Sleep Guides
Satin, Silk or Cotton Pillow Covers: What’s the Difference?
Pillow cover labels in India often mix the words satin and silk freely, which makes it hard to know what you are buying. The key is simple once you see it: silk and cotton are fibres; satin is a way of weaving. Here is what each term means and how to choose.
Silk: a fibre
Silk is a natural protein fibre spun by silkworms. Mulberry silk, from silkworms fed on mulberry leaves, is the kind most often used for pillowcases. Silk pillowcases are usually described by momme, a measure of fabric weight; 19 to 25 momme is common for pillowcases. Genuine mulberry silk is costly, needs gentle hand or delicate washing, and is usually sold with the fibre stated plainly as 100% mulberry silk.
Satin: a weave
Satin is a weave in which threads float over several others before tucking under, leaving a smooth, glossy face. Satin can be woven from silk, but much more often it is woven from polyester or other synthetic fibres. “Satin silk” and “silk satin” are trade names for smooth, silky satin fabrics; on their own they do not tell you the fabric is made of silk.
Cotton: a fibre
Cotton is a plant fibre. Cotton pillow covers are matte, breathable and absorbent. Cotton can also be woven as sateen, a satin-style weave that gives cotton a soft sheen.
How they compare
| Mulberry silk | Satin (usually synthetic) | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Very smooth, soft, slightly warm | Smooth, slippery, cool at first touch | Soft, matte, dry |
| Absorbs sweat | Somewhat | Little | Well |
| Care | Delicate, gentle wash | Machine wash, gentle | Machine wash, easy |
| Price | High | Low to medium | Low to medium |
What about hair and skin?
Many people choose silk or satin because hair glides over a smooth surface instead of catching, which can mean fewer tangles and less bedhead. That is a reasonable comfort preference. We do not claim any pillow cover treats hair loss, acne or wrinkles, and you should be wary of covers that do.
How Soft Souls labels its covers
We sell three kinds of covers and say exactly what each one is:
- Satin silk pillow covers: our premium range, a dense 600 thread count satin weave with a silky feel. It is not mulberry silk, and we say so near the top of every product page.
- Satin pillow covers: smooth everyday satin at a lower price.
- Cotton pillow covers: 100% cotton, matte and breathable.
If you specifically want genuine mulberry silk, buy from a seller who states the fibre and momme weight and stands behind it. If you want a smooth, silky-feeling cover that is easy to wash and affordable, a good satin is a sensible choice.
How to choose
- You sweat at night or live somewhere humid: cotton. Read more in sleeping cooler in Indian summers.
- You want hair to glide and a smooth, cool first touch: satin or satin silk.
- You want natural silk and will hand-wash it: genuine mulberry silk from a specialist.
Caring for satin covers
Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, turned inside out and away from zips and hooks so the surface does not snag. Dry in the shade to protect colour and sheen, and iron on low on the reverse if needed.
The short version
Silk and cotton are fibres; satin is a weave. “Satin silk” describes a silky satin, not necessarily silk. Read the fibre content, not just the name, and choose by how you sleep. See all our pillow covers.
Written by the Soft Souls team and last reviewed in November 2026. We sell kapok, cotton, hollow fibre and satin bedding, so we have an interest in this topic; we have tried to say plainly where another option may suit you better. This article is general guidance, not medical advice.