Silk Pillowcase Buying Guide: Momme, Grade and Silk vs Satin
Quick answer: look for 100% mulberry silk, 19 to 25 momme, Grade 6A, with silk on both sides. 22 momme is the sweet spot for most people: noticeably thicker and more durable than entry-level 19 momme, without the cost of 25+ momme. "Satin" pillowcases are usually polyester, not silk.
Silk vs. satin
Satin is a weave, not a fibre. A satin pillowcase can be made from polyester, nylon or silk, and most are polyester. Silk is a natural protein fibre: breathable, temperature-regulating and smooth. Polyester satin looks shiny but traps heat and doesn't breathe the same way. Check the label: it should say 100% mulberry silk.
Momme: how thick is the silk?
Momme (mm) measures how much silk goes into the fabric. Higher momme means a denser, more durable fabric.
| Momme | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 16 | Thin and lightweight; more common in scarves and budget products |
| 19 | Entry-level pillowcase weight; soft but wears thinner faster |
| 22 | The sweet spot: thick, durable, still breathable |
| 25+ | Heavier and more luxurious, at a noticeably higher price |
Grade: what does 6A mean?
Silk fibre is graded by length and uniformity, from A up to 6A. 6A silk has the longest, most even fibres, which make a smoother and stronger fabric. Lower grades can feel rougher and pill sooner.
Both sides silk, or just one?
Some lower-priced pillowcases use silk only on the top face and cotton or polyester on the back. A pillowcase with silk on both sides lets you flip the pillow and still sleep on silk.
Envelope or zipper closure?
A zipper can snag delicate silk and may break or rust over many washes. An envelope closure has no hardware, so there's nothing to fail.
Which size do I need?
| Pillowcase | Size | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20×26" (51×66 cm) | Standard pillows |
| Queen | 20×30" (51×76 cm) | Standard and Queen pillows |
| King | 20×36" (51×91 cm) | King pillows |
How to wash a silk pillowcase
- Hand wash in cold water, or machine wash on a delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.
- Use a pH-neutral or silk-specific detergent. No bleach or fabric softener.
- Air dry away from direct sun. Skip the dryer: heat weakens silk fibres.
Our pick
Our Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ticks every box above: 22 momme, Grade 6A mulberry silk on both sides, envelope closure, Queen size (20×30"), in 12 colours. It's $60 CAD / $45 USD, with free shipping when you buy two.
FAQ
Is a silk pillowcase good for hair and skin?
Silk creates less friction than cotton, so many people notice less frizz, fewer tangles and fewer sleep creases in the morning. It's a comfort benefit, not a medical treatment.
How do I know a pillowcase is real silk?
Check the label for 100% mulberry silk and a momme weight. Real silk feels smooth and slightly cool, and warms to your touch. Very cheap "silk" pillowcases are usually polyester satin.
Can I put a silk pillowcase in the dryer?
It's best not to. Air drying keeps the fabric smooth and strong for longer.