Satin vs Silk Pillowcase: What's the Difference
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Medically reviewed by Shahaf Neri
Last Updated on Feb 06, 2023
Do you get frizzy hair and acne breakout due to the oil-absorbent pillowcases? Is your poor-quality pillow cover ruining your sleep? Waking up in the morning with hair strands on the pillow is frustrating. Therefore, consider the satin vs silk pillowcase option to control your hair friction.
Keep reading till the end to learn which is better: silk or satin pillowcase?
Difference Between Satin and Silk Pillowcases
Silk is a natural fabric, whereas satin is a weave. Silk is made by silkworms and is shiny, strong, and durable, whereas satin can be made with nylon, polyester, and silk. Moreover, it has a glossy surface on one side and a flat back. Satin tends to shrink after the first wash as compared to silk. Silk is expensive; satin is affordable. Although silk and satin are both exquisite fabrics, below is the primary difference table between satin vs silk pillowcases for you to understand them better.
| Description | Satin | Silk |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Satin is a weave | 100% natural fabric |
| Durability | Less strong than silk | Strong and durable |
| Type Of Fiber | Made by using filament fiber such as nylon, polyester, and silk | Made by silkworms |
| Texture | Has a glossy surface and a dull back | Both sides are shiny and soft |
| Care and maintenance | Needs dry-cleaning. Shrinks after the first wash | Hand wash/Machine wash. Doesn’t shrink after the first wash |
| Cost | Affordable; starting price $9.99 | Expensive; starting price $16.99 |
What is Silk
Silk is a 100% natural fabric made from the cocoons of silkworms. It consists of fibroin protein and is known for its:
- shine
- softness
- luster
- strength
- durability
- and shimmer look
Several threads are woven together to make clothes, bedding, screens, and banners. Being hypoallergenic, it is gentle on the skin. Moreover, silk is a natural inhibitor which means it can draw away heat from you when it is hot and keep you warm in cold temperatures. Real silk is a high-quality fabric no longer reserved for rich fashionistas.
Benefits of Silk Pillowcases
The silk's smoothness, shine, and glossiness has enriched the fabric for many years. Besides the soft touch, the benefits of silk pillowcases for your skin and hair care are below.
Silk Provides Bedtime Breathability:
Your body cannot control your temperature while you are dozing off. Therefore, you may feel sleep deprived if the bedding is uncomfortable. In this case, silk, a natural inhibitor, helps your body to control its temperature, either in hot or cold. Moreover, it gives a soft and silky touch to your skin. Therefore, a silk pillowcase assists in bedtime breathability and provides peaceful sleep.
No More Nasties
Bedding materials are more prone to dust mites and mildew, causing bacterial infection. Silk is hypoallergenic, prevents dust formation on your pillows, and protects you from bacterial infection. However, it may shrink after the first wash. Therefore, dry-cleaning is an ideal way to keep your silk pillowcase intact.
Strong And Malleable
The strength of silk comes from the length of the fibers. A mulberry silkworm larva makes a long and continuous thread. The making of silk by silkworms is a long and delicate process. Furthermore, pulling a strand of silk into its component fibers is impossible. Due to this, silk can keep its shape even after stretching. Therefore, silk pillowcases are strong and malleable. However, avoid overstretching, as unnecessary extending may damage the fabric.
Less Friction, Less Frizz
Are you worried about bedhead? Now, experience no more hair on your pillowcase as you wake up to a fresh and breezy morning. Silk pillowcases being smooth helps prevent friction in your hair, thus stopping hair fall.
Skin Deep Beauty Sleep
Fabric such as cotton absorbs oil from your skin and causes bacterial infection and skin breakout. A study showed cotton fabrics showed high permeability, meaning the dirt penetrates more deeply into the fabric. In such a case, using a silk pillowcase would be beneficial. It doesn't absorb oil from your skin and keeps your pillow free from dirt and bacteria. Therefore, you get skin-deep beauty sleep.
Can Be Organic
Silk pillowcase being 100% natural, is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Thus, organic silk pillowcases protect your skin for a clean sleep.
What Is Satin
Satin is a fabric made by humans using weaving techniques. It is made from a combination of synthetic fibers such as threads from nylon, rayon, polyester, cotton, and silk. Due to the softness, most people cannot spot the difference between satin and silk. Though soft, satin is not as gentle on the skin as silk fabric. Satin has a glossy look and is more affordable. Hence, satin is best as an alternative to silk.
Benefits Of Satin Pillowcase
We have seen above the benefits of a silk pillowcase. Let's also look at the benefits of satin pillowcases for you to choose between satin vs. silk pillowcases.
Satiny Smooth
Satin's flexibility allows it to mix and match with other fabrics. Therefore, satin can be made softer than silk. If compared with the rich legacy of silk material, satin softness is easy on your pocket with similar effects as silk.
Hair And Skin Help
When it comes to satin vs silk pillowcases regarding hair and skin care, satin is the second most common option after silk. They both are breathable and hypoallergenic and prevent hair friction. Thus, no bed head and oil on your pillows, keeping your beddings clean.
No Wrinkles
Satin can wrinkle depending on the fiber type, thickness, weight, weave complexity, composition, and treatment. However, thick polyester satin and thin satin made from silk are wrinkle-resistant.
An Affordable Luxury
Satin is similar to silk in softness, breathability, hypoallergenic, and suitable for skin and hair. Moreover, it can be softer with mix-and-match flexibility with various other material types. Thus, all these factors make satin an affordable luxury.
Quick Clean
Satin is less robust and can lose its shape. Therefore, a cold wash is ideal for keeping your satin fabric intact.
Plenty Of Pillowcases
It takes about 2500 silkworms to spin a pound of raw silk, which is rarely over one yard of fabric. Thus, silk is a time-consuming process and, therefore, expensive. On the other hand, synthetic satin is more readily available and affordable. Consequently, it will be easy for you to collect plenty of pillowcases and enrich your sleeping experience.
Conclusion
The information above on satin vs silk pillowcases will help you choose your ideal pillowcase. Knowing the worth of silk qualities, investing in an enriched fabric will help you sleep better. However, if affordability is your call, a satin pillowcase will always satisfy you while you slumber. Therefore, make a decision and hit the pillowcase of your choice.
