If you’re a savvy shopper, you likely weigh the pros and cons before making any big purchase. And that goes double when you’re in the market for something you’ll use on a daily basis like a pillowcase. But with all the information out there, your research into silk bedding may be overwhelming and leave you with more questions than answers.

Is silk too expensive? How much should I pay? 

Will my silk damage easily? Can I get the same benefits from satin? 

Aren’t all silk pillowcases pretty much the same? Will silk feel too slippery?

The Mulberry Park Silks team has answers! Read on to see what our experts have to say about common objections to buying a silk pillowcase (and why these concerns are easily overcome with facts about silk).

Silk Pillowcases are Expensive 

Myth: Silk pillowcases are too expensive.

Fact: One of the primary objections to purchasing a silk pillowcase is the cost. Compared to a regular cotton pillowcase, a pure silk pillowcase can be more costly. However, you can purchase a good quality silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks for under $30! Mulberry Park Silks sells a variety of silk pillowcases in different sizes, colors, and momme weights ranging from 19 to 30 momme. It’s important to understand that even a lighter-weight pillowcase such as 19 momme will deliver all the beauty sleep and wellness benefits silk is known for (including helping hair and skin retain moisture). And remember: sleeping on silk is an investment in your sleep, health, beauty, and well-being. The important thing is to get the best value for whatever silk pillowcases you purchase.

• Silk Pillowcases Are Too Delicate

Myth: Silk pillowcases are too fragile and delicate to be practical.

Fact: Some people may worry that silk pillowcases are delicate and easily damaged. While it's true that silk is a delicate material, high quality silk fiber—like the Grade 6A silk used in all Mulberry Park Silks products— is strong and durable. (Fun fact: silk fiber is frequently used for industrial and medical applications such as stitches). Nevertheless, your silk pillowcase can be damaged by sharp objects such as jagged fingernails or burrs inside the washing machine; this is why we suggest protecting your silk pillowcase in the washing machine with a mesh laundry bag. With a bit of caution, your silk pillowcase should last a long time.

Silk Is High-Maintenance

Myth: Silk is high maintenance and hard to take care of.

Fact: We mentioned above that silk pillowcases DO require a bit of extra care. But they are far from high maintenance. In fact, Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases can be easily washed at home in your machine (or hand wash if you choose). For machine washing, use a gentle detergent made for silk like Heritage Park Silk and Wool Detergent. Turn your pillowcase inside out and place it in a fine mesh laundry bag. Wash on a delicate or silk cycle in cool water. Hang your silk to dry or lay it flat indoors or outside away from direct sunlight. Learn more about caring for your silk pillowcase, including hand-washing care instructions, here. Also, you can smooth the wrinkles out of your silk pillowcase by hand; however, if you choose to iron it, here is how to do it without causing damage. With just a bit of extra care, your silk pillowcase will last and continue all the beauty and wellness benefits you deserve.

Silk is Too Slippery

Myth: Silk feels too slippery to be comfortable

Fact: While your first night on a silk pillowcase may feel a bit different than a cotton one, we promise you will grow to love the smooth, sensuous feel in a few nights’ time (or less). For thousands of years, silk has been prized for its soft, cool, and oh-so-luxurious touch. Even better? That smooth, friction-free surface is the key to taming tangles and bedhead; minimizing hair frizz and hair breakage; and preventing sleep wrinkles, fine lines, and sleep creases on delicate facial skin. That said, we do recommend using a pillowcase that fits your pillow to avoid extra slippage.

• I’m Worried About Silk and Sensitive Skin or Allergies

Myth: Silk can irritate skin.

Fact: Silk is the ideal pillowcase fabric for anyone with allergies, sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne. Why? Silk fiber comes from protective cocoon of the silkworm; it contains protective amino acids that make it naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mites. The smooth surface of silk is also non-irritating, which is why dermatologists recommend sleeping on silk for their patients with eczema or any type of sensitive skin. At Mulberry Park Silks, we’ve taken the extra step of having the fabric used in our products—including silk pillowcases—certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® which means they have been independently tested as safe from more than 400 harmful substances. Learn more about STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® here.

A Satin Pillowcase is Just as Good As Silk

Myth: Satin and silk are essentially the same thing.

Fact: Satin and silk are two very different fabrics. Don’t be fooled by the fact that satin has a smooth surface; that is where the similarity to real silk ends. Silk is a protein-based, natural fiber. Satin is a synthetic fabric that is man made from petroleum-based compounds. Only genuine silk delivers natural hydration to your hair and skin and protection from mold, mildew, dust, and other allergens. Furthermore, genuine silk is naturally temperature regulating, to keep you cool in summer, warm in the winter, and comfortable all year long. Unfortunately, the growing popularity of silk pillowcases means that many unscrupulous companies attempt to sell artificial satin or inferior silk/satin blends as genuine silk. Learn how to tell the difference between genuine silk and synthetic satin here.

All Silk Pillowcase Companies are Essentially the Same

Myth: One silk pillowcase company is just as good as another. 

Fact: There are tremendous differences among the many companies selling silk pillowcases. Where you purchase your silk absolutely matters! At Mulberry Park Silks, we are completely transparent about the quality and pricing of our silk. Furthermore, we are a U.S.-based company with our warehouse and headquarters proudly located in Branford, CT. You can call our office and speak with us directly with any questions or concerns. We can make personalized recommendations when you’re shopping for silk and will even send you complimentary swatch samples of our silk to review at home before you purchase.

The Best Silk Pillowcase You Can Purchase

We are committed to selling the finest silk in the marketplace and delivering you, our client, the very best value in silk pillowcases, bedding, and accessories. We use the helpful acronym "CHARMS" to explain why our silk pillowcases are the finest in the marketplace:

Ch - Charmeuse weave: smooth on the outside a matte finish on the reverse

A - Grade 6A silk is the highest quality: all of our products are 6A

R - Real 100 percent pure mulberry silk

M - Momme weight of 19, 22, and 30 for a range of prices

S - Safe for people and the environment as certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.