Silk or satin pillowcases are the centerpieces of an elegant and comforting bedding set. Ancestral textile materials, coveted for their luster and softness, silk and satin do not always offer the same quality or the same benefits for your body.
Creators of exceptional, ethical and sustainable silks, we explain in this article how to choose between a silk or satin pillowcase for your bed linen.
Differences between a silk and satin pillowcase
In the linens category, pillowcases , sheets , and slipcovers take center stage. Decorative and welcoming, these accessories must also ensure restful rest by offering optimal comfort. In this area, silk and satin are in the collective mind an option of choice, although these two materials do not quite designate the same textile.
Mulberry silk or wild silk are organic fibers that come from two related species of butterflies. Silk pillowcases are usually woven with mulberry silk which has a softer feel and does not have the "pimples" like wild silk. Wild silk , also called Tussah silk, is used more for making cushion covers or upholstery.
As for satin , it is not actually a fabric, but a type of weaving called weave. It consists in limiting the crossing of threads to better reflect the light and bring more softness.
As a result, there are different types of satin pillowcases on the market, the most common of which are:
- silk satin pillowcases ;
- cotton sateen pillowcases ;
- polyester satin pillowcases ;
To learn more about this subject, see our dedicated article “ What is the difference between silk and satin? ”.
A silk or satin pillowcase for the hair?
Only silk will give your hair all the benefits you are looking for. Rich in silk proteins and amino acids , it strengthens and smoothes the hair fiber, prevents frizz, slows hair loss, sheaths and provides incomparable shine.
Organic mulberry silk pillowcase, Nimboo collection
Known since antiquity for its remarkable cosmetic benefits, silk is still used today in many cultures and incorporated into shampoo recipes. Indian women often cover their magnificent hair with a silk scarf to protect them from pollution and stimulate growth.
The silk pillowcase indeed promotes the production of keratin and preserves an optimal level of hydration. And for curly hair, silk or satin pillowcase ? In silk, again and again. Unlike cotton sateen pillowcases which absorb moisture and dry out the hair , the silk pillowcase redraws curls , nourishes and avoids split ends .
As for the polyester satin pillowcase , it is attractive only for its price. It is the most common range of satin pillowcases on the market, as it is very economical and profitable for the industries that produce it. It is a synthetic material made with plastic fibers generally derived from petroleum.
Very polluting, these satin pillowcases are also not very respectful of your body. Treated with dyes and chemical fixers, they create friction and produce static electricity which damages your hair on a daily basis.
A silk or satin pillowcase for the skin?
Organic silk smooths your skin, avoids sleep wrinkles and helps in the production of collagen , which makes it a powerful natural anti-wrinkle agent . Hypoallergenic, the silk pillowcase is recommended for acne-prone and atopic skin, as well as for all skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.
For calm and restful nights, the ideal is to create a silk night set, consisting of a pillowcase and its night mask . Made up of alanine, glycine and serine, silk promotes the natural hydration cycle of your skin, increases its elasticity and limits the production of sebum.
The silk pillowcase also stimulates the formation of keratin in the epidermis, which allows better impermeability and helps protect the skin from UV rays. It is indicated for problem skin, as it delays the appearance of comedones.
The artificial silk pillowcase , made of viscose or polyester, contains plastic fibers and chemicals that excite your skin and create intolerances. These are also devoid of the natural properties of organic silk, they just imitate the aesthetic appearance of the material.
Nimboo, creator of organic silk pillowcases
Convinced that sustainable and high-end fashion is possible, we have integrated each piece of our collection into an artisanal, eco-responsible and ethical production circuit. Our organic mulberry silk pillowcases come from ancestral sericulture which raises silkworms with respect for the animal and releases them once extracted from their cocoon.
Peace Silk Pillowcase and Matching Mask, Nimboo
These silk peace factories are run by women from rural communities in India who pass on this exceptional know-how from generation to generation. Our silk pillowcases , but also our kimonos, our darlings or our headbands, are free of any chemical agent. We create our own organic dyes by collecting flowers and fruits offered to Hindu temples.
Our production methods, but also our packaging and our delivery methods are directly in line with the United Nations' sustainable development objectives. Nimboo is a young, resolutely forward-looking brand that combines French aesthetics and design with the traditional Indian art of silk weaving . We choose GOTS- certified fabrics and create exceptional pieces that support the economic emancipation of 43 talented artisans.
