Best Silk Pillowcases In Australia

Silk momme, pronounced as moe-me, is a unit of measurement of silk fabric, originally developed in Japan and abbreviated as mm. A momme is equal to the weight of 100 yards long and 45 inches wide silk.
The greater the weight, the longer it will last; for instance, 33 momme indicates that the weight of 100 yards of silk equals 33 pounds. 

For cotton sheets, the quality is measured by the thread count, and a sheet with a higher count indicates better quality. Similarly, for silk products, the momme weight determines the quality. An increase in momme means you get stronger and more durable fabric. Generally speaking, silk that is 17 momme or lower is lightweight and therefore less expensive. 

A 22 momme fabric has about 20 per cent more silk than that in a 19 momme one. Most brands use at least 19 mm silk for regular pillowcases, which offers a luxurious feel while ensuring durability. Most manufacturers disclose the silk momme used in their products, and if that is not the case, it is best to stay away from that brand. 

Another factor to consider is the tightness of the weave because the tighter the weave, the more silk is used, resulting in a higher momme and weight. Silk fabrics with a lower momme count are generally translucent, while those with a higher momme are opaque.

Several factors need to be considered while deciding which momme is the best when buying a silk pillowcase, such as:

1. Softness

As facial skin is more delicate than the skin on other body areas, softness is an important consideration when selecting a silk pillowcase. At the very least, a silk pillowcase should have at least a 22 momme to provide adequate comfort while sleeping. A pillowcase using silk with a lower momme count will increase friction, causing wrinkles and bed head. 

On the other hand, a pillowcase with a very high momme count silk can feel uncomfortable and stiff against the skin, as it cannot drape properly. 

2. Durability

Silk is a highly resilient natural fibre, and the highest density silk will last for the longest period. This means that it can endure regular use more effectively without getting damaged. For that purpose, a pillowcase made with silk with a momme count of at least 22 should be used if you do not want to hurt it while washing. 

You can also get a pillowcase with a higher momme as it will last even longer. 

3. Skin Benefits

Silk offers several beauty benefits for your skin, which is why silk pillowcases and sheets are so popular. It contains 18 amino acids that are advantageous for the skin while also being able to regulate temperature naturally. Additionally, unlike cotton, silk does not wick away any night creams and serums you may use, helping you get maximum benefits.

It naturally means that silk with a higher momme count will offer more benefits than silk with a lower momme count.

The word Charmeuse stands for a female charmer in the French language, and Charmeuse silk is a popular weaving technique generally used for making silk products. It provides a lustrous and shiny texture to silk on one end and a matte finish on the opposite side. Generally, products such as pillowcases, bed sheets, and other silk bedding are created using this technique.

Silk Charmeuse fabric is an extremely soft fabric with a lustrous drape and can also be manufactured using other materials such as rayon or polyester. However, pure silk remains the most popular choice as it offers several benefits that we mentioned previously. These include moisture retention, hypoallergenic properties, natural temperature regulation, etc.

While it is most commonly used for bedding products, Charmeuse is also used for women’s dresses and evening wear as well. It is popularly used for bedding products, as it is incredibly lightweight and soft to touch while also being an excellent insulator. 

Depending upon the quality, silk is assigned different grades that may be A, B, or C, with grade A being the highest quality. This is long strand silk that is obtained from white coloured cocoons and can be easily unravelled to great lengths without breaking. In addition to these grades, different types of silk are further subdivided using numbers.

For instance, grade A silk includes A, 2A, 3A, up to 6A, with 6A being the best. Grade 6A long fibre mulberry silk is the finest quality silk that manufacturers can use for their products. Pillowcases or other bedding and clothing items made from 6A grade silk are generally the most expensive due to this reason. 

When brands do not mention the silk grade, you can be sure that it is of inferior quality. 

The Oeko-Tex Association was established in Switzerland in 1992 to establish safety standards for textile products. Generally, when we say the Oeko-Tex standard, we refer to the most well-known standard of the association, the Standard 100.

Products that meet this standard are guaranteed to be free of over 100 harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to humans and the environment. For a product to be Oeko-Tex certified, every component, such as the zipper, lining, buttons, etc., is tested because products such as pillowcases and bedsheets are in contact with skin.

If there are any harmful substances, they can easily be absorbed while you use the product. And since it is a universal standard, it is applicable everywhere, irrespective of the country or region. Every year, the criteria for this standard are reviewed and updated, which is why the certification lasts for a year, after which companies have to reapply for the certification. 

While originally satin was made from silk, nowadays, it generally refers to artificial fabric usually woven from polyester. Polyester is made from oil polymers and has a chemical structure similar to plastic. It is often blended with other synthetic fabrics, making it more supple, flexible, and easier to clean than silk pillowcases. 

However, chemical polymers can make satin uncomfortable to sleep on in hot weather, as it tends to keep you warm. 

Real silk, on the other hand, is a natural fabric with temperature regulating properties. It can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a better choice than satin for almost all skin and hair types. Also, it is naturally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people prone to allergies, and is great for acne as it doesn’t absorb oils and transfers them back to your face.

But the biggest difference between the two lies in the cost. Silk is more luxurious and therefore more expensive, whereas satin often contains a blend of other fibres and is more affordable.

To prevent any damage to your silk pillowcase while washing, the first step is to determine the silk type used in the pillowcase. For instance, those made from mulberry silk are more durable and refined and can be easier to clean than others. 

Generally, it is recommended to hand wash silk pillowcases to ensure that they retain their softness, though occasional machine washing shouldn’t be a problem. Remember that, unlike other fabrics, you should always use a gentle liquid detergent for washing silk pillowcases. Such detergents should not contain optical brighteners, enzymes, or bleaching agents, as harsh chemicals can weaken the natural fibres in silk and damage the pillowcase. 

1. Hand Washing Silk Pillowcases

First, fill a clean bowl or sink with cold or cool water, which will help the fabric retain its colour. Then, add a few drops of the mild liquid laundry detergent and turn the pillowcase inside out before placing it in the water.

Agitate the water gently with your hand for a few minutes, then take out the pillowcase. Squeeze out the water from the pillowcase gently, but avoid wringing or twisting it. Repeat these steps three to four times after draining and refilling the bowl with fresh water.  

2. Machine Washing Silk Pillowcases

To wash the silk pillowcase in a machine, you first need to turn it inside out and place it in a mesh wash bag. Then, select the gentle cycle on the washing machine. Use a small amount of gentle liquid laundry detergent with cold water for the wash cycle. 

Silk pillowcases offer several advantages over cotton ones, as the former helps the skin and hair retain moisture more effectively, whereas cotton absorbs moisture from the skin and hair. Silk also has less friction than cotton, and that’s why cotton pillowcases tend to pull and tug at your skin while sleeping, resulting in hair tangles, frizzy hair, and skin creases.
 
Apart from that, silk is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to fungus, mildew, mould, and dust mites. It also does not accumulate as much pore-clogging bacteria as cotton does, making it a more suitable option for skin prone to acne or allergies.

And since it has a very soft texture and keeps your skin hydrated, silk is the best choice for people with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. 

To ensure that you select the pillowcase most suitable for your needs, several factors need to be considered, such as:

1. The Composition Of The Pillowcase

Always go for a pillowcase with 100% silk instead of one that has a blend of different materials and silk. This will ensure the highest comfort level with all the benefits that silk offers. 

2. Type Of Silk

It is generally accepted that pure mulberry silk is the highest quality of silk you can get, with all others being inferior to it. When buying a pillowcase, make sure to get one that contains mulberry silk.

3. Momme

While most manufacturers use silk with a momme count of at least 19, you should try to go for options that contain 22 momme or more. These ensure better quality and durability. 

4. Maintenance

Maintenance is another important factor to consider, so look for a pillowcase that can be machine washed easily without getting damaged. 

5. Warranty

Some manufacturers offer a one year warranty which can help put your mind at ease as you can get refunds or replacements easily if any issues arise. 

6. Budget

Silk pillowcases are generally expensive, but the purchase is worth it if they can ensure better sleep and health.