Best Silk Sheets

Shoppers looking for luxury bedding often land on silk sheets. The soft, smooth feel is appealing, but silk sheets are also durable and hypoallergenic. They offer plenty of other benefits for sleepers, too, including exceptional temperature regulation.

The lustrous look of silk sheets can elevate the style of any bedroom. Though they have an unmistakable sheen, silk sheets are not slippery like satin bedding made with synthetic materials. As an added benefit, silk sheets won’t catch on dry skin or cause frizzy hair.

Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms, which are separated into continuous strands and woven into fabric. While wild silk varieties exist, much of today’s silk is produced by domesticated silkworms. Mulberry silk is highly sought after due to its uniform appearance and soft feel.

We’ll review our top picks for the best silk sheets, including what shoppers can expect in terms of performance and feel. We’ll also cover how to pick the best silk sheets and important factors to consider before making a purchase.

How to Choose Silk Sheets

What to Consider When Buying Silk Sheets

There are some important factors to look for when buying new sheets in general, but others are specific to silk sheets. The list below will help you narrow down your options and understand what to look for when comparing silk sheet sets.

• Material: Silk is made from the cocoon fibers of silkworms. The cocoon consists of one continuous thread, which must be carefully unravelled. It can take up to 5,000 cocoons to create one pound of silk, affecting the price and availability of certain types of silk.The type of silk is determined by the type and diet of the silkworms. These factors can affect the feel and weight of silk. As a material, silk is revered for its softness, breathability, and elegant drape. Organic silk can be more expensive. Budget-friendly options may include blended silk, which typically consists of cotton and silk.
• Weave: How silk threads are woven on the loom affect the density and feel of silk sheets. There are not many weave patterns used for silk sheets; most are constructed with a charmeuse weave. Charmeuse is distinguished by its two-sided design: high sheen on one side, and dull on the other. Satin weaves are also common. Though momme is more important than thread count, the weave can indicate how many silk threads are used and in what pattern.
• Feel: Silk sheets feel smooth and soft, but don’t expect them to be slippery like synthetic satin sheets. The smoothness of silk prevents it from catching on dry skin or causing frizzy hair. It is lightweight and breathable, so it feels comfortable for many different types of sleepers and climates. The feel of silk sheets can be affected by the type of silk, momme, and weave pattern.
• Fit: Silk sheets are widely available in all standard mattress sizes, so shoppers should choose the sheet size that corresponds to their mattress. Some silk sheet sets are only made in queen or king sizes, so availability will depend on the brand. Also important to consider is the pocket depth of the fitted sheet.This measurement indicates the maximum mattress thickness the sheet will accommodate. High-profile mattresses often require deep pocket fitted sheets, so double check measurements before making a purchase.
• Price: Avoid selecting the cheapest silk sheets, as you will get a better return on your investment if you spend a little more upfront on high-quality sheets that are more durable. Many silk sheets are expensive due to the high cost of manufacturing. That said, there is still a wide price range available, and value-minded shoppers should keep an eye out for sales and promotions.
• Momme: Momme is the standard measurement for the weight of silk. It indicates the weight in pounds of silk fabric that is 100 yards long and 45 inches wide. For silk sheets, 19 to 25 momme is ideal, as this weight will be durable but still breathable. When shopping for silk sheets, you’ll probably see momme listed on product tags instead of thread count.
• Design, Color and Pattern: Silk holds dye well, and there are a wide range of colors available for silk bed sheets as a result. White and neutral colors are especially common, though lighter colors can be more sheer. Jewel tones and vibrant shades are also popular. Silk bed sheets are mostly available in solid colors, but some brands offer additional patterns and designs. Seamless sets are also available from select brands.
• Breathability: Silk is highly breathable, which helps it regulate temperature and prevent overheating. The sheets may feel cool to the touch at first, but silk can be insulating in colder months. We consider it to be an all-season fabric as the natural fibers wick away moisture, circulate air, and help keep sleepers comfortable.
• Durability: Natural silk is highly durable and many shoppers find the above-average lifespan of silk sheets is worth the initial investment. The grade and type of silk, along with the momme weight rating and weave, can affect the longevity of silk sheets. Usage and care is also important. Proper cleaning and storage extends the lifespan of silk sheets.
• Ease of Care: It is easy to be intimidated by caring for silk sheets, but many sets are easy to maintain. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and take precautions when washing the sheets at home. Silk benefits from hand washing, as this prevents damage to the fibers. Air drying the sheets is typically recommended.

What Types of Silk are Used to Make Sheets?

There are a few types of silk available, and the type of silk used to make bedding can affect its price, performance, and feel. Becoming familiar with the different types of silk can help you find the best set. We’ll break down common types here.

• Mulberry: The most common type of silk used for bedding, Mulberry silk has a consistent and uniform appearance and higher price-point due to the highly controlled breeding environment. Bombyx mori silkworms are fed a diet of mulberry leaves. Once the cocoon is formed, it is boiled and carefully unravelled in one continuous thread.

• Tussah: Tussah silk is a form of wild silk. The silkworms primarily eat juniper and oak leaves before forming a cocoon. The moth emerges and breaks the continuous fiber of the cocoon. As a result, Tussah silk fibers are shorter and not as smooth.
• Eri: Another form of wild silk, Eri silkworms mostly feed on the castor plant. Like other wild silks, the cocoon is harvested after the moths emerge, resulting in shorter fibers that are not as soft.

• Muga: Muga silk is a wild variety of silk with a coarse feel due to the open-ended cocoon.
• Dupion: Dupion silk is especially strong, as it is formed from double cocoons. It is durable and wrinkle-resistant, but the irregularity of the cocoons may result in an inconsistent appearance.
• Habotai: Habotai is a plain weave pattern used with lightweight silk fabric. This type of silk is commonly used to line garments, especially kimonos.

• Charmeuse: Charmeuse is the most common weave pattern for silk bedding. It has a shiny, lustrous side and a matte side.

What are the Pros and Cons of Silk Sheets?

Before purchasing silk sheets, shoppers should consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Silk is a natural fiber that feels soft and luxurious, though some shoppers may find the price and maintenance of these sheets less than ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Momme”, and how does it compare to thread count?

Momme measures the density of silk. This is a standardized measurement, which indicates the weight of silk fabric that is 45 inches wide and 100 yards long. For example, 19 momme silk weighs 19 pounds. The higher the momme weight, the thicker the fabric. Silk weight typically ranges from 6 to 30 momme, but the ideal momme for bed sheets is 19 to 25 momme.

Thread count, on the other hand, measures the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. Though shoppers often look for high thread count, it should be noted that thread count can be overstated by using double- or triple-ply threads. Silk is finer than cotton, so while thread count may still be listed, the momme rating is more telling.

What is the typical price range for silk sheets?

Shoppers should expect to spend more on silk sheets than they would on synthetic fabrics or budget-friendly sheets. While many sets are available for $500 to $1,000, there are options available outside this range. Luxury options can easily cost $1,500 or more. Silk sheets are an investment, but high-quality bedding is designed to last longer.

How long do silk sheets last?

When properly cared for, silk sheets can last for many years. Silk is a highly durable fiber, and the long and continuous threads resist shrinking and pilling. While synthetic sheets may last only a couple of years, silk sheets should last much longer. To prolong the lifespan of your silk sheets, alternate sets regularly and follow all provided care instructions.

How do you wash silk sheets?

When washing silk sheets, carefully follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. Hand washing silk sheets can soften the fibers and prevent damage. When machine washing, use the gentle or delicate cycle and confirm that the detergent is safe for silks. Professional cleaning may be suitable for some sets.

Treat any stains quickly, but do not soak silk as it can damage the fibers. Sunlight can fade the color of the sheets, so hanging them to dry in the shade is preferable.