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The Best Satin Pillowcase

Last updated on January 3, 2023

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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.

Our Picks For The Top Satin Pillowcases

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

EXQ Home Machine Washable Smooth Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

EXQ Home

Machine Washable Smooth Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

In addition to standard, queen and king, this satin pillowcase is available in body size. The set of two is super soft against skin and won't leave your hair a big ball of frizz after a good night's sleep. Since the pillowcases also have a luxurious look, they're perfect for a guest bedroom.

Overall Take

Multiple Colors to Choose FromYou'll find this satin pillowcase is available in over 30 colors, including teal, green olive, camel and black paisley.

 Runner Up

NTBAY Easy Clean Wrinkle Free Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

NTBAY

Easy Clean Wrinkle Free Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

Available in 18 different colors, you're sure to find these satin pillowcases in a shade that matches your existing bedding. With the set, you'll receive two pillowcases that are sewn to be strong and durable. The material is also wrinkle-free and machine washable for ease of care.

Overall Take

Machine WashableYou won't have to worry about annoying zippers that irritate skin when you go with this satin pillowcase, as it features an envelope closure.

 We Also Like

Bedsure Stain Resistant Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

Bedsure

Stain Resistant Satin Pillowcases, 2-Pack

This soft 100% polyester pillowcase will protect the natural oils in your skin and hair while you sleep. Available in a range of colors and sizes, the tear-resistant pillow also has an envelope closure. To clean, simply place in a mesh laundry bag and wash on cold with a mild detergent.

Overall Take

Sturdy but SoftYou'll get a long-lasting polyester build in this cool-feeling satin pillowcase, which is easy to care for, too.

 Strong Contender

ShopBedding Breathable Hidden Zipper Satin Pillowcase

ShopBedding

Breathable Hidden Zipper Satin Pillowcase

Available in different sizes that include a full-body option, this durable satin pillowcase is made from polyester to give you a satiny-smooth sleeping surface. It has a hidden zipper and is made from soft, breathable microfiber. Machine-wash it in cold and tumble dry on low.

Overall Take

Customizable OptionThis soft, breathable pillowcase comes in many sizes and colors so you can get the right one for your needs.

What to Look For

  • 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.

More to Explore

In the mid-1900s, households weren’t stocked with beauty tools like handheld curling irons and hair dryers, which weren’t viable for home use until the 1970s and after. Instead, women left the house and turned their styling over to the experts at the beauty salon. That meant instead of washing, drying and fixing their own hair on a regular basis, women had to make it from one hair appointment to another on the same hairstyle.

To maintain that coiffed look between appointments, women needed a way to sleep without flattening their curls. For a time, some women slept sitting up or propped on pillows to keep their beautiful updos intact. Eventually, the silk pillowcase came along, promising reduced tangling and protection for the elaborate hairstyles popular back then — not to mention, a bit more comfort when they went to bed.

More to explore