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Best Pillowcases: From Silk to Sateen
Expert Tested and Reviewed
When it comes to choosing the right sleep products, pillowcases can be an afterthought, but a surprising range of styles are available today. You can opt for a case with an envelope closure to prevent your pillow from slipping out during the night, a zippered or buttoned case to maintain full shape retention, or a sham that slips over the pillow at the back instead of the end.
Design isn’t the only consideration when shopping for pillowcases. Choosing the right material can help ensure fewer wrinkles, less skin irritation, and comfortable temperature control. Other qualities to take into account include size, color, ease of care, and whether the fabric is stain-resistant.
We’ll discuss our top picks for pillowcases sold today.
The Best Pillowcases
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Best Overall
Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Pillowcase
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Most Comfortable
Rough Linen Smooth Pillowcase
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Best Value
Sweet Zzz Bamboo Pillowcase Set
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Best Luxury
PlushBeds Silk Pillowcase
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Softest
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases
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Best Cooling
Buffy Breeze Pillowcases
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In-Depth Reviews
The Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Pillowcase boasts high-quality materials, a thoughtful design, and a wide range of styles. All this at an approachable sticker price, and you’ll have an entire year to test the pillowcase and ensure it’s right for you.
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Pros
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Long-lasting construction at an affordable price
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Sateen weave gives the cotton a silky-smooth feel
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Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
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Cons
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Some styles cost more than others
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Fabric may trap heat during warmer times of the year
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Price
$50
Material
100% long-staple cotton
Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen Pillowcase is a solid pick across the board. Composed of durable long-staple cotton in a smooth sateen weave, the case balances softness, breathability, and lasting power. We also like the extensive selection of solid colors and patterns, including some limited edition prints that bring offbeat style to your bedroom decor.
One notable feature is the envelope closure, which tucks over the end of your insert and prevents it from slipping out during the night. This helps your pillow maintain full shape and loft. The sateen weave also gives the fabric a silky-soft feel, so the case shouldn’t cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.
You can choose from standard or king sizes. The pillowcase is also available in a total of 18 solid colors and patterns. For quick and easy cleaning, the pillowcase can be washed and dried in your household machines. Follow the care instructions to ensure a long lifespan for your pillowcase.
The Luxe Sateen Pillowcase carries an approachable sticker price, and shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. who order two or more cases. Brooklinen’s generous 365-night sleep trial gives you plenty of time to test the pillowcase and decide if it’s right for you. If you choose to keep it, you’ll receive an extra year of warranty coverage.
Most Comforable
Rough Linen Smooth Pillowcase
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Rough Linen products
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The Rough Linen Smooth Pillowcase is luxuriously soft, creating a lived-in feel and charmingly rumpled look. Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of sizes and colors based on their bedroom decor and personal tastes.
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Pros
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Natural linen is breathable and durable
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Envelope-style closure keeps the pillow in place for full shape retention
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Available in seven colors and four sizes
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Cons
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Fabric may feel too coarse for people who prefer soft bedding
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Linen is prone to heavy wrinkling
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Price
$40
Material
100% linen
Linen is prized for its natural longevity and cooling properties, but the fabric is also polarizing because many find its texture too coarse.The Rough Linen Smooth Pillowcase is much softer and gentler than many linen-based bedding products on the market today. Don’t let the brand’s name fool you — the linen used to craft this pillowcase is comparable to natural cotton, and should become softer with each laundry cycle without pilling or wearing out too quickly.
The pillowcase’s envelope-style closure tucks over the insert to hold it in place. This ensures full loft and shape retention throughout the night, even if you flip the pillow to its opposite side. Standard, queen, and king rectangular sizes are available. You can also choose a square “Euro” size that measures 26 by 26 inches. Rough Linens offers six color options ranging from classic neutrals to more striking options like sky blue and black.
To clean the pillowcase, wash in cold water with gentle detergent. Tumble dry on low heat and remove the case from your dryer before the moisture has been completely removed — this helps prevent wrinkles. Line drying is another option, as natural sunlight can refresh the fabric.
The Smooth Pillowcase is reasonably priced, and you’ll receive a 15% discount when you purchase two cases. Rough Linens offers worldwide shipping, though delivery costs vary by destination. Returns and exchanges are honored within 30 days of receipt, even for used and washed pillowcases.
Best Value
Sweet Zzz Bamboo Pillowcase Set
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sweet Zzz products
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The Sweet Zzz Bamboo Pillowcase Set offers exceptional softness and cooling. Although the sticker price may seem a bit high at first glance, the bamboo-derived fabric is highly durable and significant discounts from the brand are frequently available.
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Pros
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Bamboo-derived viscose is exceptionally soft and silky-smooth
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Excellent breathability and temperature control
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Reusable storage bag included with all orders
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Cons
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Color selection limited to a few neutrals
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Not ideal for people who prefer crisp bedding
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Price
$70
Material
100% viscose derived from bamboo
Our testing team found the Sweet Zzz’s two-piece Bamboo Pillowcase Set delivered comfort, cooling, and durability at a reasonable price-point. Viscose derived from bamboo is prized for its smooth hand-feel, so sleeping on these pillowcases shouldn’t cause too many lines or wrinkles. A sateen weave adds to the fabric’s silkiness, while envelope closures hold your pillow in place throughout the night.
Bamboo-derived viscose sleeps cool and wicks away moisture, making these pillowcases a good choice for those who live in hot or humid temperatures. The set might also appeal to shoppers who prioritize sustainable purchases, as the bamboo used to produce the viscose is organically grown. Sweet Zzz also ships the set in a reusable storage bag.
The set is available in six neutral colors, ranging from classic white to more unconventional shades like charcoal and taupe. You can preserve the colors by carefully following the care instructions. Sweet Zzz recommends washing on a cool, gentle cycle and laying the pillowcases flat to dry while they are slightly damp. The latter step helps minimize wrinkles.
In addition to carrying an approachable sticker price, the Bamboo Pillowcase Set qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Sweet Zzz permits returns within 50 days. Should you decide to keep the pillowcases, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty against material defects.
Best Luxury
PlushBeds 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on PlushBeds products
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Our testing team found the PlushBeds Silk Pillowcase was remarkably smooth, making it a good option for sleepers who want to reduce lines, wrinkles, and hair breakage. Silk’s natural breathability should also help the pillowcase sleep cool throughout the year.
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Pros
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Pure mulberry silk is luxuriously smooth and long-lasting
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Gentle fabric prevents broken hair and facial lines and wrinkles
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Perimeter piping protects the silk from wear and tear
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Cons
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Colors limited to four options
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Expensive pricing compared to the average pillowcase
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Price
$112
Material
100% Mulberry silk
Few bedding materials offer the natural softness and smoothness of pure mulberry silk. The PlushBeds Silk Pillowcase exemplifies these qualities, creating a gentle surface that preserves your skin and protects your hair. Silk fibers are also exceptionally durable. With proper care and storage, this pillowcase can hold up for several years, making it a solid long-term investment that justifies its high-end price.
Mulberry silk is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties, making it a good option for sleepers who tend to sweat in their sleep. The case is designed for a tight, contoured fit and features a hidden zipper closure to ensure your pillow stays in place while you sleep. Four colors are available, all of which bring out the silk’s vibrant sheen, and tonal piping along the edges accents the look while also protecting the design from rips and tears.
While silk is a long-lasting material, you’ll need to take extra measures when cleaning your pillowcase. PlushBeds includes a mesh laundry bag with each purchase. Shoppers should turn the case inside out before washing, and hang it to dry in natural sunlight if possible. PlushBeds also includes a bottle of antimicrobial treatment to keep the silk free of bacteria and smelling fresh.
PlushBeds offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. You may return the Silk Pillowcase in new and unused condition for a full refund, but opened parcels are not eligible for return. If you decide to keep the pillowcase, it’s backed by a one-year warranty.
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases are among the softest our team has tested firsthand. Bamboo-derived viscose in a silky-smooth sateen weave creates a material that’s easy on the skin and hair, making it a good option for sleepers wanting to prevent wrinkles and lines from forming.
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Pros
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Bamboo-derived viscose provides exceptional cooling and moisture control
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Fabric resists pilling and other types of wear and tear
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Available in three sizes, including body, and more than a dozen colors
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Cons
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Fabric may be too soft for those who prefer crisp bedding
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Returns incur a $12 fee
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Price
$89
Material
100% viscose derived from bamboo
For those who prefer a softer pillowcase material over crisper fabrics like linen or cotton, viscose derived from bamboo should suit your needs. Viscose glides gently over the skin, and Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Pillowcases are produced with a sateen weave to further bring out this quality. Despite the exceptionally smooth feel, the pillowcases shouldn’t pill with subsequent laundry cycles. In fact, Cozy Earth’s product warranty considers this a defect.
Much like natural silk, the viscose used to make these pillowcases should reduce lines and wrinkles on your face. We also recommend these pillowcases if your hair is prone to tangles, frizziness, or breakage. Temperature control is another standout quality. The viscose sleeps cool and wicks moisture away from your face, so you should feel comfortable even on exceptionally warm or humid nights.
You can choose from more than a dozen colors to complement your bedroom decor. Standard and king sizes are also available. Envelope closures tuck in your pillows to keep them secure and maintain a full shape. To clean the pillowcases, machine wash in cold water without fabric softener or bleach, then tumble dry on low heat. Remove the cases as soon as the drying cycle is complete to reduce wrinkles.
The Bamboo Pillowcases are competitively priced and Cozy Earth ships for free within the contiguous U.S. The company’s generous sleep trial allows you to return or exchange the pillowcases free of charge within 100 days of the original order.
Best Cooling
Buffy Breeze Pillowcases
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Buffy products
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Buffy Breeze Pillowcases offer luxurious softness thanks to their composition, which consists of eucalyptus-derived Tencel fabric in a smooth sateen weave. As an added bonus for eco-conscious shoppers, the cases are colored with natural dyes, biodegradable, and compostable.
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Pros
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Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is ideal for hot sleepers
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Eucalyptus-derived Tencel is completely biodegradable and compostable
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Wide range of color and stripe patterns, all derived from natural dyes
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Cons
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May feel too soft for people who prefer percale-woven pillowcases
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Fabric may not provide enough insulation on chilly nights
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Price
$55
Material
100% Tencel lyocell
Tencel is one of the few bedding materials that approaches the softness and durability of natural silk. The material also tends to be much more affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious shoppers who want the look of silk at a more approachable price-point. The Buffy Breeze Pillowcases are made from 100% Tencel that glides over the skin without any coarseness, and a sateen weave further enhances this quality to create a luxuriously smooth finish.
We also recommend the Buffy Breeze Pillowcases for hot sleepers because Tencel is highly breathable and has moisture-wicking properties to help you stay dry. The pillowcases are available in multiple solid colors and stripe patterns, all produced using natural dyes with ingredients such as turmeric, rose petals, bark, and gardenia. Both pillowcases in the set are completely biodegradable and can be composted.
We found the pillowcases are easy to keep clean. Simply machine wash in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat. Standard and king sizes are available. Buffy allows returns within 50 days of the original order, provided the pillowcases are in donatable condition. As an added incentive, the company won’t bill your credit card for seven days to ensure your purchase arrives intact.
Expert Tested. Sleeper Approved.
Over the past eight years, our Seattle-based Test Lab has performed hands-on tests on more than 4,000 sleep products. These include pillowcases from dozens of brands.
As product experts, we stay up to date on the latest news in sleep science and product trends. We use this knowledge to fuel our data-backed recommendations. Our experience testing, researching, and using various sleep products allows us to develop in-depth and reliable reviews on a range of products.
We test pillowcases both as individual items and as part of larger sheet sets. As part of this process, we use different types of pillows to gauge performance with different materials and weaves. We also focus on practical performance criteria such as durability, ease of care, and long-term value.
Types of Pillowcases
The most common ways of classifying pillowcases are by focusing on material and weave. Material describes what fabrics or fibers make up a pillowcase and can include options like cotton or silk. Weave refers to how those materials are joined together to create the pillowcase.
When shopping for a pillowcase, it’s important to understand both material and weave as each can have major effects on a pillowcase’s performance and feel.
By Material
While there are a variety of different pillowcase materials on the market, some are more common than others. This list is not exhaustive but covers many of the materials you’re likely to encounter when shopping for a pillowcase.
Cotton
Cotton pillowcases can have diverse qualities and performance depending on factors like their weave and fiber length. Several types of cotton are frequently found in quality pillowcases.
- Egyptian cotton: Often regarded as the most luxurious form of cotton, Egyptian cotton is made of long fibers, known as long-staple fibers, that create their signature smooth feel. Egyptian cotton is also durable and breathable, making it a premium option for pretty much any kind of sleeper. One downside is that Egyptian cotton usually comes at a high price-point that exceeds many budgets.
- Upland cotton: Upland cotton is the most common type of cotton used in pillowcases. While still offering many of the benefits of other types of cotton, it tends to be coarser, less durable, and more susceptible to pilling over time. That said, upland cotton is much more affordable and is still soft and breathable, making it appealing for budget and value shoppers.
- Pima cotton: Pima cotton is a type of long-staple cotton that provides high-end performance but generally comes at a lower price than Egyptian cotton. A type of pima cotton, called Supima cotton, is only grown in the United States.
Linen
Linen pillowcases are often considered a luxury option because of their durability and breathability, which is especially appealing for hot sleepers. Linen is a fabric made from the flax plant, and linen is typically stiffer than cotton even though it can get softer with time. Linen can provide an elegant and understated look, but it may require ironing because of its propensity to wrinkle.
Silk
Silk is a top-end material for people who like a smooth, gentle feel when they rest their heads at night. This material’s smoothness prevents friction and irritation with the skin and hair. Silk is also very breathable, making it great for hot sleepers. The downsides to silk are its cost and its taxing care requirements.
Tencel
Often compared to silk, Tencel is a semi-synthetic fabric that’s made from wood pulp. Like silk, it has a soft feel, but Tencel is usually available at a lower price-point. However, Tencel is still marketed as a luxury product, so shoppers who are on a tight budget may need to consider less expensive options.
Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable pillowcase that’s easy to maintain, polyester is a compelling choice. A synthetic fabric, polyester is stain-resistant and often available at a very reasonable price. Polyester is not as breathable and may not hold up as well or for as long as natural materials.
Bamboo
Pillowcases made from bamboo are known for being lightweight, breathable, and durable. They are often woven to have a smooth feel and shiny appearance. Bamboo-based fabrics, such as bamboo viscose, are sometimes considered eco-friendly, but their sustainability depends on how exactly the material is processed and manufactured.
By Weave
While material is an important factor in shaping the feel and performance of a pillowcase, how that material is woven also plays a major role. There are a few common weaves to consider when searching for a pillowcase, and each has certain strengths and weaknesses.
Percale
Percale is made using a one-over one-under weave that creates more space for airflow. As a result, percale weaves are usually more breathable and cooler, making them a fit for hot sleepers. However, percale is usually not quite as soft or sleek and instead has a crisper hand-feel and matte-like appearance.
Satin
Traditionally used for silk, satin is a luxuriously soft weave with a characteristic sheen. It is made by having multiple threads in a row that run parallel to each other, creating a gentler, smoother feel. Satin is often preferred by people with sensitive skin who are seeking a pillowcase that causes less rubbing and irritation.
Sateen
Made using a similar technique as satin with a three-over-one-under or four-over-one-under pattern, sateen weaves create smoothness, softness, and an elegant look. Sateen weaves tend to be used with cotton or bamboo-based fabrics.
What to Look For in a Pillowcase
When searching for a pillowcase, there are several factors to weigh to make sure you find the best option for you.
Quality Materials
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating that pillowcases made from quality materials tend to perform better than those that are not. One thing to especially keep in mind is durability. While quality materials may cost more, they often have longer lifespans, which, over time, can offset their higher cost.
Weave
How a pillowcase is woven has a profound influence on its performance. For people looking for a soft pillowcase that drapes well, a satin or sateen weave may be the right choice. On the other hand, percale can be a good choice for a pillowcase for people who want temperature regulation and a more subtle visual look.
Feel
Given how much time is spent in bed, it’s natural to want to be comfortable, which generally means a pillowcase with a soft feel. Beyond basic comfort, though, a soft and smooth pillowcase can be gentler on the skin and less likely to damage hair. By contrast, some people prefer more crispness and less drape, and pillowcases made from linen may be a better fit for them.
Breathability
It can be incredibly frustrating to be unable to locate the “cool side of the pillow.” For hot sleepers, this feeling is all too common. A breathable pillowcase can help combat this by wicking moisture, promoting airflow, and preventing heat from getting trapped around the head and neck.
Price
The cost of a pillowcase can vary based on material, thread count, size, and other factors. If you’re shopping on a budget, you might want to consider upland cotton or polyester as pillowcases made from these materials are often more affordable.
Size
A pillowcase acts as a comfortable and protective barrier between your head and your pillow. In order for this barrier to work, though, you need a pillowcase that fits properly. Thankfully, most pillowcases are available in a wide variety of sizes, making it relatively easy to find one that matches your pillow.
Design
For many people, a bed is not only a place to rest but also an important part of their home decor. For them, pillowcases need to have visual appeal based on their color, pattern, or texture. Design-minded shoppers should consider their existing decor and look for a pillowcase that is a perfect complement to their sheets or serves as an accent that enhances their bedroom’s style.
Durability
While some wear and tear is inevitable, there are certain pillowcases that are more durable than others. Materials like high-quality cotton, Tencel, and linen tend to withstand many washes. With any material, though, following proper cleaning instructions is essential to avoiding premature damage.
Ease of Care
Washing a pillowcase is an important part of keeping a bedroom hygienic. However, some types of pillowcases are easier to wash and dry. Fabrics like polyester and cotton tend to have the simplest care requirements while silk tends to require more delicate and time-intensive handling.
Dive Deeper — Product Guides By Category
For more information on other types of bedding, check out the guides listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being informed about the most common questions about purchasing pillowcases can put you on the right track to finding the best match for your needs.
There is no one best type of pillowcase for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find the optimal pillowcase for you. When shopping for your ideal pillowcase, it’s important to look for quality materials and think about what performance characteristics are essential for you.
Typically, a higher thread count means a softer, higher-quality pillowcase. However, this is not always the case. Pillowcases made of high-end materials, including silk, can’t always be judged by their thread count. In addition, certain methods of counting threads can artificially inflate the thread count, so don’t look at thread count in a vacuum when choosing a pillowcase.
In general, it’s best to wash your pillowcases once a week in order to maintain a clean and healthy sleep environment. As you sleep, oils, dead skin cells, sweat, dust, and moisture can collect on your pillowcase, and this can eventually lead to a buildup of bacteria and allergens. By washing your pillowcase regularly, you can keep your pillow as fresh as possible and help prevent skin irritation and allergies.
The exact cost of a pillowcase depends on its material and construction. As with most products, higher-quality materials tend to be more expensive. In fact, luxury pillowcases made from materials like silk or Egyptian cotton can cost $150 or more. On the other hand, there are budget options available for under $10.
Although luxury products are rarely sold at a low cost, a higher price-point doesn’t always equal quality. You can start by determining your budget, and by doing informed research you can find multiple options for quality pillowcases that perform well and don’t break the bank.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for more than five years.