Pillowcase Buyer's Guide
We have done extensive research to bring you some of the most comfortable and durable pillowcases on the market. Despite this, you may want to search for some of your own pillowcases. For that reason, we have provided a list of things you should consider before making your first purchase.
Things to consider before buying a pillowcase
Pillowcases come in a range of styles, colors, and materials. The right pillowcase for you might not be the ideal pillowcase for someone else. Whatever your taste, if you consider these factors you are sure to get a pillowcase that suits your needs.
Size
Pillows come in a variety of sizes: standard, queen, and king.
Generally, a standard-size pillowcase should fit a standard-sized pillow. A standard pillowcase will also fit a super standard and queen-sized pillow— it just has to stretch a little further. However, the only size pillowcase that fits a king-sized pillow is a king-sized pillowcase.
Most high-end pillowcase manufacturers will offer a wide variety of sizes.
Style
There are two types of pillowcases: the Housewife and the Oxford.
The Housewife style of pillowcase fits around the pillow snuggly. This is the most common pillowcase in use today. On the other hand, the Oxford pillowcase has a strip of extra material around the edge of the pillow. You may wish to purchase this style of pillowcase if you have a large bed and don't want to leave any gaps between the pillows.
Compared to the Housewife, you may simply prefer the appearance of the Oxford, or vice versa.
Washing
For some pillowcases, it is recommended that they are dry-cleaned or hand-washed only. If you know you don’t have time to hand wash parts of your laundry, you will want to buy pillowcases that are machine-washable. Many pillowcases are made of machine-washable materials today, so check product specifications if that is a detail you need.
Closure
Some pillowcases come with zips and buttons. Sometimes buttons and zips may prove difficult to use as the zipper can snag on the fabric or the button can come off.
Envelope pillowcases get their name because they close like an envelope on one side of the case. Envelope pillowcases are made so the pillow can be covered on all sides by material yet are still easy to slip on or off when needed.
Silk
In recent times, more and more beauty companies have made strides in the pillowcase industry with pillowcases made from silk. This is because silk causes less friction to the skin than other materials such as cotton or linen.
Some companies claim silk pillows can reduce wrinkles, though this is still up for debate. However, it is common knowledge (among hair and beauty professions at least) that using a silk pillowcase reduces hair breakage.
If you have dry skin, silk can be beneficial over cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, undoing any moisturizing night creams you apply, so silk will leave your skin feeling more hydrated.
Silk pillowcases can feel soothing to the skin but many customers feel that they have a tendency to slip. Buying a pillowcase with silk on the top and cotton on the bottom will give you a comfortable silk pillow that won't end up on the floor by morning.
Satin
Satin has the same smooth texture as silk but is much cheaper. However, it doesn’t absorb moisture very well. This can lead to excess sweating, which is hardly attractive.
Cotton
You might prefer a cotton pillowcase, especially if you sweat during the night. Cotton is absorbent, easy to wash, and is also very durable. In fact, a good cotton pillowcase will last a long time if you care for it properly.
Velvet
Velvet pillowcases are made of cotton and polyester. However, polyester is less breathable, which is not ideal if you find yourself getting warm at night. If you do not feel this will be an issue, a velvet pillowcase can make your bedroom feel very luxurious.
Acne and spots
If you suffer from acne, you may wish to buy an anti-acne pillowcase. Anti-acne pillowcases often contain silver or copper threads. Manufacturers of these pillowcases claim that the metal's natural antimicrobial properties kill the bacteria which cause acne. There have been no studies as of yet to prove or disprove this theory.
Some people claim charcoal-infused pillowcases reduce acne. This is because charcoal is antibacterial, and reduces bacteria build-up on the skin which said to reduce acne outbreaks.
Color and pattern
Pillowcases come in all sorts of colors and designs. You can even get tailor-made novelty designs such as your dog's face printed onto your pillowcase if you so wish.
If you want to find a replacement pillowcase that perfectly matches your current set, it might be worth asking the manufacturer if they sell pillowcases that match your current bedding.
Pillowcase price range
The price of pillowcases varies depending on the material and size. For example, pillowcases using man-made materials are almost always cheaper than cotton or silk. The prices of these pillowcases vary greatly. You can expect to spend anywhere between $10 and $80 for a set of two pillowcases.
How we choose our top pillowcases
When coming up with all our pillowcase recommendations, we consider a number of things, most of which we have included in our buying guide. We consider things like material, size, price, and overall comfort.
We also read plenty of customer reviews to find out which pillowcases are proving popular with the average consumer.
We aim to give you sound advice at every turn, which is why we only recommend products we would use ourselves at home.
Pillowcase FAQ
Q: How often should I wash my pillowcase?
A: You should wash your pillowcase at least once a week. However, you should consider washing them more often if you suffer from oily hair or greasy skin.
Q: How often should I change my pillows?
A: It is recommended that you change your pillow every two years, although you may find yourself needing to change them on a more regular basis depending on how they feel.