Similar to the benefits of silk, satin can improve your hair and skin while you sleep. The two materials feel very similar, but satin is a vegan alternative while silk is produced from silkworms. The Kitsch 100% Satin Pillowcase is made with a polyester cotton blend and features a zipper closure to keep your pillow secure. We’re happy to report that over the course of six months, these pillowcases haven’t changed in terms of texture and quality. They’re just as silky and lightweight as they were upon arrival, even with consistent use. Although the thinner material isn’t the most substantial or crisp, we think these pillowcases are a great choice for warmer months, or year-round for those who tend to sleep hot. When it comes to thread count, a higher number can mean a smoother, denser weave. While this isn’t the only metric determining the quality of a fabric, it’s definitely worth considering. There are two main styles of pillow protector. One is a single layer of fabric, just like a second pillowcase but without any decorative features, and these are suitable for most pillows. But, if you’re looking for a bit more padding, or have feather or down pillows, quilted pillow protectors will offer better comfort. When choosing a pillowcase, there are a few standard fabric options. Cotton bedding, including our best overall Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Pillowcases, is known for being soft and breathable, and they can often provide a luxe feel for an affordable price.

If you’re willing to spend a little extra money on a high-quality pillowcase set that’s extremely luxurious, the Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Pillowcase Set will instantly upgrade your bedding. The quality of the pillowcases was impressive, as the construction looked high-end and the material felt sturdy while not overly heavy. We did notice some loose threads along the fitted seams, but the product still appeared to be well-made overall. Made with a blend of linen and bamboo rayon, the pillowcases felt extremely soft and lightly stretchy. They offered both the breathability of linen and the softness of bamboo, and we appreciated how cozy and comfortable the pillowcases felt. The textured appearance of the linen gives it a relaxed, casual look. After a month of use, these sheets held up well, with no pilling or imperfections evident after numerous washes. Considering the pillowcases’ buttery soft texture, eco-friendly construction, and impressive breathability, we think this pillowcase set is the best of the best and definitely worth its price tag.

The verdict: Pillow protectors

The satin texture feels buttery-soft and somewhat slippery just like silk, allowing for less friction on your skin and hair. It also feels cool to the touch and won’t cause you to overheat at night. While we love the high-quality construction and material of the pillowcase, we were disappointed to find out that the product is hand-wash only, which can be a pain for anyone who’s used to just throwing their bedding into the washing machine. However, we think this product is worth the extra care considering its top-notch value, high-end construction, and beauty benefits.

Additionally, we found these pillowcases weren’t extremely breathable or cooling, but they didn’t feel overly stifling, either. We also loved how well they held up in the wash, as there were no visible signs of wear or imperfections. What’s more, the material even gets softer the more you wash it.In terms of breathability, these pillowcases are a dream, providing ample airflow to keep you comfortable. While the material initially feels cool to the touch, it eventually warmed up a moderate amount without causing you to overheat. Post-wash, these pillowcases held up relatively well, as they maintained their quality other than a few loose threads and some slight wrinkles. However, with the reinforced seams and high-quality construction, we’re confident these pillowcases will last the test of time. Dorma’s quilted pillow protectors come in a pair, bagged neatly into a zippable clear plastic storage bag. The exterior fabric is made from a 230 thread count crisp, white cotton that’s soft to touch but is quite stiff and gives a noisy rustle. The interior fabric is 100 per cent polyester, with 100 per cent polyester hollowfibre sandwiched into the large quilting between the two layers. Its fairly large size will happily fit most pillows and the envelope closure on this is easy to access. For a more budget-friendly option, the California Design Den 400 Thread Count Cotton Pillowcases offer a comfortable sleeping surface that looks and feels way more expensive than its price tag. We were immediately impressed by the quality of the pillowcases, as we observed no imperfections upon arrival. Additionally, the seams are well-done and the envelope closure keeps the pillow covered and in place. Constructed with a 400-thread count sateen weave, these pillowcases offer a medium weight, feeling sturdier and denser than other options we tested. The texture feels smooth, but not necessarily silky.

Slumberdown’s Teflon protection pillow protector is ideal for those who want to protect their pillow from drool, sweat or anything else that might stain. The top cover is made from 100 per cent polyester that’s been treated with Teflon to make it water resistant. We poured water from a mug to test this and were pleased to see the liquid sitting on the surface of the fabric. It will feel damp to the touch when you wipe it off but the liquid doesn’t penetrate the fabric so it doesn’t actually get wet. The interior fabric is 100 per cent polypropylene, while the large quilting is filled with 100 per cent polyester. To clean, it’s machine washable at 40C on a synthetic cycle and then line dry. Material: Organic cotton | Thread count: 200 | Sizes: Standard, King | Weave: Percale | Certifications: GOTS Great pillows can do wonders for your sleep quality but they can also be costly to buy and replace. So, to prolong their lifespans, consider getting a pair of pillow protectors. When it comes to closure, you also have two options: envelope or zip. If you’re looking to create a dust-mite-free zone in your home, and especially if you suffer from allergies, a zip one is preferable, as they completely cover your pillow. However, they may need to be replaced more frequently as weekly washing will wear down the zips faster. Envelope-style openings are better for securing your pillow in place, so they don’t become twisted in the cover during use.The pillowcase felt very cool to the touch, providing adequate breathability and airflow. Caring for the silk pillowcase also proved to be very easy, as it’s machine washable. While the Slip Silk Pillowcase may be more expensive than other options we tested, it’s worth it for those who want to spend a little more on a product that can help keep your skin and hair healthy. These Tradelinens pillow protectors are made from 233 thread count white cambric cotton – a dense, plain weave fabric with a smooth surface. We tested the standard size pillow protectors but they are also available in square and superking. Fresh from the bag, the single layer of 100 per cent cotton gives a soft rustle when you move it around. On one end is a zip opening where you insert your pillow. Unlike some of the other zippable casings, the fastening on this doesn’t extend right to the edge of the casing, which means a bit more wriggling when you’re putting the pillow in. That being said, we did find the pillowcases to feel a bit thinner than some other options we tested, so they may not be for you if you prefer something a bit heavier. Additionally, these pillowcases held up well in the wash, as their texture remained cozy and there were no visible signs of wear. While finding the right pillowcase is a highly personal endeavor, it's essential to choose one that's comfortable, durable, and protects your pillow from dirt, oils, and sweat. The California Design Den Pillowcases were also moderately breathable, as the material definitely warmed us up after laying with it for five minutes. While the pillowcases weren’t overly stifling, they definitely aren’t the coolest option on this list. Post-wash, these pillowcases held up well. They maintained their texture and draped beautifully, without any stiffness or changes in quality. Considering the impressive durability and high-end construction, these pillowcases offer a ton of value at a lower cost than most.

Despite some durability concerns in our lab tests, these pillowcases have held up after repeated use over the course of three months. Although the color faded a bit over time, the overall quality has remained consistent.In addition to fiber, the fabric’s weave and thread count will also determine the texture and quality of your pillowcase.