
Which pillowcases are best ?
Silk, cotton or polyester - the fabric of your pillowcase can have different advantages and disadvantages for your skin, hair and sleep quality. We explain which pillowcase is best suited to different sleeping needs.
Table of contents
- The right pillow
- Popular fabrics for pillowcases
- The best pillowcases for different needs
- Conclusion
1. Which pillowcase do I need?
Pajamas, blanket, pillow – cosy furnishings make bed really comfortable. We often pay attention primarily to the filling of the bed linen and less on the context in which we put them. To round off a pleasant sleeping experience, the choice of cover can also be very important. Different selection criteria apply to the pillow than to the duvet.
Depending on the sleeping position, the facial skin or hair lies on the pillows and are pressed directly onto the fabric of the cover. To maintain a fresh look throughout the day, you should choose a pillowcase that suits your needs and prevents excessive friction, pressure points and drying out of the skin and hair. This applies not only to women, but also to men! ;)
An unsuitable pillowcase can…
➨ lead to pressure points & promote the formation of wrinkles
➨ dry out the skin and cause skin irritation
➨ dry out the hair and lead to split ends & tangles
To prevent negative effects on skin and hair, the surface structure and moisture management of the chosen fabric are particularly important. We will show you the advantages and disadvantages of different fabrics and which pillowcase is best suited to your sleeping needs!
Tip: The pillow itself should also be made of breathable material to promote an optimal sleeping climate. Click here to see our Pillow Guide ➨.
2. Popular fabrics for pillowcases
Cotton
Cotton fabrics are very versatile and can be processed in different ways. They can absorb a lot of moisture and are generally easy to clean, which creates a good sleeping environment and safely removes bacteria, mites or sweat residue. Cotton jersey, flannel or flannel weaves have a skin-friendly, soft surface and keep you nice and warm. Seersucker, on the other hand, is less suitable as a pillowcase because the structured surface can lead to pressure points and encourage the formation of wrinkles.
silk
Silk is a natural fibre that is produced with great effort from the cocoon of the silkworm. It is very breathable and has a very smooth, flowing surface that is gentle and soft on the skin. This creates a good sleeping climate, there is hardly any friction and the drying out and irritation of the skin and hair are prevented. However, the fine material is quite expensive and also sensitive, because silk is not as easy to clean as other materials for pillowcases.
bamboo
Pillowcases made of bamboo are becoming increasingly popular and are a sustainable, vegan alternative to expensive silk, which is also more durable and significantly cheaper. The organic bamboo fibers are naturally smooth and very soft, so that the skin is not irritated even when lying on them for a long time.Pillowcases made of bamboo are also anti-allergenic, breathable and can absorb moisture well.
Linen
Linen is made of breathable natural fibers that are relatively inelastic and retain their shape even after washing. The surface is usually quite smooth and soft, but not as supple as cotton or silk. Linen has a high Tear resistance, which makes the material very durable and hard-wearing. It is also very light and airy on the pillow, which means that the cover is more cooling, especially in summer, and does not make you sweat.

Synthetic fabrics / polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is a cheap and easy-care alternative to natural fibers. Contrary to popular belief, pillowcases made of polyester or microfiber can also have a very soft, skin-friendly surface. They are very easy to care for, easy to clean, do not shed fluff and dry very quickly. The artificial polyester fibers are also perfect for allergy sufferers because pollen, mites, dust and bacteria cannot settle in the fabric.
3. The best pillowcases for different needs
For a beautiful, wrinkle-free complexion
To prevent wrinkles and lines from forming, there should be no pressure points caused by fabric patterns and uneven surfaces. Make sure you get a wrinkle-free pillowcase that doesn't slip at night and has a smooth surface. Breathable and easy-to-clean fabrics are ideal for keeping sweat, dirt particles and bacteria away.
Recommendation: Silk and bamboo are kind to the skin and hardly remove any moisture from the skin. Soft cotton fabrics can also prevent wrinkles if the skin is not so susceptible to dryness.

For beautiful hair
Frizz and split ends make hair look brittle and dull and are mainly caused by friction. This roughens the hair structure and can cause damage. A soft but smooth pillowcase and tying the hair back can help prevent knots and tangles.
Recommendation: cotton satin or silk
You can find more tips for beauty sleep and a fresh look in the morning here.
For sensitive or dry skin
Avoid cotton, as it will quickly draw moisture from the skin and dry it out even further. High-quality synthetic fabrics or natural fibers such as bamboo or silk are antibacterial and ideal for use as a pillowcase for sensitive skin.
Recommendation: Pillowcases made of high-quality synthetic or bamboo
For people who sweat a lot
At night we lose a lot of fluid through our skin and breathing, especially when it is under the covers or in the bedroom. too warm Cotton, linen and thicker synthetic materials can usually absorb a lot of moisture and simply release it back into the room without adding any extra heat. This way, sweat and heat are drawn away from the body and a good sleeping climate is maintained. If you do wake up drenched in sweat, you can simply remove the covers and wash them at high temperatures to completely eliminate germs and bacteria.
4. Conclusion
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The most popular fabrics for pillowcases are cotton, silk, satin and polyester.
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Pillowcases made of silk and bamboo are best for skin and hair.
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