The Best Mulberry Silk Pillowcase — What to Look For and Why It Matters

If you've searched for a silk pillowcase recently, you'll know the options are overwhelming — and the price differences are enormous. A £20 "silk" pillowcase and a £139 one can look identical in a product photo. This guide explains exactly what separates them, so you can make an informed decision.

Momme weight is everything

Momme (mm) is to silk what thread count is to cotton — it measures the density and weight of the fabric. The higher the momme, the more silk is used, and the more durable, smooth, and lustrous the fabric will be.

• 12–16 momme: Very lightweight, delicate, not suitable for regular washing
• 19–22 momme: The most common range. Feels silky initially but thins and dulls faster
• 25 momme: The sweet spot recommended by most experts — substantial, durable, and maintains its surface quality long term
• 30+ momme: Very heavy, less breathable, rarely necessary for pillowcases

Most pillowcases marketed as "luxury silk" sit at 19–22 momme. If a brand doesn't state the momme weight, that's usually why.

Silk grade matters as much as momme

Silk is graded on quality of fibre from C up to 6A. Grade 6A uses the longest, most uniform filaments — the result is a smoother, more consistent fabric with less risk of pilling or uneven texture. Grades 4A and 5A are more common and noticeably inferior over time. Always look for Grade 6A on any premium silk pillowcase.

Real silk vs. satin — don't get confused

Satin is a weave, not a material. Polyester satin pillowcases are widely sold as silk alternatives, and while they look similar in photos, they offer none of the benefits — no temperature regulation, no moisture management, and they generate static. Real Mulberry silk is a natural protein fibre, breathable, and genuinely beneficial for hair and skin.

What silk actually does for hair and skin

The science is straightforward. Cotton pillowcases have a rough surface that creates friction as you move during sleep. That friction pulls at hair cuticles — causing breakage and frizz — and drags against skin, deepening sleep creases over time. Silk's smooth surface dramatically reduces that friction. At 25 momme, the fabric is dense enough not to shift or bunch under your head, maintaining that smooth contact all night.

Silk also doesn't absorb moisture the way cotton does, meaning your hair's natural oils and any skincare products stay where they belong — on you, not the pillowcase.

What to look for in the best mulberry silk pillowcase

• 25 momme weight
• Grade 6A Mulberry silk
• Machine washable
• Clear size information — standard is 48 x 74 cm (19 x 30 in)

The Belle 25 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Belle 25 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase meets every criteria above. At 25 momme and Grade 6A, it sits at the top end of what's available for a pillowcase — with a contrasting satin border and six colourways designed to complement any bedroom. At £139 it reflects the actual cost of genuine high-grade silk, not a marked-up polyester alternative.