THE Rohe EDIT

7 questions to ask before buying your first silk pillowcase

Not all silk pillowcases are created equal. Before you invest, ask these seven questions to separate genuine silk from clever imitations — and find the one that's right for you.
August 13, 2026 6 MIN READ FROM Rohe
22-momme Grade 6A silk Silver-ion infused fibres 30-night sleep trial
Man comparing silk construction with a magnifying glass before buying

The silk pillowcase market is full of beautiful packaging and persuasive language. Words like luxurious, natural, and smooth appear on almost every listing — but they tell you very little about what's actually inside the case. Before you spend your money, it pays to slow down and ask the right questions.

This guide walks you through seven things every informed buyer should verify before committing to a silk pillowcase purchase.

1. Is it actually silk — or a silk-like alternative?

This is the most important question, and the answer is not always obvious. Genuine silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms. Satin, charmeuse, and many "silk-feel" fabrics are often made from polyester — a synthetic that mimics the sheen of silk but lacks its breathability and natural fibre structure.

Look for explicit labelling that states 100% silk or pure silk. If the product description uses terms like "satin", "silk-like", or "silky smooth" without specifying the fibre content, treat that as a red flag. Reputable brands will always disclose the material composition clearly.

2. What type of silk is it?

Not all silk is the same. The most common types used in bedding are:

  • Mulberry silk — the gold standard for pillowcases. Produced by Bombyx mori silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, it yields long, uniform filaments that result in a smooth, consistent fabric.
  • Tussah silk — a wild silk with a coarser texture and natural golden colour. Less uniform than mulberry silk and generally considered lower grade for bedding applications.
  • Charmeuse — a weave style, not a fibre type. Charmeuse can be woven from genuine silk or from polyester. Always check the fibre content, not just the weave name.

For a pillowcase intended for nightly use, mulberry silk is the benchmark worth looking for.

3. What is the momme weight?

Momme (mm) is the unit used to measure silk fabric weight, roughly equivalent to thread count in cotton. It indicates how much silk fibre is present per unit of fabric — a higher momme generally means a denser, more durable weave.

  • Below 16mm — lightweight, often used in scarves. May feel delicate but wears quickly with regular washing.
  • 19–22mm — the sweet spot for pillowcases. Substantial enough for durability, smooth enough for comfort.

WHAT TO TRACK

What to notice over 30 nights.

Compare your own mornings under the same light. Focus on comfort, friction and how your routine feels—not an overnight transformation.

Close-up illustrative before and after comparison for first-time silk pillowcase buyers
Set a simple baseline before buying, then compare the same morning details after consistent use: comfort, creasing and routine effort.

Illustrative comparison. Individual experiences vary; a pillowcase is not a treatment for skin, hair or sleep conditions.

DESIGNED FOR BETTER SLEEP

Make the hours you get count.
Wake up with less friction.

22-momme Grade 6A silk · Silver-ion infused Shop the pillowcase

BEFORE YOU SWITCH

The practical questions, answered.

Clear expectations make a better trial. Here is what the material can—and cannot—do.
Can a silk pillowcase treat hot flashes, hair loss, acne or sleep problems?
No. A pillowcase is not a medical treatment. Rohe is designed as a smoother, breathable sleep surface that can remove one source of friction and make the environment feel more comfortable. Speak with a qualified clinician about persistent symptoms.
Will silk stay cold throughout the night?
Silk is not an active cooling technology. Its fine, breathable construction can feel cooler and less clammy than heavier or less breathable fabrics, but room temperature, bedding and individual experience still matter.
How often should I wash the pillowcase?
A weekly wash is a useful baseline, with more frequent changes if you run warm, use rich skincare or prefer a fresher rotation. Follow the care label and keep two pillowcases in rotation so one can be on the bed while the other is washed.
What does 22-momme Grade 6A silk mean?
Momme describes the fabric's weight and density. A 22-momme construction gives the surface a substantial, smooth feel. Grade 6A refers to the quality classification of the long mulberry-silk fibres used to make the fabric.
What does silver-ion infused mean?
Silver-ion technology is incorporated into the textile to help inhibit the growth of odour-causing microbes on the material. It does not sterilise the pillowcase and does not replace regular washing or medical care.
What if it is not right for me?
Rohe includes a 30-night sleep trial for the first pillowcase, subject to the store's terms. Review the returns policy before purchasing, particularly for international orders.
Explore the pillowcase
Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White
Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase - White
Engineered for better sleep
★★★★★
EARLY TESTER FEEDBACK

Silver-Ion Silk Pillowcase

Made with smooth 22-momme Grade 6A mulberry silk and silver-ion infused fibres for a naturally breathable, lower-friction and cleaner-feeling sleep surface.
Cleaner-feeling
Helps inhibit odour-causing bacterial growth
Cooler comfort
Breathable comfort
Lower friction
Less absorbent than cotton
22-momme Grade 6A
Smooth, low-friction surface
COLOUR
White
One pillowcaseStandard · 50 × 75 cm $99.00 USD
Two pillowcases · Save 15%One for the bed, one for the wash $168.30 USD MOST POPULAR
Shipping calculated at checkout

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