Written by Anya, Founder of The Silk Collection · Updated August 2026
The short answer: silk is a fibre, satin is a weave. Most pillowcases sold as “satin” are woven from polyester and contain no silk at all. Both feel smoother than cotton, but only real mulberry silk is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic and durable enough to last years. If the label does not say 100% mulberry silk with a momme weight, it is not silk.
In this guide
Silk vs satin at a glance · Material quality · Benefits for hair and skin · Cost and value · Which should you choose · Frequently asked questions
Whether you are looking for a bedroom refresh or you have heard about all the silk pillowcase benefits, if you are deciding whether to invest in a silk pillowcase, we know that there are a number of key factors to consider before you purchase your first real silk pillowcase.
It is now a well known fact that using a silk pillowcase is an effortless way to look after skin and hair as we sleep compared to a traditional cotton pillowcase. However, not all silk pillowcases are made the same, and often they can be confused with pillowcases advertised as 'satin pillowcases'.
So are they the same thing and do they have the same benefits? One of the most common questions we get asked is:
"Why is a silk pillowcase better than a satin pillowcase?"
At first look, silk and satin pillowcases seem to be very similar in terms of their super soft touch and feel, so it is understandable that many assume that they bring the same benefits and are made from the same material. However, this is not the case, despite it often being advertised as so! For this reason, real silk pillowcases do tend to come with a higher price tag, and we will delve into reasons for this in this blog post.
Here we share how real silk pillowcases differ to satin ones across three key areas:
1. Material quality
2. Benefits for hair, skin and sleep
3. Cost and value for money
Based on this, you will be able to weigh up the relative pros and cons of a silk pillowcase vs. satin pillowcase, and make an informed decision about whether to invest in a real silk pillowcase!
Spoiler alert: While a silk pillowcase and satin pillowcase may feel similar, a real silk pillowcase has a number of additional benefits for your skin, hair and quality of sleep. If you are looking to invest in a silk pillowcase, discover our best-selling silk pillowcases here for the ultimate luxurious night's sleep.
Want to find out more about the benefits of a silk pillowcase vs. cotton pillowcase? Read our blog post here!
Not sure how to spot real silk vs. fake silk? Read our guide here!
Silk vs satin at a glance
| 100% mulberry silk | Silk satin | Polyester satin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A natural fibre | Silk fibre in a satin weave | A synthetic fibre in a satin weave |
| Breathability | High, regulates temperature | High | Low, traps heat and moisture |
| Friction on hair | Very low | Very low | Low |
| Absorbs your skincare | Far less than cotton | Far less than cotton | Less than cotton |
| Hypoallergenic | Naturally, and resists dust mites | Yes | No particular benefit |
| Lifespan with fortnightly washing | Three years or more at 22 momme | Varies with momme | Pills and dulls within months |
| Typical price | £45–£110 | £30–£80 | £8–£20 |
The honest version: a polyester satin pillowcase is not useless. It is smoother than cotton, it reduces friction, and it is cheap. What it cannot do is breathe, hold moisture where it belongs or survive years of washing, and those are the differences you notice over months rather than nights.
★★★★★
“Am so pleased that I purchased this pillowcase. The difference in my hair and skin is amazing. My hair felt so dry and coarse when using a cotton pillowcase. Now it feels more moisturised and not dry anymore. Great purchase. Would definitely recommend.”
The Silk Collection 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
1. Material quality: Silk vs. Satin pillowcase
Silk, a natural protein fibre, is a material produced by silk worms, offering a unique combination of strength, smoothness, and natural sheen. Natural silk is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, which makes it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. The production of silk, especially mulberry silk, is a meticulous process that ensures a uniform and high-quality product.
In contrast, Satin is in fact not a raw material but a weave. A satin weave can therefore be made from a variety of fibres which gives it a wide range in terms of quality and feel, depending on the composition of the material used.
TOP TIP: A real silk pillowcase will be made from 100% Silk Satin, and this is what you need to look out for if you are looking to purchase a 'satin' pillowcase. The most important factor to look at is the quality of the silk, which can be determined by looking at the Momme Count. The higher the Momme Count, the thicker and more luxurious the silk will feel.
In most cases, satin pillowcases do not contain any real silk, and instead are actually made from a range of synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, which means that they tend to lack the natural benefits of real silk. While a satin weave may mimic the smoothness of silk, it does not offer the same health benefits as natural silk fibres.
Therefore, if you are looking for a 100% natural material for your pillowcase, it is essential to use a real silk pillowcase rather than a satin one.
2. Benefits for skin, hair and sleep: Satin or Silk pillows for hair
Following the above, if you are looking for real benefits for your skin and hair over time, it is important to opt for a real silk pillowcase to maximise the benefits. By using a real silk pillowcase, you can benefit from mulberry silk's natural properties:
Silk pillowcase benefits
Reduce hair breakage
Silk's natural smooth surface reduces friction, minimising hair breakage, tangles, and the formation of sleep wrinkles.
Prolong hairstyles
Natural silk helps maintain hairstyles longer and keeps skin clear and free from irritation.
Naturally hydrating
Natural silk is made up of amino acids that make it less absorbent than other materials. This means that your skin and hair stay hydrated overnight as you sleep.
Naturally hypoallergenic:
Silk can help prevent acne and other skin conditions, thanks to its natural hypoallergenic properties.
Naturally heat-regulating
Real silk pillowcases are very breathable, which increases comfort to promote a more restful night's sleep. Silk naturally adapts to body temperature, providing cooling relief in summer and warmth in winter.
Satin pillowcases - the limitations
Satin pillowcases will still feel smooth against skin to help reduce hair breakage and friction. However, using a satin pillowcase will not bring the same level of benefits for skin and hair as it lacks the properties that 100% natural silk brings.
Given that we spend around a third of our lives sleeping, this means that we're spending years of our lives pressed against our pillowcase, so you might as well get all the benefits of a real silk pillowcase whilst you sleep each night!
★★★★★
“I've really noticed a difference since I started sleeping on my new silk pillowcases. My hair is less flyaway and my face is less creased when I wake up in the morning. They feel lovely and cool against my cheek which helps me get back to sleep. Very impressed!”
3. Cost and value for money: Silk or Satin
There is no doubt that satin pillowcases tend to come at a considerably lower price tag compared to real silk pillowcases. This is usually because of the composition of the material (often made from synthetic, cheaper fibres). Therefore, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option then a satin pillowcase can be a good option.
Investing in silk pays off
When considering the longevity and benefits of silk vs. satin pillowcases, the saying "quality over quantity" rings true.
The initial cost of a silk pillowcase may be higher than that of a satin one, but the investment in silk pays off over time! Silk's high quality and durability means it can withstand numerous washes without deteriorating (yes, our silk pillowcases are machine-washable!), which means it will last for years to come with proper care (see our silk care guide for step-by-step instructions). This longevity, combined with its unparalleled benefits for hair and skin, means silk offers significant savings in the long run on skincare and haircare products.
If you are someone who follows a daily skincare regime using overnight serums and moisturiser, a real silk pillowcase will be absolutely essential as its natural properties help to prevent moisture absorption during the night! This means your overnight serums and moisturisers stay on your face rather than being transferred onto your pillowcase. Just this can save you cost and effort over time!
★★★★★
“I recently bought a silk pillowcase from the Silk Collection. The quality is great and the size is also very good. It has helped me with my sleep and an added bonus is that my hair is also less frizzy and tangled in the morning. I will definitely be buying more.”
Invest in Quality Made to Last
As you can see, silk pillowcases do offer an unparalleled advantage in terms of the quality of material, benefits for skin, hair and sleep, and long-term value for money.
Silk’s ability to maintain moisture, reduce friction, and regulate temperature, all while being naturally hypoallergenic, offers an unmatched sleep experience.
Here at The Silk Collection, we truly believe in investing in the highest quality materials that are made to last, which also comes with a number of advantages not just for individuals but also for the environment. All of our silk pillowcases are also OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 which means that they have been tested to be free from harmful chemicals.
We have been crafting pure mulberry silk pillowcases for years, with thousands of you making the switch to silk. Our focus is on creating better basics, made from the highest quality silk, to elevate the steps in your routine you are already doing. No extra steps or complications. Just better quality materials.
Our Pure Silk Pillowcase is £55, or £59 in king size and £99 for a pair. Every one is 22 momme, Grade 6A mulberry silk, certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and arrives hand packaged in our signature gift box. You have 30 days to return it if it is not right for you. Rated 4.9 from 1,076 reviews.
The Silk Sleep Set (Silk Pillowcase + Eye Mask Set)
Silk vs satin pillowcase: which should you choose?
If you want the smooth feel alone at the lowest possible price, a polyester satin pillowcase will do the job for a season. If you want the benefits for hair and skin that brought you here, choose 100% mulberry silk with a stated momme weight, because only the real fibre breathes, holds moisture where it belongs and lasts for years.
If you are switching to silk: the 5 minute overnight routine
Four steps, five minutes before bed, all of them working while you sleep.
Frequently asked questions
Is satin the same as silk?
No. Silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms. Satin is a type of weave, and most satin sold today is woven from polyester or nylon. A fabric can be described as satin and contain no silk at all. Look for the words 100% mulberry silk and a momme weight.
Which is better for hair, silk or satin?
Both are smoother than cotton and both reduce friction. Silk performs better over time because it is more breathable and does not trap heat and moisture the way polyester satin does, and because a 22 momme silk pillowcase survives years of washing where satin pills and dulls.
Is satin bad for your skin?
Not bad, but less good. Polyester satin is less breathable, so it holds heat and moisture against the face. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, resists dust mites and absorbs far less of the skincare you apply at night.
Why is silk so much more expensive than satin?
You are paying for the fibre, not the finish. Mulberry silk is farmed and reeled from long, unbroken filaments; polyester is manufactured. A £15 satin pillowcase and a £55 silk pillowcase are different products that happen to feel similar in the shop.
How do I tell if a pillowcase is real silk?
Check for three things: the words 100% mulberry silk, a stated momme weight of 19 or above, and a certification such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100. If a listing gives none of the three, assume it is satin.
What momme weight should a silk pillowcase be?
Momme measures the weight and density of silk fabric. For pillowcases, 19 momme is the entry point for genuine quality, while 22 momme feels noticeably thicker and holds up better to washing, which is why we only craft our silk pillowcases from 22 momme, Grade 6A mulberry silk. Polyester satin never lists a momme weight.
Can I machine wash a silk pillowcase?
Yes. Ours are machine washable at 30 degrees in a mesh bag with a gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softener and tumble drying, and dry flat away from direct heat. With that care, from our own experience a 22 momme silk pillowcase withstands years of regular washing.
Does a satin pillowcase help with frizz?
It helps a little, because any smooth weave creates less friction than cotton. The difference our customers notice with silk is that the fibre also breathes and holds moisture in the hair, so frizz is reduced rather than simply delayed. Curly and frizz-prone hair tends to see the clearest change.
Sources and further reading
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: the independent certification our silk is tested to, covering harmful substances
- UK CMA Green Claims Code: the UK standard for honest claims about products and materials
- FTC guidance on labelling textile fibres: why fabrics must be described by their real fibre, not the weave or the feel
If you would like to find out more about our silk pillowcases, you can discover our collection here.
Still weighing it up? Our honest guides on whether silk pillowcases are worth it and what silk does for frizzy hair carry on from here. And if you have a question we have not answered, get in touch and we will happily help you choose.
