Cotton, a timeless natural fabric, dominates in casual wear like classic tees and comfy pajamas. Meanwhile, silk, derived from silkworm fibers, exudes luxury. Like any iconic pair, they possess distinct strengths and weaknesses, particularly in the realm of bedding. Dive in to uncover their respective advantages.

Cotton 101

Cotton continues its dominance as the world’s most prevalent natural fiber, prized for its comfort, adaptability, and minimal upkeep. Its hypoallergenic nature caters to those with allergies or sensitive skin, making it a popular choice for bed sheets. Despite the surge in flax linen popularity, many still prefer cotton for its crisp, revitalizing feel. One of the best aspects of cotton sheets, aside from their fresh sensation, is the array of options available—from high thread count to sateen and percale, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. However, cotton falls short in breathability compared to linen and silk, and its durability tends to be shorter-lived.

Silk 101

Silk, sourced from silkworms, boasts a naturally soft and glossy texture. If you've worn a silk shirt, you're familiar with its lightweight and smooth feel compared to cotton. This makes silk ideal for specific purposes, such as creating garments with an ethereal quality and imparting a lavish sheen to evening attire. Moreover, silk offers a cool and moisture-wicking surface for resting your face during sleep.

Despite its slipperiness and higher cost, incorporating silk into your bedding, particularly in the form of pillowcases, allows you to maximize its benefits. These include...

It keeps skin smooth

Unlike silk, cotton's weight and texture impede smooth gliding of the skin, contributing to the development of sleep wrinkles. Studies reveal that these wrinkles form when the skin is compressed against surfaces, causing creases. Thanks to its frictionless nature, silk prevents creasing and maintains the skin's smoothness, effectively thwarting the formation of new wrinkles during sleep.

It calms bed hair

Just like skin, hair on cotton encounters friction and texture, leading to unwanted morning frizz. The rough surface disrupts the hair cuticles, leaving your hair unruly upon waking. However, silk's smooth texture allows your hair to move gracefully without getting caught or roughed up. Wake up to hair that looks salon-perfect, thanks to the gentle touch of silk.

It keeps you cool

Although both natural fabrics boast breathability, cotton performs admirably in this aspect. Yet, silk surpasses cotton in regulating body temperature, remaining cooler to the touch. With its exceptional cooling abilities, silk emerges as the preferred option for enhanced comfort.

It leaves skincare on your skin, where it should be

With its thicker weave and superior absorption, cotton bed sheets exude a luxurious weightiness reminiscent of hotel linens. However, this absorbent quality proves problematic for pillows, as it tends to absorb skincare products away from the face, resulting in ineffective use. Furthermore, cotton's propensity to retain moisture, oil, dirt, sweat, and other contaminants can contribute to skin issues like breakouts and clogged pores. Conversely, silk's moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties facilitate the retention of beneficial oils on the face while effectively removing impurities.

It simply lasts longer

Cotton may be durable, but it's prone to shrinking or altering its shape, especially with certain wash cycles. In contrast, silk surpasses cotton in durability, thanks to its robust fibers and extended lifespan.

While cotton holds its charm for items like favorite tees, silk stands out as the luxurious and advantageous choice for pillowcases.