a silk pillowcase that will hold up well after multiple washes, opt for 22 momme or higher.

4. Investigate Weave Type 

The various weaves of silk pillowcases have an impact on their breathability, durability, and texture. While twill weave delivers additional strength and a soft yet structured feel, satin weave offers a smooth, glossy finish.

100% Mulberry silk plus a quality weave (such as satin or twill) and 22+ momme weight is the ideal combination of comfort, durability, and luxury for the ultimate silk experience.

5. Pay Attention to Closure Type

It might seem minor, but how your silk pillowcase closes matters:

  • Envelope Closure - This pillow doesn't use zippers but simply has a fold-over flap - easy and comfortable! 
  • Hidden Zipper - Keeps the pillow secure but may cause discomfort if poorly constructed.
  • Open End - Pillow can easily slip out without closure at all!

For maximum comfort, look for envelope closure or concealed zippers.

6. Consider Price - How Much Does Silk Cost? 

Wondering, how much does silk cost? The answer: it depends.

  • Low-end silk (less than $30) = typically blended with other materials or not real silk at all
  • Mid-range ($40-$80)= 19-22 momme good quality silk 
  • High-end ($100+)= silk with 25+ momme silk for ultimate luxury and longevity.

If you find a ‘silk’ pillowcase for $10, run away - it could very likely be polyester satin instead!

7. Look for OEKO-TEX Certification

Make sure it's safe and chemical-free if you're going to put your face on something every night. OEKO-TEX accreditation is useful in this situation.

  • OEKO-TEX Certified Silk: Safe for skin, tested for dangerous substances.
  • Silk that is not certified may be subjected to harsh chemicals or dyes.

Make sure your silk pillowcase is OEKO-TEX certified, particularly if you have allergies or sensitive skin.

8. Select the Right Color (and Dye Quality)

Silk pillowcases come in every hue possible, yet how they're dyed matters greatly. Lower quality silk pillows might use harsh chemical dyes that could fade or irritate sensitive skin over time.

  • Natural, undyed silk may be best for people with extremely sensitive skin. 
  • High-quality dyed silk should hold its color well over multiple washes 
  • Low-grade dyed silk might bleed onto sheets quickly or fade rapidly, potentially staining other textiles as it washes out.

If you opt for deeper colors like navy or black, make sure that the dye used is of high-quality so it doesn't fade after just one or two washes.

9. Read Care Instructions (Because Silk is Bougie)

Care instructions are crucial when purchasing silk products; their delicate nature necessitates you to separate it out for laundering purposes. You cannot just throw silk laundry into the regular load without prior consideration.

  • Wash in cold water (30°C or lower)
  • Use a gentle, silk-friendly detergent
  • Air dry (no tumble drying!)
  • No bleach, no harsh chemicals

Pure silk versus premium silk:

  • You can either hand wash or machine wash pure silk (such as 100% Mulberry silk) on a gentle cycle.
  • To maintain its integrity, premium silk—which is sometimes woven with elaborate finishing or heavier weights—should only be dry cleaned.

If you prefer not to hand wash, there are also machine-washable silk pillowcases from select brands which can withstand delicate cycles without damage to fabric or threads.

10. Check Customer Reviews (Because People Don’t Hold Back)

Finally, it is wise to explore what other buyers have been claiming about products purchased.

  • Are people extolling its soft and luxurious feeling? 
  • Do there exist complaints of cheap fabric, fading colors or rough textures?
  • Has anybody warned against fake silk products?

Customer reviews can help prevent buyer's regret and help you select a truly high-quality silk pillowcase.

Finding a Perfect Silk Pillowcase

A real silk pillowcase can make an important contribution towards improved sleep, healthier skin, and shiny locks; but not all fabrics offer equal returns.

  • Opt for 100% silk (not satin or blends of it). 
  • 22+ momme is optimal in terms of durability and softness.
  • To further optimize performance choose an envelope or hidden zipper closure
  • Check for pillows with OEKO-TEX certification to avoid harmful chemicals used during production.
  • Read reviews beforehand to prevent fake silk scams from emerging.

Follow these simple tips, and every morning you'll wake up feeling like royalty!

Enhance Your Sleep with Luxeport

Luxeport offers Canada's premier collection of Silk Pillowcases to provide a comfortable night's rest.

Luxeport silk pillowcases are handcrafted from 100% pure silk for optimal softness and durability. Offering hypoallergenic protection and being gentle on hair and skin, our Luxeport pillowcases promise luxurious sleep!

Upgrade your sleep today with Luxeport - because you and your pillow deserve better.

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