Silk bed sheets: our Top 5 options for your dreamiest sleep yet

5 silk sheets for your dreamiest sleep yet

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Silk bedding is a popular choice for regulating body temperature. Because it's a natural fibre made from the cocoons of silk worms, it has optimum breathability while hugging the skin for warmth, unlike cotton sheets which crinkle and create air pockets.

High-quality silk sheets are expensive due the amount of material needed to manufacture them; according to Peta as many as 6600 silkworms are required to produce just 1kg of silk! That said, the super-soft luxe feel and quality sleep you'll get makes them well worth the investment. And there are plenty of benefits to sleeping on silk too.

The health benefits

Silk is a hypoallergenic product and great for fighting acne as bacteria cannot grow on silk. Sufferers of asthma and other allergies may also experience reduced symptoms due to silk’s hypoallergenic qualities.

The beauty benefits

The key benefits are preventing split ends as silk doesn’t pull at the roots of the hair whilst sleeping, while also being amazing at prolonging the life of your blow-dry. Silk is hydrating as it doesn’t draw moisture away from the skin like cotton does and sleeping on silk prevents sleep creases - those nasty lines you wake up with after a night on your cotton pillow.

The long-term benefits

Silk is long lasting and incredibly durable; however it doesn’t like any nasty chemicals or harsh washing powder. Silk is suitable for families with children, in particular our products are made using high grade 6A quality silk, which means it’s washing machine friendly.

What you should look for if you’re shopping for silk products

Look for those labelled momme, the higher the momme the better the quality of the silk, and the longevity of the product. Momme is used to measure density of silk fabrics and provide an understanding of the quality. The average weight for silk ranges from 12 momme to 25, 25 being the highest quality. As most of the world’s silk originates from China, don’t be alarmed if you see the world’s largest brands sourcing high-quality silk from Asia, this is where silk has grown for thousands of years.

Ready to shop? Below, we've rounded up some of the most popular brands of silk bedding on the market right now.

1. Heritage Silk Pillowcase, $79.95, Myer

A silk pillowcase is a good way to foray into the world of silk sheets without your bank account having to fully commit. Silk pillowcases are fabulous as they reduce hair static, limit creasing on your face and are just a treat for your skin. Still out of your price range? Try sateen which is a synthetic material but has similar properties to silk.

2. Lanham Silk Pillowcase, $77.99, Sheridan

One word: delicious. Available in seven colours (including white, silver, gold, black, pink, green and grey) this silk pillowcase is made from 100% Mulberry silk and is machine washable on a delicate setting. It also comes with a matching eye mask (for $59.99) which is what sweet dreams are made of. The pillowcase is also available at Myer.

3. Home Republic Pure Silk Silver Sheet Set, from $999.99, Adairs

Uber-luxe and fit for a queen, this silk set comes at a royal price but is worth it. Made from 100% Mulberry silk, it's machine washable at 40ºC and you can even put a cool iron over it meaning it will stay looking like new. Each set contains one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases.

4. Silk Pillowcase, $71.20, Ecosa

Made from 100% Mulberry, the highest quality silk available worldwide, and with a fabric weight of 25 momme, this pillowcase is durable but breathable. Wake up with the smoothest skin possible thanks to the silk's hydrating properties, and if you suffer with asthma or allergies the hypoallergenic nature of silk with ensure you can rest (and breathe!) easy. Free shipping is just the icing on the cake.

5. Seamless Luxury Sheet Sets, from $768, Lilysilk

This 25 momme luxury silk sheet set is made from 100% Grade A Mulberry silk. Soft, smooth and light, these sheets gently drape over your body so you'll feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. Available in six colours - from heavenly to moody - and with the ability to mix and match items to create your dream sheet set.