The Best Satin Pillowcase | 2023

For years, consumers have found silk pillowcases appealing for their many benefits. First, there’s the soft, smooth material and how great it feels against your skin while you’re lying on it. This can be especially true if you tend to have a tough time getting cool at night.

But the beauty benefits are really what drive people to use silk pillowcases. Unlike cotton and other materials, silk doesn’t absorb the moisture in hair and skin. And, because silk has less friction, these pillows let hair slide around instead of tangling and frizzing them up. This has consumers reporting that they wake up refreshed, with their hair and skin looking and feeling better than ever.

There are some downsides to silk, though. Genuine silk is not only expensive, it’s also high maintenance. You can’t exactly throw it in the washer to clean it between uses, and it tends to easily wrinkle. It also can be a little less durable than other types of material.

Satin has become a popular alternative to silk. Satin isn’t a material in itself; instead, it’s a weaving technique that can be applied to a wide range of fabrics. A material with a satin weave tends to have a softer feel and a shinier look than other weave types.

One of the most popular materials for a satin weave is polyester. A versatile fabric, polyester satin gives the cool, soft texture you’d get from silk without some of those inconveniences. It resists wrinkling and, best of all, can be tossed in the washer on cold when you need to clean it. Some versions can even be tumbled dry on low.

Another benefit of polyester satin is durability. The material can hold up through many uses and washes, which means you won’t be replacing it as often. It will also retain that silky softness for years.

• Most polyester satin pillowcases come in a variety of sizes. Make sure the measurements match your pillow, though.
• Some pillowcases come with zippers to keep your pillow snug inside. If this is the case, make sure the zipper will be tucked away so you can’t feel it when you’re sleeping. If you prefer, search out an envelope closure to eliminate the zipper’s hard metal feel while still keeping your pillow secure.
• Some pillowcases are sold singly while others are sold in sets. If you need two, make sure you’re ordering the right amount.
• Color options can vary, but some colors look better with that satiny sheen than others. Some colors also mask dirt and oils better than others. Other polyester satin pillowcases will come in prints; you may find, though, that subtle prints work better with the shiny fabric.
• If you’re laundering your satin pillowcases in the washer, using a mesh lingerie bag can help protect them from damage while they’re being moved through the cycle. For best results, hang cases to dry rather than putting them in the dryer. If the directions allow, you can tumble dry at a low temperature.
• It’s always best to turn your satin fabrics inside out before washing. This will help protect that smooth texture.
• One downside to polyester satin is that it doesn’t have the natural hypoallergenic benefits that you get from silk. You can look for a polyester pillowcase that’s designed for certain sensitivities, though.
• Vegans often choose polyester satin instead of silk since polyester is vegan-friendly while silk isn’t.