Difference between Satin and Silk Pillowcases: Which one is better?

Satin and silk pillowcases have been heavily marketed for their benefits on the skin and hair. But which one is better: satin or silk? As a textile scientist, I breakdown the differences between both, what makes them good, and my top product recommendations for each. In the end, I also offer a few sustainable, vegan alternatives that serve as great runner-up options.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links, which will result in a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The products I recommend are based on my own research and experience, and are not sponsored.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATIN AND SILK

Both silk and satin have a similar feel, but there are some key differences between the two. To start, satin is a fabric weave structure, commonly made from polyester. Silk, on the other hand, is a natural protein fiber spun from silkworms (Bombyx mori). In order to make an informed decision on which one works for you, it is important to understand their key distinctions:

• Satin: A type of fabric weave usually made from polyester, which is the cheaper option of the two.
• Silk: A type of natural fiber that comes from the silkworm, with unique luxurious properties, which I go into below.

Unique Properties of Silk

Silk is a luxurious fabric because it has many special properties. Below are some of the key benefits:

• Silk is hypoallergenic. This natural fiber contains a protein called sericin, a coating that makes fibers repellant against mold, fungus, and dust mites. As a result, it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, and is good for sensitive skin.
• Silk is temperature-regulating. It is a good insulator under cold temperature, but it also wicks moisture under warm temperature for a cooling effect.
• Silk helps your hair and skin to retain moisture. It does not strip your skin and hair of their natural oils and moisture, which helps to reduce frizz.
• Silk is luxuriously smooth. This surface texture reduces creases and fine lines on your face when you wake up in the morning.

Some of my favorite places to buy silk pillowcases are Anthropologie and Nordstrom. Both retailers carry Slip Silk, which is the first brand I ever bought my silk pillowcase from. They also offer sales throughout the year that are worth keeping an eye out for!

For more affordable options, I also enjoy Target’s Casaluna brand ($30 and comes in a variety of colors), as well as Quince. I’ve reviewed the brand (HERE) for their cashmere pieces, but they also carry affordable luxe bedding too. Finally, Brooklinen offers a nice selection of mid-tier silk pillowcases also under $100.

IS SILK BETTER THAN SATIN?

Obviously, there are significant benefits to using a silk pillowcase. However, satin does not trail too far behind, and there are some reasons where it might make a more sensible choice.

• Silk is more delicate than satin. Polyester is generally a hardier fiber than silk. I have thrown my satin pillowcases into the wash (using a delicates bag, of course). But for my silk pillowcases, I prefer to hand-wash them. If you’re the kind of person who finds that a hassle, satin might be the better option.
• Silk is NOT vegan. It is hard to find cruelty-free silk in the market. While developments are still underway, satin (or other smooth fabrics) may make more sense.
• Silk is more expensive. I shared some under $50 options above, but if cost is an issue, satin is the affordable option that still has enticing benefits.

Satin Pillowcases I Love

My go-to brand for affordable satin pillowcases is Kitsch. They are super affordable ($19) for their standard size pillow, and make a Christmas-gift favorite!

How to Care for your Satin & Silk Pillowcase

Experts recommend washing your pillowcase every two weeks. As shared above, I have placed my satin pillowcase into a delicates bag, and machine-washed it before. However, I would exclusively hand-wash my silk pillowcase as they are more expensive and fragile. The Laundress has undergone a huge product recall, but they have a good silk fabric care guide here.

I use the Dirty Labs Delicate Detergent. I have followed this bio-based detergent for many years, and you can read my review HERE. Nordstrom recently also came out with their own delicates detergent, which I haven’t used but the reviews are positive. NOTE: You can use these products on your satin pillowcase for safe measure (they will last longer)!

Other Alternatives to Silk Pillowcases

If you are looking for vegan options to silk, below are some other smooth varities. ‘Ethical’ silk is an area of active research, so while options are still limited, satin and other smooth-faced fabrics (e.g. sateen) or fibers (e.g. Tencel, modal, eucalyptus) can work too. In my research, I can across a brand called Night, which offers eco-satin. This fabric is made from modal, a fiber extracted from beech tree pulp.

I do find it misleading they call their products ‘vegan’ since satin is, by default, already such.

Eucalyptus & Sateen Pillowcases

While silk possesses many superior qualities for your hair and skin, the truth is you can find other smooth fabric options that help to minimize frizz was well. For cotton sateen options, look for a higher thread count, which will increase smooth/softness. For a smooth fabric with also cooling properties, eucalyptus is another good option.

Eucalyptus: This fiber is much softer than cotton, with similar cooling properties as silk and not abrasive on the hair and skin. Buffy has some great 2-pack options.

Sateen: It sounds similar to satin, but is essentially another form of fabric weave commonly made from cotton. Unlike percale bedding, sateen has a glossier and smoother surface. This smooth fabric is less abrasive than other cotton-based weaves like percale. Give this material a try if you are looking for something more affordable that does not cause tangles in your sleep.

I really love Parachute, which uses high-quality 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton.

The Final Verdict: Silk is great, but there are alternatives to it as well!

I hope you found this post helpful in terms of understanding the difference between satin and silk pillowcases. While I am personally a huge fan of silk, I definitely appreciate that there are many ways to choose what works best for you.

At the end of the day, it comes down to a few factors:

• Budget: Silk can be expensive, and more affordable options do exist!
• Ethical Concerns: Silk is not vegan, and cruelty-free options are limited.
• Fabric Care: Satin is better suited for someone looking for low-maintenance bedding.
• Hair & Skin Care: Both satin and silk are better than cotton in terms of locking in your natural moisture. You can decide what is best for you based on personal factors (e.g. hair type, skin oiliness—for those with naturally drier hair/skin, you may not want to use an absorptive material like cotton)
• Comfort: Silk has great temperature-regulating benefits.