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Table of Contents
- 5 Silk Bedding Benefits
- How Silk Compares to Other Bedding Materials
- Choosing Your Silk Bedding: What to Keep In Mind
- Caring for Your Silk Bedding
- FAQs
- A Silky, Good Night's Sleep
Cool, smooth, luxurious - there's something about silk bedding that just feels amazing. However, silk sheets and pillowcases are more than just a touch of elegance.
If you're looking to upgrade your sleep experience but are wondering whether silk is the material you should be shopping around for, there are a few things you should know. This is exactly why we'll go through the top silk bedding benefits, how this material compares to others, and so much more.
5 Silk Bedding Benefits
Once you switch to silk bedding, it's hard to go back. Silk fabric is a premium choice, but making the change is about so much more than just indulgence.
1. Enhances skin and hair health
Silk bedding's smooth, friction-free surface is known to prevent hair breakage, frizz and tangles. So, there's no need to spend extra time on your hair in the mornings!
Over and above that, silk pillowcases also reduce sleep creases and wrinkles on your face. Unlike some absorbent synthetic fibres, silk helps retain the natural moisture in your skin, so it's perfect for anyone who struggles with dry or sensitive skin.
2. Naturally hypoallergenic
Silk bed linen is resistant to dust mites, mould and other allergens, so if you are prone to allergies, this is the ideal option for you. The natural proteins and tightly woven fibres in a silk duvet cover, sheet, and pillowcases create a barrier against common irritants. The result? A cleaner and healthier sleeping environment.
3. Temperature-regulating
While you might think otherwise because of its luxurious feeling, pure silk is actually a highly breathable fabric.
The structure of silk fibres, which are very thin, smooth, and well-spaced, allows for excellent air circulation. So, during the summer months, the fibres help wick away moisture and excess heat, keeping you cool in warmer weather.
At the same time, silk’s insulating properties trap just enough body heat to provide warmth in colder weather, making it a great choice for keeping you warm in winter without the heavier feeling of other types of materials.
4. Soft and long-lasting
As you'd expect, silk bedding provides an unmatched level of comfort thanks to its soft and smooth texture. High-quality silk, such as pure mulberry silk, is also durable and can last up to 5 years when properly cared for, making it well worth the higher price tag for those who value their sleep quality.
5. Eco-friendly and sustainable
If sustainability is important to you, you'll be glad to know that pure silk is produced through environmentally friendly processes, especially when sourced from ethical and sustainable silk farms and premium suppliers such as Belledorm.
Unlike synthetic fabrics made from polyester, nylon, or acrylic, which contribute to microplastic pollution, silk is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact.
How Silk Compares to Other Bedding Materials
The benefits of silk cannot be understated, but how does it compare to other types of bedding materials?
Cotton vs. silk
Cotton can be luxurious and breathable, but where silk wicks away moisture, cotton tends to absorb it. It's also generally rougher on your skin and hair.
In terms of temperature regulation, unfortunately, cotton is often known to trap heat, so it's not ideal for warmer months. You may also find it's more common to have issues with dust mites when you use cotton bedding, so this wouldn't be an ideal option for those who suffer from allergies, either.
Linen vs. silk
When compared to silk bed sheets, linen is just as breathable and moisture-resistant. However, you can generally expect a coarser, more natural texture to your bedding.
Another plus with linen is that it's as temperature-regulating as silk, but even more absorbent. This means that during warmer months, linen will dry more quickly than silk.
Polyester vs. silk
It's very difficult to compare polyester to silk since they are vastly different.
For one, polyester traps heat and lacks the breathability of silk, often leading to uncomfortable issues like night sweats. It's also not great for the skin and hair, since it can cause static and friction. And, naturally, silk is far softer and more luxurious than polyester, the latter of which is made purely from synthetic materials.
Bamboo vs. silk
Bamboo can be a great bedding material, but there are still a few differences when compared to silk.
To start, while bamboo is soft, it's not as silky and doesn't offer as much protection against hair frizz and skin wrinkles.
When looking at temperature regulation, both materials are good for this, but silk still comes out on top when in terms of how it adjusts to your body temperature.
Choosing Your Silk Bedding: What to Keep In Mind
Silk bedding is an investment, so you need to make quality a priority when shopping around. Top-quality pure mulberry silk is always preferable, which is why it's one of our best-sellers here at Belledorm.
This type of silk fibre is not only the finest available but also naturally hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities who also want to keep their skin soft.
Momme weight is something else you want to pay extra attention to. Similar to thread count in cotton bedding, it refers to the density and quality of silk fabric. A higher momme weight generally indicates a denser, higher-quality fabric, which translates to longer-lasting and more luxurious bedding. If you're stuck, we generally suggest opting for a momme of between 19 and 25.
We also recommended that you check for an OEKO-TEX certification. This guarantees that the silk is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring you get a healthier and more comfortable night's sleep.
Caring for Your Silk Bedding
Now that you've made the investment, you want to make sure you're taking the very best care of your silk duvet cover, sheets and pillowcases.
Wash with care
Hand washing your silk bedding is best, but if you would prefer to use a machine, select a gentle cycle with cold water (30°C or lower). It's also a good idea to place your bedding in a mesh laundry bag and to use a mild, silk-friendly detergent to prevent damage.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Bleach and fabric softeners are a big no-no, as they break down the delicate silk strands, which means your bedding won't last as long. Instead, choose a pH-neutral detergent to preserve your silk’s natural softness.
Dry properly
We recommend air-drying your silk sheets to keep them looking and feeling their best. Just remember to keep them out of direct sunlight, as this can fade the colours and damage the delicate silk fibres.
After washing, you want to gently press out any extra water with a soft towel. Wringing can weaken the fabric, so a soft touch is key.
Iron with caution
If needed, iron your silk sheets on a low heat setting while the fabric is slightly damp. It's also best to use a pressing cloth or silk setting on your iron to prevent scorching.
Store carefully
To enjoy your silk duvet cover and pillowcases for years to come, proper storage is key. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and avoid storing them in plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and damage the fine fibres.
Instead, rather opt for a breathable cotton bag to protect your bedding from dust and keep it fresh.
Rotate and refresh
To ensure even wear and keep your silk bedding feeling its best, rotate your pillowcases and sheets regularly. Airing out your bedding on occasion will also help maintain its fresh feel and luxurious texture.
Lastly, be careful of sharp objects around your linen, including your fingernails and pet claws, which can snag the fine, silken threads.
FAQs
How often should you replace silk sheets?
When cared for correctly, silk sheets can last anywhere from two to five years. However, if you use your sheets more often, there is a chance you'll need to replace them sooner. The same applies to low-quality silk sheets, which is why it's always best to invest in a quality brand, like Belledorm.
Why does silk bed linen get rough?
When silk sheets, duvets, and pillowcases get rough, it's usually because they've been washed incorrectly. Rough hot-water cycles can quickly ruin your silk bedding, so always stick to a cool, delicate cycle instead.
Is mulberry silk real silk?
Absolutely! In fact, top-quality mulberry silk is one of the finest forms of silk you can invest in. It's notably softer than most other varieties, and your bedding can last for as long as a decade if it's cared for correctly.
A Silky, Good Night's Sleep
The natural fibres present in silk bedding make this a top choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a more restful night's sleep. The beauty benefits and the fact that it can help reduce certain skin disorders are added bonuses!
If you've been thinking about upgrading your bedding for some time now, you simply can't go wrong with top-quality silk from Belledorm.
