Silk benefits

The Beauty of Sleeping on Silk

Good beauty routines don’t end when the lights go out.

For centuries, silk has been treasured for its extraordinary softness, natural lustre and luxurious feel against the skin. Today, its smooth surface makes it a thoughtful addition to modern haircare and skincare routines.

Discover how sleeping on pure mulberry silk can make your nightly ritual a little gentler, and your mornings a little more beautiful.

Explore the Benefits
Woman asleep on a champagne mulberry silk pillowcase, wearing a soft pink silk eye mask

Why Sleep on Silk?

Silk’s reputation as a sleep fabric comes down to three practical qualities, each rooted in the fibre itself.

  • A Smooth, Low-Friction Surface

    Silk is a long, continuous fibre, so the woven fabric is very smooth. Hair and skin slide across it instead of catching as you move in your sleep.

  • Gentle Contact with Hair and Skin

    With so little texture to rub or tug, silk rests softly against your face and hair. Many people simply find it more comfortable than coarser fabrics.

  • Natural Breathability

    As a natural protein fibre, silk breathes and takes up and releases moisture from the air, which helps it stay comfortable through warm and cool nights.

For your skin

Silk Pillowcase Benefits for Skin

Your skin spends hours in contact with your pillowcase every night. Choosing a smooth, gentle fabric can make a difference to how your skin feels while you sleep.

Woman in an ivory silk camisole resting by a softly lit window

  1. Less Friction, Gentler Contact with Skin

    Silk’s smooth surface lets your skin glide against the pillowcase rather than drag. This may help minimise temporary sleep creases, although silk pillowcases have not been clinically shown to prevent wrinkles.

  2. Gentle on Delicate Skin

    The soft, smooth texture of silk can feel more comfortable against delicate skin, particularly for those who prefer to avoid rougher fabrics.

  3. A Comfortable Sleeping Surface

    Silk is valued for its breathability and moisture management properties, making it a comfortable choice for bedding throughout the seasons.

  4. A Softer Nightly Beauty Routine

    Your pillowcase is part of your everyday skincare environment. Choosing a beautifully smooth fabric is a simple way to make your bedtime routine feel more comfortable and considered.

The benefits above are about comfort and how silk feels against your skin. A silk pillowcase is not a skincare treatment, and independent clinical research on silk and skin ageing is limited.

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For your hair

Silk Pillowcase Benefits for Hair

Beautiful hair deserves a little care, even while you sleep. The smooth surface of silk helps reduce friction between your hair and pillowcase, making it a thoughtful addition to your overnight haircare routine.

Woman with long, natural curly hair running her fingers through her curls

  1. Less Friction, Less Mechanical Stress

    Silk’s smooth surface may help reduce friction as your hair moves against the pillowcase during sleep.

  2. Fewer Tangles in the Morning

    A smoother sleeping surface may help minimise overnight tangling, making hair easier to manage when you wake up.

  3. Helps Preserve Your Hairstyle

    Reducing friction overnight may help maintain your hairstyle and minimise unwanted disruption while you sleep.

  4. Gentle on Curly and Textured Hair

    Silk can be a particularly appealing choice for curly, textured or delicate hair that is more prone to tangling and friction.

  5. A Smoother Start to Your Day

    A silk pillowcase offers a simple way to make your overnight haircare routine feel more considered and luxurious.

Explore silk hair bonnets

Fabric guide

Silk vs Cotton vs Satin: What’s the Difference?

Not all smooth pillowcases are made from the same material. Silk is a natural protein fibre, while satin describes a type of weave rather than a particular fibre.

This means that many affordable satin pillowcases are made from polyester, although silk itself can also be woven into satin.

100% Mulberry Silk Cotton Polyester Satin
Fibre type Natural protein fibre produced by silkworms Natural plant fibre from the cotton plant Synthetic fibre woven in a satin weave
Surface feel Very smooth and soft, with a natural lustre Soft and matte; crisp or smoother depending on the weave Smooth and glossy; the feel varies with quality
Breathability Breathable and comfortable across the seasons Breathable Less breathable; some sleepers find it warm
Moisture management Absorbs and releases moisture vapour, helping it stay comfortable Very absorbent; slower to dry Absorbs very little moisture
Care requirements Gentle: cold wash, silk-safe detergent, dry out of direct sun Easy: machine washable and tolerates warmer washes Easy: machine washable and quick to dry
Price positioning Premium Everyday to mid-range Budget-friendly

These are general descriptions. How any pillowcase feels and performs also depends on its weave, weight and finish.

Our silk

Why Silk Quality Matters

Not all silk pillowcases are created equal. The quality of the silk, the weight of the fabric and the care taken in its construction all contribute to the finished product.

Close-up of champagne mulberry silk, showing its soft natural lustre

  • 100% Mulberry Silk

    Crafted from pure mulberry silk, prized for its beautiful lustre, smooth texture and luxurious feel.

  • 22 Momme Silk

    Momme is a traditional measurement of silk fabric weight. Our 22-momme silk offers a beautifully substantial feel while retaining the softness and fluidity that make silk so desirable.

  • Grade 6A Silk

    We select high-grade mulberry silk for its fine quality and refined appearance. 6A is a quality grade used in the silk trade, not an independent certification.

  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

    Our pillowcases are made from silk certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means the certified silk has been tested for harmful substances according to the certification’s requirements. It does not grade the quality of the silk itself.

Discover the LS Silk Difference

Experience the everyday luxury of pure mulberry silk. Thoughtfully crafted from 22-momme silk, our pillowcases bring softness, elegance and comfort to your nightly routine.

Ready to choose your pillowcase? Explore our silk pillowcase buying guide.

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A New Zealand Silk Brand

A Considered Approach to Silk

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, LS Silk is guided by an appreciation for exceptional materials and timeless simplicity. From the natural lustre of pure mulberry silk to the quiet elegance of everyday essentials, each piece reflects our belief that true luxury lies in quality, comfort and the smallest details.

Auckland harbour and city skyline on a calm, clear day
Read our story

Silk They Couldn’t Keep to Themselves

When something’s this soft, you talk about it.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 3193 reviews.

Customer video review of Silk Moments Card

I had a wonderful experience with LoveSilk. The quality of the silk scarves is beautiful, and the customer service was outstanding. Michael was incredibly helpful and made the whole process easy and enjoyable. I'm so happy with the final results and would highly recommend them!

Ximena B. 5/5 Verified

Silk Moments Card

I’m in Australia but from NZ, I wanted a Quality product, I’m pleased I bought from lovesilk. Fast shipping (3 days) beautifully packaged, very well made product. The silk used is beautiful, soft and breathable.

Sasha G. 5/5 Verified

Pink Mulberry Silk Hair Bonnet – Double-Lined, Adjustable Fit

Quality silk nightie, feels great so love wearing it. Prompt delivery even though rural.

Cathy F. 5/5 Verified

Silk Moments Card

Love love this product so pleased with the quality of the silk I then bought a hair turban. Waiting patiently for the camisole in Champagne to come back into stock in my size Hopefully soon Great products Maura xx

Maura B. 5/5 Verified

100% Mulberry Silk Camisole - Shadow Grey

I have been wearing bias cut silk nighties for 10+ years all year round. Unfortunately my go to brand closed and this simple design has been very difficult to source, so I was delighted when I came across yours. The bias cut is so comfortable and easy to wear, it moves with me and the spaghetti straps keep me cool. There are other silk nighties around but they can be very costly, and for me the extra shaping and embellishments are unnecessary for an everyday item, especially if it adds to the overall price. An added bonus is that they are perfect for travel- they take up no space and wash and dry in a day! I also love the color! You may have just become my next go to brand, that I also recommend to my friends!

Helen M. 5/5 Verified

Bias-cut 100% Mulberry Silk Nightgown Spaghetti Strap Chemise Nightdress Everyday Slip - Navy Blue

I have been using eye masks for years and recently thought I had lost my usual one so I honestly only bought this silk one as a back up incase I couldn't find the other one. but this eye mask is even better than my old one! at first it was a bit hard to get used to using silk because my old one was made of some type of cheap fabric but once the silk warmed up I couldn't even feel it on my face. the elastic didnt hurt my ears and the fit was perfect for the size of my head. I didnt have to keep readjusting it in the middle of the night like I normally would with my old one. so I threw my old one out and recommended this one to a collegue who also struggles to sleep!

Eden C. 5/5 Verified

Silk Sleep Eye Mask - Black

I’ve been using the silk hair wrap for about a month now and I really love it! My hair feels noticeably softer and smoother when I wake up, and it’s become part of my bedtime routine. I was really impressed with the service and fast delivery. I ordered on Sunday and my package arrived on Tuesday, also loved the beautiful pink packaging.

H U. 5/5 Verified

Classic Double Layer Adjustable Women Mulberry Silk Hair Wrap Bonnet -Black

This exfoliating body glove is honestly a game changer! After soaking in warm water for a few minutes, I used the glove and was so surprised by how much it exfoliated. My skin felt so smooth afterwards, and I found it much more satisfying than other exfoliating products I’ve tried.

H U. 5/5 Verified

100% Silk Exfoliating Body Glove. TikTok Famous Silk Exfoliating Mitt NZ

Customer photo review of Silk-lined Essential Baseball Cap - Pink

Stays Secure: The adjustable strap/drawstring is a game changer it stays put all night without feeling too tight or leaving marks on your forehead. ​Hair Protection: The double lined silk keeps my hair moisturized, drastically reduces frizz and breakage, and preserves curls and styles until morning. ​Stunning Shade: The Viridian color is rich and looks just as luxurious in person as it does online. ​Roomy Size: The large size easily accommodates thick hair, long braids, or voluminous curls without squishing them.

Sheetal &. 5/5 Verified

Silk-lined Essential Baseball Cap - Pink

The scarf was beautiful and as expected. I bought it for a gift and the recipient loved it. The only disappointment was the packaging. The cardboard box was crushed and torn, which is not ideal when giving as a gift. This was no doubt due to rough handling by courier. Apart from that a lovely product.

Christine S. 5/5 Verified

Celadon Peony Pure Mulberry Silk Extra Large Long Scarf

I've been searching for some time for a proper silk pillowcase as I need to protect my skin post cancer treatments and these pillowcases are perfect. They're super soft, gentle, don't scratch or scrape my skin. I'm so grateful people make these wonderful items as otherwise my facial skin would be suffering severely.

Raewyn L. 5/5 Verified

Silver Mulberry Silk Pillowcase – NZ Standard Size (Queen), Envelope Closure

Your Silk Questions, Answered

Are silk pillowcases really better for your hair?

For many people, yes, and the main reason is friction. Hair slides over smooth silk instead of catching on it as you move in your sleep, and friction is one of the everyday causes of wear on the hair’s outer layer. People with curly, fine or long hair often notice fewer tangles and less frizz in the morning.

A silk pillowcase won’t repair damaged hair or change how your hair grows, but it is a simple, gentle addition to an overnight routine. If you move around a lot at night, a silk bonnet keeps your hair on silk all night.

Can sleeping on silk help prevent wrinkles?

No pillowcase can prevent ageing or wrinkles. What silk may help with is sleep creases: the temporary lines you sometimes wake up with. These come from pressure and from skin being pulled as you move against the pillow, and a smooth fabric lets your skin glide rather than drag.

Independent research on silk and skin ageing is limited, so we see silk as a comfortable choice for your skin rather than an anti-ageing treatment. Sun protection and your usual skincare do far more for wrinkles than any pillowcase.

Is silk suitable for sensitive skin?

Many people with sensitive skin find silk comfortable because it feels smooth and soft rather than rough. Silk is not a treatment for eczema, rosacea or acne, and while reactions to silk are uncommon, they can happen.

If you have a skin condition, follow the advice of your GP or dermatologist. Whichever fabric you choose, wash your pillowcase regularly. Our pillowcases are made from silk certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means the silk has been tested for harmful substances.

Does silk absorb less moisture than cotton?

Not exactly. Silk is a naturally absorbent fibre. Its standard moisture regain, a laboratory measure of how much moisture a fibre takes up from the surrounding air under set conditions, is around 11%, compared with around 8.5% for cotton.

Those figures describe the fibres themselves. They don’t tell us how much moisture or skincare product a finished pillowcase absorbs from your skin overnight. What people notice is the feel: smooth, densely woven silk sits lightly against skin and hair, and because it breathes, it stays comfortable through the night. There isn’t enough independent evidence to say that silk pillowcases improve skin hydration by absorbing less of your night cream or skincare.

What is the difference between silk and satin?

Silk is a fibre and satin is a weave. Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms. Satin is a way of weaving that gives fabric a smooth, glossy face, and it can be made from silk, polyester or other fibres.

Our pillowcases are 100% mulberry silk. Most low-cost satin pillowcases are polyester, which is smooth, affordable and easy to wash, but less breathable than silk. To know what you’re buying, check the fibre content on the label rather than relying on the word “satin”.

Is a 22-momme silk pillowcase worth it?

Momme (pronounced “mo-mee”) is the traditional measure of silk fabric weight. Many silk pillowcases are 16 to 19 momme. At 22 momme there is more silk in every square metre, which gives the fabric a fuller, more substantial feel, and when other factors are comparable a heavier silk may also wear better.

Weight isn’t the whole story: durability also depends on the quality of the fibre, the weave, the finishing and how the pillowcase is cared for. We chose 22-momme mulberry silk for its substance and feel, and for something you sleep on every night, we think it’s worth it.

How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?

About once a week, as with any pillowcase, or more often if you have oily or breakout-prone skin or use leave-in hair products.

Wash it in cold water, by hand or on a delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, with a detergent made for silk or delicates. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, and dry it out of direct sun rather than in a hot dryer. Our silk care guide has the full instructions.

How long does a silk pillowcase last?

With gentle care, a good-quality silk pillowcase can give you years of regular use. How long it lasts depends on the fibre, the weave and finish, and above all on care: hot water, harsh detergents, strong sunlight and high heat all weaken silk over time.

A gradual softening of the sheen is normal. When the fabric starts to feel thin, or snags or splits appear, it’s time for a new one.

A Little Luxury, Every Night

Discover the simple pleasure of sleeping on beautifully soft mulberry silk.

Explore our silk pillowcases, thoughtfully made to bring comfort and elegance to your everyday routine.

Shop Silk Pillowcases