People often choose pillowcases based purely on aesthetic criteria. What’s less well known is that other factors are just as important as the color of your bedding. In fact, the quality of your sleep also depends on the materials used to cover your pillows, mattress, and comforter. Furthermore, choosing the right size for a pillowcase isn’t as simple as it seems! Here are a few tips to help you choose the right pillowcases andget the best night’ssleep.
The pillowcase: an essential item for the bed
Long before we consider aesthetics, pillowcases are necessary for hygienic reasons. Just as a sheet protects a mattress, pillowcases protect pillows and other cushions. After all, our heads aren’t exactly models of cleanliness! Sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria, and saliva would constantly soil our pillows without the protection of pillowcases. Without them, we’d risk a few unpleasant issues, such as:
- skin rashes and irritation caused by bacteria on your pillowcase;
- skin infections, caused by dust mites and bacteria that find their way into your bedding;
- Hair damage caused by a buildup of sebum and chemical residues from your shampoo.
That is why pillowcases, just like the rest of the bedding, should be washed at least once a week at 60 °C.
Choosing a Pillowcase Based on Size
Obviously, the first thing to consider when choosing a pillowcase is the size of the pillow. The pillow’s shape—square, rectangular, or oblong—can be determined at a glance. But don’t overlook the exact dimensions of your pillow. Once you’ve measured it, choose a pillowcase that’s the same size or just a size smaller. This will ensure your pillow is well-padded. However, this criterion alone isn’t enough to guarantee you’ll get a high-quality pillowcase.
Choosing a Pillowcase Based on the Fabric Composition
The material used plays a key role in the quality and comfort of a pillowcase. When you think about it, this factor should be at the top of your list when making your choice. After all, pillowcases come into contact with our skin for about one-third of our lives! Here are the most suitable materials for your pillowcase fabric.
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Pure cotton
As the most commonly used natural material for pillowcases, pure cotton feels soft and light against your skin. To maximize the comfort and durability of your bedding, choose the tightest possible cotton weave. However, cotton is still considered a standard-quality material when compared to other fabrics. Some fabrics, such as percale, satin, or silk, are actually made from cotton but differ in their weaving techniques.
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Poly-cotton
This fabric is a blend of cotton and polyester, a synthetic material. Polyester is known for its softness and smooth texture. It also dries faster than cotton. Although it is less expensive than cotton, it has a few drawbacks. First, the synthetic fiber traps heat and causes sweating in the summer. In winter, the opposite effect occurs. A natural material provides warmth, unlike polycotton. Furthermore, the synthetic material promotes static electricity. Derived in part from the petrochemical industry, polycotton is notorious for its negative environmental impact.
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Cotton percale
Cotton percale is made using a very fine, tightly woven fabric. The result is a fabric that is significantly softer and more comfortable than standard cotton. More breathable and lightweight, cotton percale also lasts longer and is easy to clean.
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Cotton satin
Satin has a reputation as a high-end fabric. Its texture offers a level of comfort unlike any other product. In terms of appearance, satin adds an extra touch of elegance and sheen to pillowcases. Here again, the way the cotton is woven is unique. However, the fabric has poorer breathability. It is therefore not suitable for people who sweat a lot. Finally, satin does not last as long as other fabrics.
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Silk
Silk bedding remains highly sought after due to the quality of its composition, its aesthetic appeal, and its comfort. This natural material—a silkworm cocoon—combines all the qualities of other fabrics. It offers excellent breathability, which significantly reduces perspiration. It feels uniquely soft to the touch. It even acts as a beauty product: silk moisturizes and softens the skin to the point of slowing down the aging process! Of course, quality, luster, and elegance come at a price. Silk is considered a luxury item and is relatively expensive.
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Lyocell
This fabric, also known as Tencel, is made from wood pulp and is environmentally friendly. In fact, its production requires very little water and no chemical treatment. Durable, soft, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating, it closely resembles silk but is less expensive.
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Flax
A symbol of elegance, linen has the same environmental benefits as lyocell. Naturally antibacterial and dust-mite-resistant, linen is known for its lightness. As a result, linen pillowcases are highly breathable.
Choosing a pillowcase based on aesthetic criteria
Once you’ve considered quality and comfort, you can turn your attention to aesthetics. Color choices, patterns, matching bedding—anything is possible! The main goal is to create visual harmony. So you can choose a duvet cover made of a different material than your pillowcases, as long as they’re in the same color family. So don’t hesitate to choose a cotton fitted sheet and silk pillowcases!
Before choosing your bedding—including your pillowcases—keep in mind that color alone isn’t enough. Consider the fabric, which should meet your expectations for comfort and well-being. Finally, make an ethical choice: avoid synthetic and environmentally unfriendly products.
We recommend these other pages:
- How do you choose bedding for a baby?
- How to Choose Linen Bedding?
- How to Choose Cotton Gauze Bedding?
- How to Choose Percale Bedding?
- How do you choose cotton satin bedding?
- How do you choose flannel bedding?
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What makes high-quality bed linens?
- How to Choose a Fitted Sheet?
- How to Choose a Duvet Cover?