Which pillowcases are best?

Silk, cotton or polyester – the fabric of your pillowcase can have various advantages and disadvantages for your skin, hair and sleep quality. We explain which pillowcase is best for different sleeping needs.

 Table of Contents

1. The right pillow
2. Popular fabrics for pillowcases
3. The best pillowcases for different needs
4. Conclusion

1. Which pillowcase do I need?

Pyjamas, blanket, pillow – cozy equipment makes it really comfortable in bed. We often pay primarily attention to the filling of the bed linen and less to what cover we put it in. To round off a pleasant sleeping experience, the choice of cover can also be very important. Different selection criteria apply to the pillow than to the duvet.

Depending on the sleeping position, the facial skin or hair lies on the pillow and is pressed directly onto the fabric of the cover. To maintain a fresh look for the day, choose a pillowcase that suits your needs and prevents severe friction, pressure points and drying out of the skin and hair. By the way, this doesn't just apply to women, but also to men! ;)

An unfavorably chosen pillowcase can...

➨ lead to pressure points & promote the formation of wrinkles

➨ dry out the skin and cause skin irritation

➨ dries out the hair and leads to split ends and tangles

In order to prevent negative consequences for skin and hair, the surface structure and moisture management of the selected material are particularly important. We'll show you the advantages and disadvantages of different fabrics and which pillowcase is best for your sleeping needs!

Tip: The pillow itself should also be made of breathable material to promote an optimal sleeping environment. Click here for our pillow guide ➨.

2. Popular fabrics for pillowcases

Cotton

Cotton fabrics are very versatile and can be processed in different ways. They can absorb a lot of moisture and are usually easy to clean, creating a good sleeping environment and safely removing bacteria, mites or sweat residue. Cotton jersey, flannel or flannel weaves have a skin-friendly, soft surface and keep you nice and warm. Seersucker, on the other hand, is less suitable as a pillowcase because the structured surface can lead to pressure points and promote the formation of wrinkles.

Silk

Silk is a natural fiber that is very elaborately produced from the silkworm's cocoon. On the one hand it is very breathable and on the other hand it has a very smooth, flowing surface that is gentle and soft on the skin. This creates a good sleeping environment, there is hardly any friction and drying out and irritation of the skin and hair is prevented. However, the fine fabric is quite expensive and also sensitive, because silk is not as easy to clean as other materials for pillowcases.

Bamboo

Bamboo pillowcases are becoming increasingly popular and are a sustainable, vegan alternative to expensive silk, which is also more durable and significantly cheaper. The organic bamboo fibers are naturally smooth and very soft, so that the skin is not irritated even when left on for long periods of time. Bamboo pillowcases are also anti-allergenic, breathable and can absorb moisture well.

Linen

Linen is made of breathable natural fibers that are relatively inelastic and retain their shape even after washing. The surface is usually quite smooth and soft, but not as cuddly as cotton or silk. Linen has a high tear resistance, which makes the fabric very durable and hard-wearing. It is also very light and airy on the pillow, which means that the cover stays cool, especially in summer, and doesn't make you sweat.

Synthetic fabrics / polyester

Polyester is a synthetic material that is a cheap and easy-care alternative to natural fibers. Contrary to popular belief, pillowcases made of polyester or microfiber can also have a very soft, skin-friendly surface. They are very easy to care for, easy to clean, do not shed and dry very quickly. The artificial polyester fibers are also perfect for allergy sufferers because pollen, mites, dust and bacteria cannot settle in the fabric.

3. The best pillowcases for different needs

For beautiful, wrinkle-free skin

To prevent wrinkles and lines from forming, there should be no pressure points caused by fabric patterns and uneven surfaces. Look for a pillow cover that is wrinkle-free, stays in place at night, and has a smooth surface. Breathable and easy-to-clean fabrics are ideal for keeping sweat, dirt particles and bacteria away.

Recommendation: Silk and bamboo are skin-friendly and hardly remove any moisture from the skin. Soft cotton fabrics can also prevent wrinkles if the skin is not as prone to dryness.

For beautiful hair

Frizz and split ends make the hair look brittle and dull and are mainly caused by friction. Then the hair structures become rough and can be damaged. However, a soft but smooth pillowcase and tying your hair up can help prevent knots and tangles.

Recommendation: Cotton satin or silk

You can find more tips for beauty sleep and a fresh look in the morning here.

For sensitive or dry skin

Avoid cotton as it quickly removes moisture from the skin and will dry it out even further. High-quality synthetic materials or natural fibers such as bamboo or silk are antibacterial and ideal for use as pillowcases for sensitive skin.

Recommendation: Pillowcases made of high-quality synthetic or bamboo

For people who sweat a lot

At night we lose a lot of fluid through our skin and breathing, especially when it gets too warm under the covers or in the bedroom. Cotton, linen and thicker synthetic fabrics can usually absorb a lot of moisture and simply release it back into the room without providing additional warmth. In this way, sweat and heat are removed from the body and a good sleeping environment is maintained. If you do wake up soaked in sweat, you can simply remove the covers and wash them at high temperatures to completely eliminate germs and bacteria.

4. Conclusion

• The most popular fabrics for pillowcases are cotton, silk, satin and polyester.

• Pillowcases made of silk and bamboo are best suited for skin and hair.

Greetings and see you soon!