While cotton and microfiber are usually machine washable and safe for tumble drying, satin, silk, and wool often require more care and attention. Before buying, it’s important to review the care instructions so you know whether to dry clean your case every few weeks or if spot cleaning is safe. Protective Covers While you might do this with an envelope closure, the extra seams and flaps will not feel as comfortable against your cheek. And you risk waking up with sleep creases all over your face. True linen is made from fibers from the flax plant, making it one of the oldest fabrics in the world. While it’s usually rough spun and not known to be soft, the material is extremely light and breathable, making it a great option for pillow shams or cases in hot climates, so long as it doesn’t scratch your skin. Nylon

Don’t be a servant of your pillowcase. Putting your pillowcase on your pillow should be super easy. An often reasonably priced alternative to silk, satin is a weave, rather than a specific fabric, and can be made from polyester, nylon, and even silk. Depending on the fabric, satin can vary in price, but most of our options are more affordable. FlannelI’ve been using a silk pillowcase for 8 years—ever since I first was introduced to the concept. Since then, I’ve considered it one of my beauty essentials and haven’t laid my head on a cotton pillowcase since.

If you're not a skilled seamstress, zippers can be difficult to pin in place and sew (or adjust once they are installed). So if this is your first zipper sewing project and you're trying to teach yourself from books and videos, you may want to save yourself the hassle and sew an open-flap pillowcase. The downside is, this type offers the least protection for your pillow. When you buy king-sized sheets you may not be aware they often come with king-sized pillow shams. If you’re happy with your standard pillows but love your new sheets, most pillowcase options are available in standard to allow you to continue to enjoy your bedding and your pillows.With a zippered pillowcase, you can use both sides easily. Fluff your pillow and turn it over for another night of blissful sleep. When it comes to sleep, we are aware there are lots of opinions, which is why we consider a variety of requests. From materials made in America to high thread counts, this buyer’s guide will cover all the factors to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Materials/Fabric Types Both are often American grown, though different in texture. Pima features long and strong fibers that resistant to tearing and pulling while Upland has short fibers for an affordable option. My career began as beauty editor at WWD, and for over a decade, I’ve worked for publications like Allure, Coveteur, Vogue.com and more. Most recently, I was Violet Grey’s beauty director, where I led curation and product testing for the L.A.-based luxury beauty retailer and worked with top makeup, skincare and hair experts.