Is a Silk Pillowcase a Good Gift?
A silk pillowcase is one of those gifts people love but rarely buy for themselves. It feels like a small luxury every night. But is it a good gift, and how do you pick a good one? Here's what to know.
Who will love one
A silk pillowcase is a great fit for someone who:
- Cares about her hair. People with curly, long or styled hair often like how smooth silk feels.
- Likes nice bedding. If she notices thread counts, she'll notice silk.
- Has "everything." It's a small upgrade to something she uses every night.
- Is hard to buy clothes for. A pillowcase has no size to guess.
It's less exciting for someone who doesn't care about bedding at all. For them, choose something tied to a hobby instead.
Silk vs satin
These two get mixed up a lot.
- Silk is a natural fiber made by silkworms. Mulberry silk is the type most often used for pillowcases.
- Satin is a weave, not a fiber. Most satin pillowcases are made from polyester.
Satin looks shiny and costs less. Silk is the real thing, and it's what makes the gift feel special. Check the listing for "100% mulberry silk" if that's what you want.
What "momme" means
Momme (say "mom-ee") is how silk weight is measured. Higher momme means a thicker, heavier silk.
- 16 to 19 momme is lighter and thinner.
- 22 momme is a common choice for a premium pillowcase.
- 25 momme and up is heavier still and costs more.
For a gift, 22 momme is a nice middle ground.
Get the size right
Pillowcases come in standard, queen and king sizes. A queen pillowcase (about 20 x 30 inches) fits a standard queen pillow. If you're not sure what pillows she has, peek at the tag. A hidden zipper closure helps keep the pillow from slipping out.
Washing silk
Silk needs a bit of care, but it's easier than people think. Many silk pillowcases can go in the washing machine:
- Use cool water and a delicate cycle.
- Put it in a mesh wash bag.
- Use a gentle, pH-neutral liquid detergent.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener.
- Air dry or follow the label.
Always check the care instructions on the listing. Some say hand wash only.
One pillowcase or two?
Many silk pillowcases are sold one at a time. If she sleeps on two pillows, or you share a bed and you'd like one too, buy two.
Make it a gift
A silk pillowcase is soft and flat, so it's easy to wrap. Pair it with:
- A silk sleep mask or scrunchie
- A handwritten card
- A promise of a lazy Sunday morning
The bottom line: yes, no size to guess and used every night
Yes, a silk pillowcase makes a good gift, especially for someone who loves her hair, loves nice bedding or seems to have everything. There's no size to guess, nothing to charge, and it gets used every night.
To see how a silk pillowcase compares with pajamas, a hair styler and a massage gun, read our best Christmas gifts for wife.