Science of Washable Silk: Everything You Need to Know ft. Lunya Pajamas Review

A few years ago, I made the switch to silk and satin pillowcases (read my OLD POST where I compare the two materials). I love the difference this little luxury has made for my skin and hair. However, it wasn’t until recently that I gave Lunya’s silk pajamas a try. As a hot sleeper, I found these pajamas to be a game changer, and the best part is they are machine-washable too! Ever wonder what makes some types of silks washable but not others? I’ll explain the science in this post, and share my thorough review of Lunya’s washable silk pajamas.

Disclosure: This post makes use of affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Lunya Washable Silk Sets: Use ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for 15% off your Order.

Lunya: Wearing Weighted Silk Eye Mask (elasticized, runs large) & Washable Silk Set (Otium Tan – XS). Use ‘ STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for 15% off. Pillowcases linked below:

Science Behind Washable Silk: How is it Different than Regular Silk?

One misconception people have about washable silk is that it is different from ‘real’ silk. But in reality, they are the exact same fibers. The main difference is that machine-washable silk is chemically treated to be stain and water resistant, while normal silk is not. Why is this step important?

Silk is an exquisite fiber that weakens when wet, and can lose its luster and smoothness. That is why traditionally, silk needs to be dry-cleaned. However, dry cleaning is also incredibly damaging to the environment and human health. Not to mention, it’s expensive.

That is where washable silk comes in. This recent development allows you to enjoy the luxuries of silk with lower maintenance. The water resistant finish allows you to wash silk without fear of damage when wet. Meanwhile, the stain resistant finish adds another layer of protection for the fabric to:

• Keep you from having to wash it as frequently
• Prevent fiber damage due to stubborn residues and grease

Lunya Silk Pajamas Review

To put the science into practice, I tried the Lunya washable silk pajamas set (gifted). In these photos, I am wearing the Washable Silk Set in Otium Tan (XS). You can use code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for 15% off your purchase!

(Links below are from Saks Fifth Avenue for visual reference)

Fit & Design

Top: Classic scoop neck in the front, and split tulip hem in the back. I found this design to be really clever. On the one hand, it helps with breathability, but on the other, this split hem design makes the fabric feel fluid if you toss and turn at night.

Bottom: Easy relaxed fit, with elasticized waistband. One thing to note here is that the elastic does not go all the way around (more like three-quarters of the way). There is no way to mix and match sizes with this set, but I could see myself going up to a S for a slightly looser fit.

Finally, one other piece to note is that Lunya’s silk set uses dyes that are Bluesign-approved. Bluesign is a trusted third-party agency that ensures products are manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements.

Washable Silk Set: Comfort

My bedroom is always slightly warmer than my living room, but since wearing Lunya, I rarely wake up in the middle of the night anymore. They are truly so comfortable that I feel sad when I have to put them in the wash (hah!) My silk set feels cooling and lightweight, and it is truly a step up from satin PJs I have owned in the past.

Did They Last in the Wash?

I washed my set with the Dirty Labs Delicates Detergent (use code ‘SBS10‘ for 10% off your first purchase). Dirty Labs is my favorite laundry detergent brand and you can read my review on their bio-based formula HERE. The set looked the same before and after wash, with no changes to the fabric texture and feel.

NOTE: For extra care, I would recommend hand-washing and air drying these pajamas. However, if you do throw them in the washing machine, I would put them in a delicates bag just to be safe, and dry using the lowest heat setting.

Were my Lunya Silk Pajamas Worth It?

This lovely Lunya set is $188 ($160 if you use my 15% off discount code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘), which is expensive! For the price, I definitely have much higher standards for the quality. So did this set live up to its expectations? Yes.

These pajamas are the truly the comfiest set I own, and worth the splurge. I sleep a lot better with them, and love that I can throw them into the wash with my other clothes. If you are on the fence about purchasing these, I would recommend trying out more affordable silk alternatives. That way, you can decide if you enjoy sleeping with silk before investing in a luxury set.

• Quince: Manufacturer-to-consumer brand that offers affordable basics using premium materials.

• Intimissimi: Italian lingerie brand that sells silk separates. They have more feminine colors and options with lace too. It is not very noticeable on their product page, but there is a little laundry icon that indicates their pieces can be machine-washed at 30-degrees or lower.

• Lilysilk: This brand has a variety of colors and short/long-sleeve options under $200. I like that the website specifies they use 22 momme (which is the higher end in terms of silk quality).

• Neiwai: Intimates brand that has a few silk-modal varieties priced under $100.

If you end up enjoying these options, you can build your way up to investing in a Lunya set. I can definitely see myself purchasing them in other colors in the future. And lastly, I hope you found the science of washable silk fascinating!