An Honest Look: Are There Any Disadvantages of Silk Pillowcases?

Listen to an audio transcription of this post

Once only available to kings and queens, the now relative affordability of silk means that the popularity of silk pillowcases is on the rise. Along with other silk products like silk sheets, robes, and hair accessories.

There's especially a lot of hype about the many benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase. But, you may be wondering, are there any drawbacks to this kind of pillowcase? The simple answer is, there could be, depending on the quality and type of silk.

Before you buy any old silk pillowcase, know that certain factors will impact whether it meets your expectations. Not all silk pillowcases are created equal—quality matters. Buying silk pillowcases that are of exceptional quality will help you evade the cons of cheap silk and satin.

Luckily, buying silk pillowcases of superior quality doesn't have to be difficult.

Let's get into the potential disadvantages of silk pillowcases, and how Blissy can help you easily avoid them!

Disadvantage #1: Silk Could Be Less Durable (But Only if It Is Low Quality)

One potential disadvantage of a silk pillowcase is the material could be too flimsy. The highest quality silk is extremely strong and durable. But a poor-quality silk pillowcase is made from a more fragile material. The silk fibers of lower-grade silk are not nearly as strong. And will fray, degrade, or tear faster.

You should only buy a silk pillowcase crafted from the highest grade, which is grade 6A.

Lower grades of silk are not only less durable but also:

• Less soft and lustrous
• May contain impurities
• Have an uneven texture

How to overcome it

So, how do you avoid this? Buy from Blissy. Blissy Silk Pillowcases are crafted from the highest quality, strong-but-delicate silk. Our pillowcases can last as long as cotton pillowcases and other resilient fabrics—but with beauty and wellness benefits.

Our luxurious, mulberry silk pillowcases are offered at affordable prices, considering they can last a decade if cared for.

They're a worthwhile investment into your long-term well-being and beauty regimen.

Disadvantage #2: Cleaning Some Silk Pillowcases Could Take More Effort (But It Doesn't Have To!)

When you hear "silk", you may be intimidated and shy away from buying this fabric. Silk used to be a fabric that was notoriously hard to care for and usually required dry cleaning.

And this is still true of some types of silk and silk products—but not all! Yes, poor-quality, less-durable silk fades and deteriorates if not carefully washed by hand or dry cleaned.

However, even the highest quality silk requires a little extra care compared to your run-of-the-mill cotton pillowcase. You should avoid tumble drying (unless you're really in a pinch). Air drying is the preferred method of drying silk.

This means hanging up your pillowcase (or draping it over the back of a wooden chair) instead of tossing it in the drying. Because silk easily evaporates water, silk pillowcases air dry in very little time. If you can't be bothered to air dry, silk pillowcases may not be for you.

How to overcome it

With modern innovations in textile manufacturing, it is no longer true that all silk items need dry cleaning or hand washing. Blissy Silk Pillowcases are machine-washable on the delicate or gentle cycle.

Simply place your silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag, wash on the delicate cycle with cool water, and allow to air dry. Make sure to use a pH-balanced detergent, like Blissy Wash.

If you're not sleeping on Blissy, you may need to wash your silk pillowcase by hand or take it to the dry cleaner to be laundered.

Disadvantage #3: Cheap Silk Is Less Comfortable Than High-Quality Silk

Silk is known as being the most luxurious, soft fabric in the world. But some silk is more comfortable than other types. You deserve great beauty sleep! So, be wary of low-grade silk.

Cheap silk doesn't have the same smooth, velvety texture. It may even have unsightly bumps, rough patches, or discolorations.

How to overcome it

Superior-quality, real silk has a luxurious look and unique luster. And, it's lusciously soft and supple—it'll glide across your skin.

Now, it is true that premium quality silk comes, well, at a premium. So if a silk pillowcase seems out of your price range, this may make you hesitant to buy one. But it is best to think of buying a silk pillowcase as an investment in yourself. If you find yourself unafraid to spend money on expensive hair and skin care products and sleep aids, you should approach buying a silk pillowcase with the same mindset.

If comfort is what you're after during sleep (and it most certainly should be your #1 priority), sleep on Blissy Silk Pillowcases. These are crafted exclusively from the highest quality silk and offer top-of-the-line comfort for deeper rest.

Disadvantage #4: Labels Can Be Misleading

The disadvantages of "silk" pillowcases are sometimes not caused by silk at all.

Satin is frequently marketed as silk—but it's not necessarily the same thing:

Satin is a type of fabric weave. Silk is a fabric material.

Satin often isn't woven with silk, although it can be (look for the term "silk satin").

If you're sleeping on a "silk" pillowcase that's actually just synthetic satin, you won't experience the same wellness and beauty benefits. There are many differences between satin and silk pillowcases.

Here are a couple of other misleading things to look out for:

• Real silk is measured by momme count instead of thread count. If you only see a thread count listed on a "silk" pillowcase, odds are it's cheap or imitation silk.
• Not all silk is safe. Satin and low-quality silk may come into contact with harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. Only purchase certified non-toxic silk bedding.

How to overcome it

Choose a silk brand that is transparent about the materials they use, like Blissy. Blissy Silk Pillowcases are made only from grade 6a, 22-momme, 100% pure mulberry silk. Not only are they made of the highest quality silk, but they are also OEKO-TEX Certified. This means they are certified by a third party as being safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

Disadvantage #5: Imitation "Silk" Bedding Can Cause Skin Irritations

As we mentioned before, products marketed as "satin" are not silk. Satin is often woven from synthetic materials. These inferior fabrics are not hypoallergenic (silk is), and can exasperate skin conditions.

The exception is products marked "silk satin", but always check the label, as these could be a silk blend or inferior silk. Remember, grade 6a 100% mulberry silk is the high-quality silk to look for.

Satin pillowcases are not ideal for those with sensitive skin. Synthetic satin may seem budget-friendly, but it's not worth the "savings." It can aggravate delicate facial skin.

If you struggle with eczema, acne, or other skin irritations, a satin pillowcase is not what you need.

How to overcome it

Instead, try Blissy Silk Pillowcases made from pure mulberry silk. They're ultra-soft and soothing, naturally hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating.

Disadvantage #6: Silk Knockoffs Contribute to Overheating

One of the best reasons to buy a silk pillowcase is because of its soothing, cooling properties. However, low-quality silk or satin pillowcases could offer less-than-desirable temperature regulation.

Satin is often made from polyester, which is not breathable and can actually make you hotter.

How to overcome it

Real silk is a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and cools you off.

Blissy Pillowcases are perfect for both cool and hot weather! Silk naturally helps regulate body temperature year-round.

Disadvantage #7: Low-Quality Silk and Satin Have Poor Moisture Absorption

Many people are becoming aware of the advantages of moisture-wicking materials, which help evaporate sweat and keep you comfortable.

Unfortunately, low-quality silk and silk blends will not wick moisture and evaporate it as well as high-quality silk. And synthetic satin is particularly bad at this task, as it is not breathable.

No one wants to wake up all clammy on their pillow! But don't worry, you don't have to subject yourself to that.

How to overcome it

You guessed it—the solution to avoiding waking up sweaty on your pillow is to buy the purest mulberry silk, which is highly effective at wicking moisture. And Blissy has your back!

Recap: Benefits of Opting for Grade 6A, 22-Momme, Mulberry Silk

Let's recap. So far, we have learned that there are some disadvantages to silk only if it is made from flimsy, low-quality silk, silk blends, or synthetic satin. But when you buy the highest quality silk—grade 6a, 22-momme, 100% mulberry silk—there are actually very few disadvantages to a silk pillowcase. They are actually superior to other fabrics in every possible way.

Blissy silk pillowcases are:

1. Highly durable
2. Machine washable
3. Ultra-soft and comfortable
4. Certified safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly
5. Hypoallergenic
6. Cooling
7. Moisture wicking

Other benefits of Blissy Silk Pillowcases are:

• Help skin retain its natural moisture
• Keep skin products on your face instead of absorbing them
• Prevent new fine lines and sleep wrinkles
• Smooth, glossy hair with fewer tangles
• Reduce allergies and won't irritate skin
• Fight acne by preventing the growth of bacteria
• Give you the most comfortable sleep experience

Remember, there are disadvantages to silk pillowcases crafted from cheap silk or satin. Inferior-quality silk won't perform as well as grade 6A mulberry silk. And, satin won't stop frizzy hair or keep your skin hydrated.

If you want high-end hair and skin, buy Blissy!

Enjoying Your Luxe Silk Pillowcase

Thankfully, the disadvantages of silk pillowcases can be avoided by investing in high-quality silk. The cons of silk are only applicable to cheap and imitation silk (like satin).

You'll see the difference once you've experienced a luxurious, mulberry silk pillow case from Blissy. But, don't just take our word for it—Blissy has over 100,000 5-star reviews for a reason!

Ready to better your beauty routine and well-being!? Then invest in yourself with a Blissy Silk Pillowcase. With a variety of chic colors and patterns, you're bound to find the perfect match!

Shop Silk Pillowcases