What Are The Pros and Cons of Silk Sheets?

Several factors contribute to ensuring a good night’s sleep, including outside noise, daily activities, and even diet. However, most people tend to overlook that sheets, pillows, and blankets essentially affect the quality of sleep, too. While it may seem an insignificant detail, picking the right bed linens is actually crucial to your overall state of comfort. So, more people are now investing in perhaps the softest and most luxurious bedding for their beds—the silk bed sheet. People often say that there’s no going back once you’ve tried silk sheets. But how true is this? Let me share my experience.

What Are Real Silk Woven Sheets?

Silk sheets are generally made from woven fibers extracted from silkworms. Silkworms produce a type of protein called fibroin to make cocoons, which are then harvested, heated, and unraveled into strands. Finally, these strands are made into yarn and weaved into a garment or a type of textile that we’ve come to know as silk. 

Authentic silk sheets are known for their lustrous sheen and soft texture. You’ll find that real silks typically produce a subtle shimmering effect under good lighting conditions, indicating its natural fibers’ prism-like structures. While there are several varieties, Mulberry silk is perhaps the best one on the market today. It’s essentially cultivated under controlled conditions, so a higher quality is produced.

Pros And Cons Of Silk Sheets

Considered the most luxurious of all types of sheets. Although expensive, it’s undeniable that this bedding elevates not just the quality of sleep but any room’s aesthetic appeal. 

Pros:

Breathable – They have excellent thermal control properties, making them naturally comfortable and breathable to use. This bedding can either wick moisture away in the summer or retain your body heat on cold nights.

Extremely Comfortable – True to their advertised features and qualities, they help people to sleep more soundly. Their airy weight does not wrap your body too heavily, while their soft and smooth texture feels comfortable and pleasant to the touch. 

Overall, they make mundane tasks such as lying in bed an especially pleasurable and luxurious experience. Check out our gallery of the different types of beds here.

Hypoallergenic – Dust mites may get in the way of a good night’s sleep, especially for those who have dust allergies. 

Silk is a naturally hypoallergenic material, highly resistant to dust and other elements that may cause an allergic reaction. Unlike other fabrics, it absorbs less moisture and prevents allergens from building up. 

Durable – Despite their seemingly delicate appearance, this bedding is surprisingly durable and long-lasting. As the strongest natural fiber, silk is extremely resistant to typical wear and tear in bedding fabrics. 

Its bedding also tends to retain its freshness longer compared to other bed sheets, so they also need less washing. As a result, they tend to last longer, too, compared to other materials.   

Improves Skin and Hair – Various studies (NIH) revealed the important role of amino acids found in its fibers in promoting healthier skin and hair. These acids enhance the skin’s metabolism, which in turn slows down aging. 

The fibers also soothe rashes or sunburns by allowing easier movement and less pressure on the skin. It also lessens friction in the hair, reduces tangles, and overall keeps your locks healthier. 

Cons:

More Expensive – Fabric production is a demanding and meticulous process. So, it’s no surprise that high-quality bedding is very expensive.

Just make sure to invest in genuine material and not those cheap polyester imitations made of chemical-based fabrics.

Requires Special Care – They do not need frequent washing, but they do require special care to maintain the quality of the bedding.

Some of the factors you’d need to consider include the water temperature, detergent brand, and the overall cleaning process of the product.  

How Much Do Sheets Made Of Genuine Silk Cost?

Silk is generally more expensive than other fabrics, but their prices may still vary depending on factors like the manufacturing process and location.

For instance, Chinese silk is more costly than Indian or Thai products. On the other hand, pure mulberry-silk bedding is more difficult to manufacture yet extremely durable—making them exceptionally pricey. 

Normally, you can expect to spend over $300 for quality sheets and up to $600 for a whole bedding set.  

Is Silk Better Than Cotton Sheets?

Cotton is a reliable fabric with many uses, but silk provides more significant benefits for bedding. Read more about our article on the different types of bed sheets here.

Both cotton and silk are made of durable materials, but the latter needs less maintenance. Silks are also considered hypoallergenic, while cotton is moisture-absorbent and is more prone to allergens.

Additionally, silks provide better insulation and regulate temperature more effectively. Most prefer the smooth texture and comfort they provide, too.

Is Silk Fabric Sheets Hot or Cold?

Overheating at night can negatively affect your sleep, and non-breathable sheets usually add to the inconvenience. Silks, however, are known for their breathability and moisture control. They tend to regulate body heat extremely well and keep you warm in the winter and cool during the summer. 

Silks naturally drape so they hold body heat when it’s cold, but they are also breathable enough to shed off the heat and keep your skin cool on hot days. In short, their bedding is perfect for any kind of temperature or weather. 

How to Wash Sheets Made Of Silk?

Silks are definitely washable and not easily breakable despite their delicate appearance. Always first check your product’s care instructions on their label for special handling requirements.

Upon purchase of your bedding, hand-wash it first to soften the fibers and help preserve its sheen. After hand-washing a few times, you can then switch to using a machine. However, make sure it’s always on the delicate cycle and preferably with the sheet inside a mesh bag. 

Avoid using hot water during the washing cycle. Instead, use lukewarm water (around 86 degrees Fahrenheit) to maintain the bedding’s quality.

Are Silk Fabric Sheets Worth It?

Silk sheets may be a symbol of luxury, but sleep is even more priceless! Having a long-term perspective is important when purchasing things that directly affect your health. That said, the advantages of using them definitely outshine their drawbacks. Silk sheets are a wise investment compared to enduring uncomfortable and sleepless nights.