Did you know that you’re probably not changing your pillowcase as often as you should? After about a week, your pillowcase may be covered with oils, dead skin cells, and other debris that can do some serious damage to your skin while you sleep.
That being said, the type of pillowcase you use can make a difference, too. That’s right, there are several types of pillowcases that you should know about!
If you’re not happy with the pillowcases you currently have–whether they seem to get dirty faster or they don’t feel comfortable to the touch–it may be time to change things up.
Read on to learn more about the different types of pillowcases so that you can make the best decision for your bed, your skin, and your nightly comfort.
Types of Pillowcase Designs: Choosing the Right Fit
First, let’s take a look at pillowcase designs. This refers to the way that you put a pillowcase on your pillow and other features related to the way the pillowcase is sewn together. It’s important to know which pillowcases are designed for sleeping and which are designed for decoration.
The Bag Design
The bag design is the most classic pillowcase design when it comes to the pillows we sleep on. The bag design has an opening on one side where you insert your pillow. It is a feasible option for most beds and is not ideal for decorative purposes.
The Housewife Design
The housewife design is similar to the bag design but with an elevated twist. Inside the opening is a flap of fabric that allows you to neatly tuck away and conceal the edge of the pillow that aligns with the opening. This is a great way to hide an older pillow or large tags and is also suitable for bedtime use.
The housewife design is not a great option for the throw pillows you might place on your couch or on an armchair. However, you may find some pillowcases in the housewife design that make good shams for a decorative bedspread.
The Oxford Design
The Oxford design has a thick border or seam that provides a pillow with more structure and decorative flair. These pillowcases are made for sham pillows. Because of that thick seam, they are not always the most comfortable to lay on, which means that you’ll need bag or housewife pillowcases in addition to Oxford pillowcases.
Types of Pillowcases by Material: Choosing the Right Feel
Now, let’s talk about materials. Pillowcases come in a wide variety of materials and finding the right feel for you can become a trial and error process. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of each material to get you started on the right foot.
Cotton Pillowcases
Cotton is a natural fabric that feels soft to the touch. It is very breathable, making it a good option for warm nights or warm sleepers. Generally, you will find cotton pillowcases in single colors and they are prone to wrinkling after a few uses.
Polyester Pillowcases
Polyester is a synthetic fabric and typically on the cheaper side. You’ll find polyester pillowcases in sheets in college dormitories and while they generally appear clean for longer, they do absorb a lot of the gunk and debris from your skin. While some polyester pillowcases do a good job of mimicking the feel and breathability of cotton, others feel slick and absorb body heat.
Because polyester can vary so greatly, we advise doing your research on an individual brand’s polyester options or skipping polyester altogether.
Satin Pillowcases
Believe it or not, satin pillowcases are actually polyester. However, the polyester in this case is created to mimic silk, giving it a cool feel and shiny appearance. Some people find that satin prevents their hair from becoming frizzy overnight.
Silk Pillowcases
Silk is another natural fiber and one of the best for pillowcases. Like satin, it can reduce frizziness in curly hair and it has often been found to reduce the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging. With all of these silk pillowcase benefits, it’s easy to say that silk is the winner when it comes to comfortable, hygienic sleep.
Flannel Pillowcases
If you’ve ever worn a flannel shirt, then you’re already familiar with this fabric: soft, cozy, and warm. Some people enjoy a nice flannel pillowcase in the colder months.
That being said, if you are prone to feeling overheated at night, flannel is not for you. Flannel locks in heat and has very little breathability. Plus, flannel tends to knot up all hair textures and within a few washes, may begin to pill.
Textured or Decorative Pillowcases
As a final nod to the pillowcases you don’t want to sleep on, let’s talk about pillowcases with intricate embroidery and textured patterns. If a pillowcase material is not smooth and flat, you’re going to want to reserve it for your shams and other decorative pillows. No one wants to wake up with a pattern indented into their skin!
Make the Best Choice For Your Nightly Routine and Change Up Your Pillowcases
We should all be changing our pillowcases more frequently than we may think. Some of us may want to get all new pillowcases of a different design and material than the ones we’re currently using! With our guide to the different types of pillowcases, you can make the right choice for your skin, hair, and nightly routine.
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