Silk vs Polyester Pillowcases: Which Should You Buy?

Listen to an audio transcription of this post

When choosing fabric for your bedding, many know the advantages of real silk compared to cotton. Cotton enlarges pores, absorbs skincare products, is not hypoallergenic and dries out your hair. Silk, with its natural proteins, is known so much for its soothing luxury that just the word "silk" conjures feelings of softness.

But what about polyester, polyester silk, and polyester satin? Proponents say these fabrics can passably match the benefits of natural silk, but is it true?

What Is Polyester?

Polyester is a type of synthetic resin—a sticky, insoluble substance. Polyester fiber is made of linked polymer units that come mostly from plastic. It is mass-produced from petroleum and coal products and sometimes incorporates other materials in a blend.

Polyester advantages

Polyester is less expensive than silk since it is cheap to produce and is less likely to stain or pill than silk. Polyester never fades and is less prone to wrinkling. Some polyester fabrics can be easier to care for than silk, although it can depend. Items made of polyester are often cheaply made and while the fabric itself is durable, the construction of the item can be flimsy.

• Low cost
• Less wrinkling
• No fading

Polyester disadvantages

Polyester isn't as breathable as silk, so it can be uncomfortable in warm weather when you sweat. It also holds odors, which can be unpleasant. Polyester can also feel harsh and scratchy next to the skin whereas silk is extremely soft and luxurious. And since polyester is made from non-renewable resources like petroleum and coal, it is worse for the environment.

• Causes static
• Bad for the environment
• Holds odors
• Not breathable

What is Real Silk?

Genuine silk is natural. Silk fabric is made by weaving the fibers unspooled from the cocoons of silkworms. Pure mulberry silk comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm and is the purest silk in the world.

Tombs in China have revealed evidence of silk made from the threads of cocoons of silkworms as long ago as 8,500 years before our time. This is proof of what we all already know—the luxury of silk cloth is in our primal nature. And our bodies know quality.

Silk advantages

The advantages of silk are many, especially when it comes to quality silk pillowcases like Blissy. Silk pillowcases have advantages for hair, skin, and quality of sleep.

Skin benefits

Silk pillowcases can help prevent acne breakouts, can help keep your skin looking hydrated and youthful, and can help ease irritated skin. They are hypoallergenic which makes them excellent for anyone with sensitive skin.

Hair benefits

Silk pillowcases help reduce frizz and static, and can also protect your hair from damage while you sleep. If you have long hair or extensions, a silk pillowcase is especially beneficial because it can help prevent them from tangling and matting overnight.

Quality of sleep

Because silk is a natural temperature regulator, it helps keep your head and face cool in the summer and warm in the winter—perfect for those who tend to get overheated or cold easily at night. Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, so if you suffer from allergies or asthma, a silk pillowcase could be helpful in preventing nighttime flare-ups.

There are many reasons to choose silk pillowcase like Blissy over polyester pillowcases.

Benefits of Blissy silk pillowcases for skin:

• Anti-aging
• Antibacterial
• Bug resistant
• Hypoallergenic
• Hydrating
• Non-irritating
• Doesn’t clog pores

Benefits of Blissy silk pillowcases for hair:

• Anti-frizz (43% less friction than cotton)
• Anti-tangle
• Prevents split-ends
• Prevents breakage
• Shine-enhancing

Blissy pillowcases help you sleep better:

• Cooling
• Moisture-wicking
• Ultra-soft and comfortable
• Helps regulate body temperature

Blissy pillowcases are better for you and the environment:

• Certified eco-friendly
• Certified non-toxic
• Certified safe
• Natural fiber
• Carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Label

Polyester Silk and Satin

What is polyester silk?

Anytime you see something advertised as silk polyester or polyester silk, it is most likely a blended fiber containing some natural silk and some synthetic polyester. There's even a possibility that a "polyester silk" product could be 100% synthetic. So, read your labels closely!

What about polyester satin?

Satin is a type of weave, not a type of fiber. Materials described as satin are generally made of rayon, nylon, or polyester.

Will your hair and skin tell the difference?

Unlike silk, polyester fabrics—even polyester satin—will fall far short in the silk vs polyester battle. Polyester is cheaper, but is that really what you think your hair and skin merit?

In the silk vs polyester battle, polyester fabrics will feel exactly what they are; cheap, synthetic attempts at imitation. The natural qualities of a real silk pillowcase are numerous and the benefits outweigh polyester in every category that matters.

Polyester vs silk: Which is better for your hair?

Polyester can actually make frizz and split ends worse. That's because polyester creates static and friction against your hair. If you're looking for a pillowcase to help reduce frizz and preserve your hairstyle, silk is the clear winner.

Polyester vs silk: Which is better for your skin?

If you're looking for a pillowcase to help reduce wrinkles and preserve your skin's moisture, silk is the clear winner. Polyester will actually draw moisture away from your skin and cause irritation to your skin, possibly breakouts too.

Polyester vs silk: Which is better for sleep quality?

Polyester can induce uncomfortable sweating because it doesn't breathe as well as silk. It also doesn't offer the temperature regulating qualities that silk does. If you want a pillowcase that will help you get the best night's sleep possible, silk is the way to go.

So, what's the verdict? If you're looking for a pillowcase that's good for your hair, skin, and sleep quality, silk is the way to go. Polyester simply can't compete.

Which Silk Pillowcase Should I Get?

Silk cloth is what you deserve. The highest quality and long-lasting silk cloth is guaranteed by Blissy. Not all silk products are alike. Real silk cloth is made of these fibers and is graded from A to C.

And when it comes to buying your silk pillowcase, or any other silk cloth product, such as sleep masks, Beauty Bands, or loungewear, seek and find the best on the market.

There are reasons why the Blissy mulberry silk pillowcase has earned nearly 80,000 5-star reviews and is the recipient of Good Housekeeping’s Best Bedding Award and Modern Luxury Riviera’s Breakthrough Beauty Award.

The use of the highest quality silk is the basis for Blissy's award-winning merits:

• Blissy pillowcases are graded 6A, the finest, purest, and highest quality raw silk
• Blissy pillowcases are 22-momme, the ideal weight for softness and durability
• Blissy uses 100% mulberry silk, known for strength, durability, and breathability.
• Blissy silk is the most gentle for your hair and skin

So, Which Should You Buy?

If you're looking for a pillowcase that will be gentle on your hair and skin and keep your hairstyle in place overnight, silk is the way to go. Polyester pillowcases may be cheaper, but they are not breathable and can cause friction that may damage your hair and skin.

So, the answer is silk. A silk pillowcase made of the highest graded silk product—Blissy.