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Silk is a high-quality natural fiber. Manufacturers use it to make smooth, breathable fabric. These qualities help make silk fabric a desirable option for bed sheets.

A quick look at the best silk sheets of 2022

Silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms. Silkworms secrete single silk strands from their silk glands to spin their cocoon. Boiling or steaming the cocoon unravels the silk strands, which people can make into thread and fabric.

Although there are different types of silk, up to 90% of silk fabric production worldwide is from mulberry silk. Mulberry silk comes from the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori.

Some research suggests that silk from silkworms may have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which help protect the pupae inside the cocoon.

However, one 2014 study suggests the antibacterial properties of silk may be due to chemical residue in the cocoon. Researchers found that isolated silk fibers were not resistant to Escherichia coli bacteria.

Silk from genetically modified silkworms may have antimicrobial properties, according to a 2018 study.

A 2016 study found that silk absorbs moisture from the air and requires additional treatment, such as adding silver nanoparticles, to protect it from microbes.

Some people believe silk production is unethical because the production process kills the pupae inside the cocoons. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a well-known animal welfare charity, does not support silk production.

Medical News Today’s methodology

MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

  • Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
  • Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
  • Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
  • Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best overall: Mulberry Park Silks 22-Momme Silk Sheet Set

Price: Starting from $473

Mulberry Park Silks sells a range of 22-momme silk bedding. This set has the following features:

  • one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases
  • 100% mulberry silk
  • charmeuse weave
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • fits up to 17-inch (in) (43-centimeter [cm]) mattress depth
  • four size options
  • seven color options
  • machine washable on cold only

Best luxury: Extreme 25-Momme Silk Bedding Sheet Set by THXSILK

Price: Starting from $629

THXSILK makes this four-piece sheet set from 25-momme mulberry silk. Key features include:

  • one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which ensures no harmful chemicals
  • available in four size options
  • fits mattress depth up to 16 in (41 cm)
  • seven color options
  • recommended hand wash but also machine washable on a low heat

If a person is looking for a lower-cost version, THXSILK also provides 19- and 22-momme silk sheets.

Best color range: Elle Silk 4pcs Silk Sheet Set

Price: Starting from $556

Elle Silk may suit people looking for a wide range of color options. According to the product website, the 22-momme silk sheet sets have the following features:

  • one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases
  • 100% mulberry silk
  • fits up to 16-in (41-cm) mattress depth
  • available in five size options
  • 26 color options

Elle Silk also provides a luxury range of sheets with 25-momme silk.

Best low cost: LILYSILK 19-Momme 3pcs Fitted Sheet Set

Price: Starting from $364

LILYSILK provides a range of silk sheets and sheet sets. According to the product website, this 19-momme silk sheet set has the following features:

  • 100% mulberry silk
  • 400 thread count
  • five size options
  • a range of color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • machine washable on a low setting
  • seamless
  • satin weave
  • one fitted sheet and two pillowcases

Best high momme count: Orose 30-Momme 4pcs Silk Sheet Set Custom

Price: Starting from $819

Orose sells silk sheets individually or in sets. Its 30-momme silk sheet set may be a good option for those looking for a higher momme count.

Features include:

  • 100% mulberry silk
  • five size options
  • one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases
  • 1,000 thread count
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • durable and suitable for frequent washing
  • machine washable on a gentle setting
  • a range of color options

Best for vegans: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Price: Starting from $295

These sheets are an alternative option for vegan people. Instead of silk, which is not vegan, they feature bamboo.

Many TrustPilot reviewers say the material feels very similar to silk.

Some of the features include:

  • 100% viscose from bamboo
  • breathable fabric
  • moisture-wicking that makes these cooler than cotton
  • no pilling
  • resistant to stains
  • six different sizes
  • five color options

Best for style: Gingerlily Silk Bedding

Price: Starting from $122

This London company makes a variety of bedding and clothing featuring silk and bamboo. Its silk bedding collection uses long strain mulberry silk and includes pillowcases, flat and fitted sheets, and duvet covers.

Features depend on the product. Some of them include:

  • 100% mulberry silk
  • 19 momme
  • machine washable on low heat
  • monogramming
  • various sizes, including square pillowcases
  • oxford, pattern, and plain styles
  • a wide range of colors, including ivory, blue, and charcoal

People can mix and match all their bedding, making this company a good choice for those who want to choose their own style.

Here is how the above products compare:

MulberryTHXSILKElle
Silk
LILY
SILK
OroseCozy
Earth
Gingerlily
Materialsilksilksilksilksilkbamboosilk
Momme count2225221930N/A19
OEKO-TEX
certification
yesyesnoyesyesnono
Payment planyesyesnoyesnoyesno
Free shippingyesyesyes, for orders
above $150
yes, for orders
above
$69
yesyesno
Free returnsnoyesyesyesyesyesno
Price starting from$473$629$556$364$819$295$122

Silk manufacturers measure the weight and quality of silk using a unit of measurement called the momme. A higher momme value generally indicates higher quality.

People should opt for a silk fabric weight of 15 momme or above. They may also want to choose silk made with minimal chemical additives, which may minimize the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.

Choosing silk with light colors or natural dyes may also help reduce the risk of reacting to the chemicals in the fabric.

Additionally, researching online customer reviews from multiple sources can help people determine a brand’s reputation and product quality.

Certain properties of silk make it a sought-after material. These properties include:

  • strong yet lightweight
  • natural sheen
  • low heat conduction, which means that it stays cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather
  • low static cling
  • drapes well

Silk is a breathable fabric that may help the body regulate temperature. Sleeping at a comfortable temperature can help people maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Skin health

Silk-like materials may also have certain skin benefits. Silk sheets may help with skin conditions such as contact and atopic dermatitis. Many companies claim their silk sheets are hypoallergenic.

One 2017 clinical trial examined the effects of pillowcase fabric on acne in 40 participants. They used either a cotton or silk-like pillowcase with antimicrobial properties.

The silk-like pillowcase resulted in a greater reduction of acne lesions than the cotton pillowcase after 12 weeks.

However, the silk-like pillowcase was made of nylon and polyester instead of real silk, so it is unclear whether silk bedding would provide similar benefits.

A 2019 study involving 30 participants with atopic dermatitis found that wearing pure silk clothing reduced symptoms.

Additionally, one 2013 study concludes that silk-like materials may make better bedding and hospital gowns than cotton for people with pressure ulcers. The researchers suggest silk-like materials may help by reducing friction and absorbing moisture.

If a person has concerns about the ethics of silk or is looking for less expensive sheets with a similar feel, they can try:

Some alternative products to consider include:

The following are some commonly asked questions about silk sheets:

What are the benefits of using silk sheets?

Silk sheets may be gentler for people with skin conditions such as acne and contact dermatitis. Silk is a smooth material that prevents friction or irritation of the skin.

Silk is also lightweight and can help with temperature regulation during sleep.

Are there risks to using silk sheets?

Some people have a silk allergy and may experience an allergic reaction when sleeping on silk sheets.

Are silk sheets sustainable?

Silk is a natural, biodegradable fiber. Some manufacturers treat their silk sheets with chemicals or produce them in resource-intensive factories. A person may wish to research brands to learn more about their environmental impact and ethical commitments.

Bamboo and cotton are alternative sustainable options suitable for vegans and people who want to avoid animal products.

Silk sheets are a type of breathable, temperature-regulating bedding. Some people may find that silk helps with certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.

Pure silk can be expensive and difficult to care for. Many silk sheets are handwash only.

People can also choose from a range of bamboo lyocell, cotton sateen, or synthetic satin sheets, which can provide a similar feel to pure silk.