Best Pillowcase
You might not think that there’s much to choosing pillowcases, but you’d be surprised how diverse the choices are and the important differences between materials and construction. For instance, a pillowcase can be cooling to touch, silky or crisp and stiff, helpful for skin issues, great for hair, and it all depends on the choice of fabric. Needless to say, there are plenty of factors to pay attention to if you want to make sure you’ll be sleeping soundly and comfortably.
In addition to the features that make pillowcases pleasant and soft to sleep on, there’s the matter of practical issues to think of, as well. From the shape and dimensions of your pillow, all the way to the durability and ease of maintenance, all those seemingly small details will influence your choice of a pillowcase.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 | 
Peru Pima Cotton Sateen Pillowcases |
|
| #2 | 
Ravmix Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase |
|
| #3 | 
Silvon Pillowcase |
|
| #4 | 
Bedsure Cooling Bamboo Pillowcases |
|
| #5 |  Amazon Basics Pillow Cases |
|
| #6 |  Utopia Bedding Pillowcases |
|
What to Look for in a Pillowcase
When it comes to bed linens in general, it is important to consider various different features to make sure you’ll end up with well-made, durable, and comfortable bedding that will give you years of use. For pillowcases, though, there’s slightly more to consider, as they are the part of the linens that go directly against your face and will be in direct contact for hours with the most sensitive skin of your body. As a result, the wrong pillowcase can dry out your skin and hair, worsen acne and cause frizziness and brittle hair, not to mention feel uncomfortable against your skin. To avoid these and many other issues that come with the wrong choice of bed linens, these are the features you need to pay attention to.
Material
The defining feature of a pillowcase will certainly be the material it is made from. There are tons of options out there, from natural fibers to man-made materials, and each has its advantages and downsides. For some, it’s the cheapness and the ease of care that synthetic fabric comes with that’s most appealing, for others, it’s the breathability and softness that comes with classic plant-based materials such as cotton or silk. Depending on your needs, you might favor certain fabrics over the others- these are the most popular pillowcase materials and their pros and cons.
- Cotton
It is important to note that cotton comes in many forms: short-staple or long-staple, Egyptian, Turkish or Peruvian, with a flannel, sateen, or percale weave, and so on. Each of these factors will modify the original features of cotton as a fabric, but what remains true for all types of cotton, regardless of where it’s sourced or how woven it is, is that it is breathable, gets softer with each wash, and has excellent temperature regulating properties. On the other hand, a cotton pillowcase will be more prone to wrinkling, and might not be the best option out there for people with dry skin and hair as it will absorb oils from both as you sleep.
- Silk
The most luxurious type of pillow covers there is must be those made from pure genuine silk. Silk is an expensive fabric that toutes many benefits, but what’s most prized about silk pillowcases is that they are known to minimize split hairs and frizziness, as well as those early signs of aging in the form of fine lines on your face. It is all owing to the fact that silk has the ability to help hair and skin retain moisture while offering a silky, sleek surface to sleep on. The major flaws of silk pillowcases are that they have a heftier price tag, require special care, and might feel too slippery to some. A budget-friendly alternative to silk pillowcases is either satin pillow covers or cotton pillowcases with a sateen finish.
- Bamboo
Similar to silk, bamboo is also hypoallergenic and great at retaining moisture, so it can be a good alternative if silk pillowcases are too expensive or feel too slippery for comfort. Additionally, bamboo fabric excels at regulating temperature, so in addition to cotton, bamboo pillowcases are an optimal choice for hot sleepers. The only issue is that bamboo is less durable than, for example, cotton or microfiber, and won’t stand up as well to wear and tear.
- Microfiber
When it comes to synthetic materials, microfiber is the most frequent choice of polyester-based fabrics for bedding. The reason for that is that it feels plush to touch, it is very easy to care for (machine washable and dries very fast) and it is quite resistant to the signs of use, even after years, with no pilling issues, and often with stain-resistant and fade-resistant properties. Not to mention that it is quite affordable! Of course, as all synthetic materials are prone to do, microfiber pillowcases will trap heat and won’t be as breathable as natural fibers, so if you are a hot sleeper, you’d do best to steer clear from any polyester in your bed linens.
Thread count or weight per square meter
Once you settle on the material of the pillowcase, you’ll have to determine its quality. For cotton and bamboo, you should be looking at thread count, which should be in the range of 250 to 600 TC for cotton (depending on the weave) and 250 and 350 TC for bamboo (as it is naturally softer than cotton). Lower TC will indicate a stiffer and less durable fabric, and higher thread counts often have no advantages but do have a higher price tag. For other types of material, such as flannel or microfiber it’s the GSM value that counts: around 100 GSM will make for thicker, softer, and more durable sheets in case of microfiber, and upwards of 170 GSM is the goldilocks zone for flannel.
Best Pillowcases
1. Editor’s Choice: Peru Pima Cotton Sateen Pillowcases
You can’t go wrong with the classics – they are a multigenerational favorite for a reason, after all. Cotton pillowcases are a great choice for people that love a crisp, cool feel when they lay their head down and, in this case, smooth luxurious touch of sateen weave. Made from 100 percent Peruvian Pima cotton prized for its unparalleled softness and impressive durability, these pillowcases boast a thread count of 600 TC and will feel plusher with each wash. To boot, the sateen weave doesn’t only enhance their softness but also gives the linen an elegant sheen.
The set includes 2 king-size pillowcases that measure 20 by 40 inches and have a simple but effective envelope closure. The temperature regulating properties of this high-quality cotton fiber make it refreshing during hot nights and pleasant in the chill of the colder months of the year. Easy to keep clean and durable, these hotel-like crisp cotton pillowcases will suit most sleepers.
Who Should Buy This?
If you prefer natural fabrics for your bedding or want versatile pillowcases that work well for cold and warm weather both, these premium quality Pima cotton pillowcases are just the thing. Made from the finest quality 600TC Pima cotton, they are made to last- and get softer with each wash.
Pros
- Made in Peru from 600TC Pima cotton
- Thick and durable
- Get softer and softer with time
- Regulate temperature
- Sateen weave for a silky feel
- OEKO TEX certified
Cons
- Not suited for people with dry skin or frizzy hair
- A limited number of colors and sizes
Specs for comparison:
Material: Peruvian Pima cotton
Enclosure: Envelope
Thread count or fabric weight:
Available sizes: King size
Available styles: 4
2. Runner Up: Ravmix Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Your precious locks deserve only the best, and you can’t go more luxurious than real mulberry silk pillowcases. Natural genuine silk is unbeatable when it comes to moisture retention, so when you sleep on a silk pillowcase, you’ll wake up with a bit of a bounce to your curls, more life in your locks, and smooth and refreshed skin. The silk used to make this pillowcase is graded as 22 momme – a great indicator of the fabric’s quality and longevity. Hypoallergenic and great at regulating temperature, this silk pillowcase will be a good choice for all the seasons of the year.
Available in 5 sizes to accommodate different shapes and dimensions of pillows and in an impressive selection of 32 to colors to choose from, this pillowcase doesn’t only feel fantastic- it will look great with any bedding and in any bedroom. The hidden zipper enclosure will make sure that the slipper silk stays firmly in place encasing your pillow, no matter how much you toss and turn.
Who Should Buy This?
If you have dry or curly hair and/or dry skin, a real silk pillowcase is just what you need to keep the frizz and flakes at bay. Made from 22 Momme mulberry silk, this pillowcase excels in moisture retention and will make your hair look healthier and less brittle and your skiing more youthful and glowing.
Pros
- 22 momme mulberry silk
- Ideal for dry or curly hair type
- Prevents split ends
- Eliminates frizz
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Hidden zipper enclosure
Cons
- Requires special care (hand wash, can’t be tumble dried)
Specs for comparison:
Material: Mulberry silk
Enclosure: Hidden zipper closure
Thread count or fabric weight: 21 Momme
Available sizes: Body Size(20*54inches), King, Queen, Standard, Toddler
Available styles: 32
3. Best for Acne: Silvon Pillowcase
People that suffer from bad acne know how easy it is to trigger a breakout- the wrong choice of pillowcase fabric or inadequate cleaning can worsen the state of your face. This unique pillowcase, however, is made exactly with acne-prone skin in mind and is meant to be a complementary part of acne therapy. Made from organic long-staple cotton from California and yarn coated with real silver, this pillowcase is meant to eliminate a wide range of bacteria that can cause issues with acne, all while you sleep. While the silver-coated threads are what traps and eliminates the dirt and bacteria, you can’t feel them in the fabric, which feels super smooth and soft to touch thanks to the sateen weave.
As a natural antiseptic, silver works wonders for acne and combined with organic cotton, it makes for a breathable, soft pillowcase with the added benefit of eliminating acne-causing bacteria strain. Available in two sizes, this pillowcase is machine washable and easy to keep clean.
Who Should Buy This?
If you have bad acne or even occasional breakouts, this antiseptic pillowcase for acne will be the best choice for you. With silver-coated threads woven in the fabric, this pillowcase eliminates bacteria while you sleep, making sure your sensitive skin is not pressed against microscopic size grime that could make your skin look worse.
Pros
- 300 TC organic cotton with silver-coated threads
- Soft to touch and breathable
- Suitable for all seasons
- Antiseptic properties
- Eliminates acne-causing bacteria strains
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Can get discoloration
Specs for comparison:
Material: 93% long-staple organic cotton and 7% XT2 Silver Yarn
Enclosure: Envelope closure
Thread count or fabric weight: 300 TC
Available sizes: King, Standard
Available styles:/
4. Best for Hot Sleepers: Bedsure Cooling Bamboo Pillowcases
Whether you sleep hot throughout the year or just get sweaty and uncomfortable during the warmer months of the year, your choice of bedding can significantly impact the level of coolness you feel (or don’t feel) during the night. Bamboo is one of the best choices for hot sleepers and warm weather as it is both cool to the touch and remains cool throughout the night, wicking away moisture and helping dissipate heat. These pillowcases are made from bamboo viscose with a sleek sateen finish that contributes to the silky and cool feel against the skin, similar to silk but even more refreshing. Breathable and moisture-wicking, these pillowcases dry fast so if you have night sweats, you won’t wake up drenched or clammy.
The set includes two pillowcases available in eight solid colors and three different sizes. In addition to the envelope closure style, these pillowcases have an elegant 7-inch attached hem finish that makes them look classy and timeless.
Who Should Buy This?
If you like cool bed linens or you’re a hot sleeper, a bamboo pillowcase is the way to go: they are great at regulating temperature, wicking away moisture, and they dry really fast. These pillowcases are cool to touch and stay cool as the night goes by, ensuring you don’t toss and turn, uncomfortable because of the overwhelming heat.
Pros
- 230 TC bamboo viscose feels soft and luxurious
- Cooling and breathable
- Temperature-regulating
- Good at moisture retention
- Great for hot sleepers
- Moisture-wicking
- Dries fast
Cons
- The fabric wrinkles quite a lot
Specs for comparison:
Material: Bamboo viscose
Enclosure: Envelope closure
Thread count or fabric weight: 230 TC
Available sizes: 20×26, 20×30, 20×40
Available styles: 8
5. Best Basic: Amazon Basics Pillow Cases
Amazon Basics is here to surprise us with a set of pillowcases made from cotton and sold at the price of polyester. Soft and breathable, these two pillowcases are available in six neutral color options and two sizes: Standard and King. These two identical pillowcases have an envelope enclosure and are meant for pillows that measure 20 x 30 inches each (if you go with the Standard size).
The cotton fibers are woven to make a gorgeous sateen finish and the pillowcases are made in an OEKO-TEX factory. That means they meet rigorous safety standards while keeping an eye out for the environment.
Who Should Buy This?
If you want cheap but good cotton pillowcases without anything too fancy on them, this Amazon Basics set of two pillowcases is the perfect buy.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Soft cotton construction
Cons
- Surface traps lint
Specs for comparison:
- Material: cotton
- Enclosure: envelope
- Thread count or fabric weight: 400
- Available sizes: Standard, King
- Available styles: 6
6. Honorable Mention: Utopia Bedding Pillowcases
12 color choices, two size options, and a soft microfiber construction: this is the easiest and fastest way to describe what this set has to offer. From purple to light blue, all the colors available look just as gorgeous in reality as they do on the product page. Since they’re made from brushed microfiber, they have a soft surface that’s comparable to that of cotton sheets.
As with other bedding items that are made from microfiber, these are machine washable, being easy to care for. The four-inch hem allows you to conceal the pillow inserts with an envelope enclosure.
Who Should Buy This?
Looking to save money by buying multiple pillowcases for a good deal? This Utopia set comes with four pillowcases available for a lower price compared to the competition.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Comes with 4 pillowcases
- 12 gorgeous color options
Cons
- Colors fade after multiple washes
Specs for comparison:
- Material: microfiber
- Enclosure: envelope
- Thread count or fabric weight: not specified
- Available sizes: Queen, King
- Available styles: 12
Bottom Line
A pillowcase is the part of bed linens that comes in the closest contact with the most sensitive part of your body: the skin on your face. As a result, there are a number of factors to look into to ensure your skin is nurtured while you sleep and that you feel comfortable to boot- not to mention the practical aspects such as ease of care and durability. Similarly, certain hair types that are more prone to frizziness and breakage also require special pillowcases as the wrong fabrics can only exacerbate the issues.
Whether you prefer microfiber pillow covers that dry fast and cost less or want more luxurious natural options such as Egyptian cotton pillowcases or pure silk pillow protectors, you’ll need to pay attention to the quality, price range, and the construction of the pillowcase to make sure you’re getting the right type of linen for your needs.