10 July 2025
How to choose your silk pillowcase?
What could be more pleasant than returning to your bed after a beautiful, busy day? Laying your head on a soft pillow, surrounded by soft sheets, often marks the beginning of a true moment of disconnection. And to enhance this evening ritual, silk pillowcases are a precious ally. But how do you choose the one that's right for you?
Silk is a material with numerous benefits. Its softness and naturally soothing and regenerating fibers make it the ideal ally for a quality sleep. However, it is essential to carefully select your pure silk pillowcase. Several criteria come into play to make the best choice, and we guide you through these essential aspects.
Momme
To choose your silk pillowcase wisely, start by looking at a key quality indicator: the momme. This traditional unit of measurement, used since imperial times, allows you to evaluate the weight and therefore the thickness of the silk per square meter. The higher the momme, the denser, softer, more resistant... and more pleasant to the touch the fabric is.
As an indication, 1 momme = 4.3056 g/m². On the market, silk pillowcases generally vary between 10 and 22 momme: below this, the silk is thin and fragile; above 19 momme, it gains in hold, softness, and durability.
For a quality silk pillowcase, resistant, easy to care for and durable, opt for 19 or 22 momme. A 19 momme silk pillowcase should contain at least 500 threads; it can last several years provided that the washing and care instructions are followed. The 22 momme is the highest index, and corresponds to the best silk in the world, yet it contains only about 750 threads. The 19 momme and 22 momme are differentiated by the feel of the silk when touched. Compared to 19 momme pillowcases, 22 momme pillowcases appear more lustrous and are even more durable.
Une taie d’oreiller en soie est considérée comme haut de gamme lorsqu’elle est fabriquée en soie de mûrier 19 mommes, de grade 6A. Le grade indique la qualité de la soie, sur une échelle de C (le plus bas) à A (le plus élevé). Le chiffre associé (jusqu’à 6A) précise encore davantage : 6A correspond à la meilleure qualité disponible.
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OEKO TEX
In the constant pursuit of the best quality, the naturalness and transparency of the fabric are also criteria to consider when choosing your silk pillowcase. Oeko-Tex certified silk bed linens are an excellent choice. The Oeko-Tex label is an international quality label that includes several strict technical standards to certify the health and ecological qualities of a fabric. Oeko-Tex certification is awarded to companies that use no or very few harmful substances in their production.
If you choose your silk pillowcase from an Oeko-Tex certified company, you can be reassured that your product is authentic, of high quality, and durable. This standard is a guarantee that your silk pillowcase is free of harmful products for your health and for the planet, as the label acts internationally in favor of environmental well-being.
WEAVE (THE ARMOUR)
Also, learn about the different fabric weaves used to weave your pillowcase. The weave is the way of weaving, the method of interlacing the warp and weft threads. There are three main weaves: plain, twill, and satin; fabrics are made according to their combinations.
Satin, for example, is the best-known and also the most delicate weave; it is used to weave silk. It is a shiny and fine fabric on the right side and matte on the wrong side; it is also smooth, soft, and flowing, ideal for silk pillowcases. During its creation, one of the threads overlaps four or more other threads, which gives it its sheen and softness.
The plain weave or taffeta is the oldest and simplest of weaves: odd and even threads alternate with each pass, above and below the weft, resulting in a large number of interlacings of warp and weft threads. The fabric has a grainy appearance, with no right or wrong side. Plain weave and taffeta are structured in the same way but are not made of the same materials.
The closing
After the technical criteria, let's move on to aesthetic criteria such as the closure. Which closure should you choose for your silk pillowcase? We tend to neglect this detail but it is of great importance. What to choose between a zipper and an envelope closure?
A silk pillowcase with an envelope closure is made of two flaps folded one over the other to close the pillowcase. Your pillow is well held inside and it is aesthetic on the right side, however, on the wrong side, you often see a part of the bare pillow. In addition, the envelope closure does not facilitate putting it on, which can take a little longer than usual.
The "plus" L'oreiller d'Emily
At Emily’s Pillow, every detail matters. To ensure impeccable finishes, we’ve added discreet piping (a small trim sewn all around the pillowcase) to all our models.
This extra care not only provides better durability but also a neater and more refined finish.
A detail that makes all the difference, both visually and tactilely.
If you have assimilated and taken all these criteria into account, you now know how to choose your silk pillowcase, and you will easily be able to enjoy all the benefits of silk on your body, your health and your hair while getting better sleep.
