Silk Pillowcases: Momme, Mulberry Silk and What They Really Do

The short answer

A good silk pillowcase is 100% mulberry silk, 22 to 25 momme, in a charmeuse weave, with a hidden zip or envelope closure. It feels cool, causes less friction against your hair than cotton, and makes a genuinely useful gift. It will not perform miracles for your skin, and anyone who promises that is selling, not explaining.

Silk pillowcases are one of the most searched gifts in Australia every November and December. Here is how to tell a good one from a shiny polyester copy, from someone who has spent more than 14 years working with fabrics in dyeing and development.

What a silk pillowcase actually does

• Less friction on hair. Silk filaments are long and smooth, so hair slides across the surface instead of catching. People with curly, long or chemically treated hair usually notice less frizz and fewer tangles in the morning.
• Less moisture pulled from hair. Cotton is very absorbent and can draw oils and leave-in products out of your hair overnight. Silk absorbs less from your hair and face.
• Cooler to sleep on. Silk breathes and handles moisture well, which helps on warm nights.
• Skin claims are weaker. Many listings promise fewer wrinkles or clearer skin. There is little solid evidence for that. A smooth, clean pillowcase is kinder to skin than a rough one, but it is not a skincare treatment.

Momme: the number that matters

Momme measures silk weight. One momme is about 4.34 g/m², so a higher number means more silk in the fabric.

Momme	Feel	Durability	Verdict
16–19	Light, thin	Wears out faster with weekly washing	Fine for occasional use
22	Smooth, opaque	Good	The best value for most people
25	Dense, rich	Very good	Worth it if you wash weekly for years
30	Heavy, luxurious	Excellent	Top end; noticeably heavier

A pillowcase gets washed far more often than pyjamas, so weight matters more here. I would not buy below 19 momme for daily use.

Silk vs satin pillowcases

“Satin” is a weave, not a fibre. Most satin pillowcases are polyester. They are smooth, so they do reduce hair friction, but polyester does not breathe or handle moisture like silk, so they can feel warm and clammy. If a listing says “silky” or “satin” without stating 100% silk, assume polyester.

How to choose a good one

1. Fibre content: 100% mulberry silk on both sides. Some cheaper pillowcases use silk on the top and cotton or polyester on the back. That is fine if you know it, but it should be stated.
2. Momme stated, 22 or higher.
3. Grade 6A. It refers to the longest, most even raw silk filaments. It is a trade grade, so treat it as a good sign rather than proof.
4. OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This means the fabric and dyes were tested for harmful substances. It matters for something your face touches every night.
5. Hidden zip or envelope closure, so the pillow stays inside and the silk does not bunch.
6. Correct size. Australian standard pillows are about 48 × 73 cm. Many silk pillowcases on Amazon are US “Queen” size (about 51 × 76 cm), which fits a standard Australian pillow with a little room.

How to wash a silk pillowcase

Wash it weekly, because skin oils and hair products build up. Turn it inside out, zip it closed, and wash on a delicate cycle in cool water (30 °C or below) inside a mesh bag, using a pH-neutral silk or wool detergent. Dry in the shade, never in the dryer. Our full guide on how to wash silk covers every step.

Frequently asked questions

Do silk pillowcases really help hair?

Yes, for friction. Hair slides more easily on silk, which usually means less frizz, fewer tangles and less breakage, especially for curly or long hair.

Are silk pillowcases good for skin?

They are gentle and smooth, but claims that they reduce wrinkles or acne are not well supported. Wash the pillowcase regularly; a clean pillowcase matters more than the fabric.

What momme is best for a silk pillowcase?

22 momme is the best value. 25 momme lasts longer with weekly washing. Avoid anything under 19 momme for daily use.

Is a silk pillowcase a good gift?

Yes. It is useful, easy to size, and feels luxurious. Choose a neutral colour and a pair if your budget allows. For more silk gift ideas, see our silk pyjamas guide.