The average person spends about a third of their life sleeping… Or trying to do so. Now that may sound a bit depressing, but sleep is paramount for your overall health and wellbeing. Not getting enough Zs or getting poor quality sleep may leave you feeling moody, agitated, hungry and unable to focus, to say the least. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg without going into the long-term effects of sleep deprivation. Of course, you probably already know that, and you may even have first-hand experience with sleep problems.
Although we often hear about the culprits of sleeplessness such as too much screen time, poor diet, too much coffee, uncomfortable mattresses and pillows, one usual suspect always gets away with murder. The Keyser Söze of the Land of Nod, flying under the radar, leaving you tossing and turning all night. The pillowcase.
Many people don’t know that pillowcases are equally important as pillows. That’s why almost everyone puts a lot of effort into choosing the pillows but ends up using the covers that came with the sheets. What a steal, right? Yeah, a steal of Zs, you might say.
Why Are Pillow Cases Important?
Since your pillowcase is the first thing that comes into contact with your skin, it may either cradle you into comfort or push you out of bed. Not only can this seemingly trivial cloth cover ruin a good night’s sleep, but it can also mess with your hair and even your skincare routine.
If you want to get your beauty sleep on, you need to choose your pillowcases wisely. Nowadays, there’s an endless range of pillowcases for sale available on the market. But before you head out to buy pillowcases just because they look good, you need to know a thing or two about the most common pillowcase fabrics.
Do Pillowcase Fabrics Matter?
Some people are hot sleepers and wake up several times during the night feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Others want to cuddle up in warmth, and just the thought of a cold, slippery pillowcase gives them the shivers. That’s why it’s crucial to choose adequate pillowcase fabrics for your needs. Instead of asking which is better silk or cotton pillowcase, a question that may lead to a subjective answer, you should learn more about the characteristics and quality aspects of each fabric and make an informed choice.
Silk
Probably the most expensive of the bunch, silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms. Luxuriously soft, breathable, naturally insulating and hypoallergenic, silk is perfect for both hot and cold sleepers. Thanks to the unique structure and temperature regulating properties of the fabric, silk keeps you cool in summer and nice and toasty in winter.
What’s more, silk pillow cases offer amazing skin and hair benefits. Since the fabric isn’t absorbing moisture, it’ll keep your face hydrated and your locks frizz-free. If you’re after that premium look and feel, by all means, opt for silk.
And for a complete luxury experience, you can upgrade your bedding with mulberry silk bed sheets in addition to pillowcases. Mulberry is the finest silk that money can buy, offering next-level smoothness, softness, colour uniformity and durability. What makes mulberry silk stand out from the rest is the way it is produced. Not only that the silkworms are reared in a strictly controlled environment, but they’re also exclusively fed mulberry leaves to produce more refined and longer threads.
As for the downsides of silk pillow cases, it can’t go without saying that they’re on the pricier side. What’s more, this material requires special care for washing and drying. Harsh detergents and high temperatures may ruin the dainty fibres, whereas direct sunlight may cause discolouration. Oh, and yes, some people just don’t like the slippery feel of silk.
Satin
The close cousin of silk, satin, offers a similar look and feel, but it’s usually made from synthetic fibres. As for the beauty aspects, satin offers frizz and anti-breakage protection, and it’ll keep your hair tangle-free. What’s more, thanks to the silky surface, you’ll experience fewer sleep wrinkles and lines on your face. However, since satin is a synthetic blend, it may not be the most breathable option for hot sleepers. On the plus side, it’s significantly more affordable than silk, and it’s easy enough to care for.
Cotton
The most popular pillowcase fabric of all time, cotton, offers the perfect balance between comfort and price. Soft and breathable yet highly absorbent, cotton fabrics are a good choice if you get night sweats or just like to sleep in a colder environment. Keep in mind though, you’ll have to change your pillow covers more often because of its absorbent properties, but with cotton being easy to care for, that won’t be much of a hassle.
If cotton is your fabric of choice, you’ll come across something called thread count. This unit is used as an indicator of the feel and quality of the fabric. In most cases, the higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the pillowcase will be. Usually, great quality pillow cases start from 200TC and go to the premium 1000TC range.
Are Colours and Patterns Important?
Colours and patterns aren’t as important as the fabric itself, but they play a crucial role in creating a serene environment in your bedroom. That’s why it’s better to go for pastel colours and tranquil patterns and leave the bold, striking covers for your throw and decorative pillows in your living room.
With that being said, you can now refresh your bedding with brand new pillow cases. What’s that? Do you already have too many pillow covers? If it’s been more than 24 months, you should consider replacing some of them. There’s no denying that fresh, crisp pillow cases just look and feel better.
