Whether you prefer cotton or polyester filling, sleepers all over the world can agree: bedding down on the right type of pillow is key to catching z’s. Yet there’s one element that’s all too easy to overlook: the right pillowcase.
Of the various materials woven into pillowcases, silk and satin are among the most well-known. They might seem similar on the surface, but don’t judge a pillow by its cover. So, what’s the difference between silk and satin pillowcases?
Below, we’ll discuss the difference between silk and satin pillowcases, from origins to price point to how they play into hair care.
While silk and satin may feel or look similar, nothing quite beats the soft and smooth touch of 100% mulberry silk. For a luxuriously soft sleep, you’ll love our Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask Set.
Silk pillowcases are made from threads produced by silkworms while satin pillowcases are made from a type of weave that results in a shiny appearance and can be made from several different textiles. To more thoroughly understand the differences between these two kinds of pillowcases, let’s take a closer look at what silk and satin actually are.
Thousands of years ago, China began domesticating silkworms to produce—you guessed it—silk. By weaving several threads together, they could use the material to make everything from clothes to screens to banners. Given time and improved silk-working techniques, trade routes sprouted and spread across the globe.1
No matter where it spread, real silk was considered high-end for both the skill it took to work with and its incomparably smooth feel. Indeed, “silky smooth” products went for a pretty penny — and still do, despite no longer being reserved for the upper echelons of society.
Unlike silk, satin isn’t a material that’s woven into a fabric: it’s the weaving itself! Though there are multiple styles, you can tell it apart from the two other main textile weaves — plain and twill — by its one-sided sheen.2
Once woven exclusively with silk, modern satin mixes and matches a number of materials, most of which are synthetic:3
Sans the intensive process needed to produce silk, satin is cheaper to make and buy. It’s also easier to imitate, with close cousin sateen (woven with shorter fibers) having carved out its own sector in the textile industry.
Instead of answering “which is better, a silk or satin pillowcase?” it might be more beneficial to tweak this question — which is better for you? Whether your answer is a satin or silk pillowcase, each comes with its own share of advantages.
Most of silk’s advantages stem from the fact that it’s a natural material. Let’s take a look at a few of the silk pillowcase benefits:3
Satin does, however, have several unique boons:2,3,5
Wherever you come down on the great satin vs silk pillowcase debate, one thing is clear: while each comes with a bevy of benefits, your choice should reflect your personal preference. Counting sheep is a matter of comfort, and comfort is a matter of understanding yourself.
Casper’s here to help bridge that gap so you can cross over to dreamland. From pillows to pillowcases, whatever you need, we have you covered.
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