Whitney Thornburg, Design Director at Coyuchi, says that when looking to buy a new pillowcase, one of the most important qualities to consider is whether or not the pillowcase’s fabric will mesh well with your sleeping style. “If you sleep warm, then a smooth, cool percale case will feel great,” she says, “while if you sleep cold, a cozy flannel or jersey might help you feel warmer at night.” After hours of research, we purchased over 30 pillowcases from top-rated brands and tested them both in The Lab and at home, evaluating quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. Named our best overall pick, the Olive + Crate Tencel Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set has a luxuriously smooth texture, feels cool to the touch, and is sustainably sourced. Read ahead for the best pillowcases, backed by our thorough testing. We found the texture of the pillowcases to be extremely luxurious, as they felt smooth to the touch, more closely resembling silk than cotton. The pillowcases were also very breathable, as our tester said her body temperature lowered just by handling the material. Olive + Crate’s Tencel Eucalyptus Pillowcase Set seriously delivers in terms of cooling capabilities, making these a great pick if you prefer lighter bedding in the summertime. The manufacturer also claims that the material is moisture-wicking and resistant to mold, bacteria, and dust mites. After a month of use, these sheets held up well, with no pilling or imperfections evident after numerous washes. Considering the pillowcases’ buttery soft texture, eco-friendly construction, and impressive breathability, we think this pillowcase set is the best of the best and definitely worth its price tag. Price at time of publish: $29.99 for Standard Size, Set of 2 The California Design Den 100% Bamboo Pillowcases were also very breathable, as they were cool to the touch and remained that way throughout the night, according to our long-term tester. The pillowcases are suitable for warm sleepers who tend to overheat at night, as they may help regulate your temperature while you sleep. During our lab test, these pillowcases held up alright in the wash. Other than a few loose threads, there was no other wear and the texture still felt as good as new. Additionally, these pillowcases are Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified, meaning the product has been tested for harmful substances. Considering the wallet-friendly price point and high-end construction, these pillowcases offer a ton of value at a lower cost than most. Price at time of publish: $17.99 for Standard Size, Set of 2 The pillowcases provided adequate breathability, and our tester noted how they’d be a great pick for summer bedding because of how lightweight they were. Post-wash, these pillowcases held up nicely with no visible signs of wear. They’re also Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX Certified, which helps add to the overall value and quality of the set. These pillowcases are definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum, but we think it’s a worthy investment because of their look, texture, and breathability. Price at time of publish: $60 for Standard Size, Set of 2 These sheets felt soft to the touch and had a silky smooth texture with a nice shine that added to the high-end look of the pillowcases. For those who want a breathable and temperature-regulating material for their bedding, bamboo is one of the best fabric options out there, and these pillowcases are no exception. The material itself was comfortable, but also lightweight. However, we did find the pillowcases to feel a bit thinner than some other options we tested, so they may not be for you if you prefer something a bit heavier. Our tester said the BAMPURE Bamboo Pillowcases felt cool to the touch, noting that she didn’t feel much warmer after laying with it for five minutes. These pillowcases held up well in the wash, as their texture remained cozy and there were no visible signs of wear. Price at time of publish: $20.98 for Queen Size, Set of 2 During our lab tests, our tester loved just how breathable and cooling these pillowcases were. After five minutes, the area where she was lying did not get noticeably warmer, and she even said her body temperature lowered a bit. This can be especially helpful for those who tend to sleep on the warmer side. Post-wash and during long-term testing, these pillowcases held up nicely, with no loose threads or seams. Price at time of publish: $49 for Standard Size, Set of 2 We found these pillowcases to have a high-end construction with quality stitching and an elegant look. The texture of these percale pillowcases was soft while still maintaining a good balance between crispness and smoothness. Compared to other options we tested, they weren’t as lightweight and had a bit of sturdiness and thickness to the material. Our tester found that these pillowcases weren’t extremely breathable or cooling, but she also didn’t find herself getting too stuffy or overheating. We also loved how well these sheets held up in the wash since there were no imperfections visible. Plus, the material even gets softer the more you wash it. Price at time of publish: $29.10 for Standard Size, Set of 2 These pillowcases aren’t as cooling as some of the other options we tested, but they didn’t make our tester overheat. They did a great job at warming our tester up without causing her to feel stuffy, making these pillowcases a great option for year-round use or for couples that may sleep at different temperatures. We also found these pillowcases to have simple and straightforward care instructions, and they held up nicely for our long-term tester as well. Price at time of publish: $18.97 for Standard Size, Set of 2 While flannel tends to be more warming than cooling, our tester found that the material was still comfortable enough that she didn’t overheat while using the pillowcases. These COYUCHI pillowcases were also quite breathable and provided adequate airflow even though the material is thick and dense. Additionally, these pillowcases held up very well in the wash, as they maintained their quality and had no visible pilling or snags. While these may have a higher price point than some of the other options we tested, we think their high-quality construction, ultimate comfort, and durability make it a worthy investment you’ll want to have on hand when the temperature drops. Price at time of publish: $48 for Standard/Queen Size, Set of 2
We also appreciated just how breathable these pillowcases were, as they provided adequate airflow and weren’t stuffy at all. Post-wash, we did notice that the pillowcases suffered a bit of shrinkage, but they still fit snugly after a bit of shimmying. If you want to ensure that your head and neck stay cool throughout the night, the Sijo Eucalyptus Airyweight Pillowcases are definitely worth considering. Price at time of publish: $36 for Standard/Queen Size, Set of 2 The pillowcase felt very cool to the touch, providing adequate breathability and airflow. Caring for the silk pillowcase also proved to be very easy, as it’s machine washable. While the Slip Silk Pillowcase may be more expensive than other options we tested, it’s worth it for those who want to spend a little more on a product that can help keep your skin and hair healthy. Price at time of publish: $89 for Queen Size, Single Pillowcase Price at time of publish: $26.39 for Standard/Queen Size, 2 Pack
What is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
What to Look for in a Pillowcase
Material and Fabric Type
When choosing a pillowcase, there are a few standard fabric options. Cotton is known for being soft and breathable, and it can often provide a luxe feel for an affordable price. Microfiber and polyester are also inexpensive and wrinkle-resistant. For a more luxurious feel, opt for silk or linen.
Care and Maintenance
Because pillowcases come into direct contact with your face, you’ll want to ensure you wash them regularly. In general, you should check the manufacturer’s care instructions before purchasing a pillowcase, since having to hand-wash or dry-clean a pillowcase weekly may not be a task you want to spend time on. Especially if you tend to be on the go, opt for a pillowcase that you can easily toss in with the rest of your laundry.
Quality
While shopping for a pillowcase, you’ll want to keep in mind a few different factors, including the overall construction of the case, the quality of the material, the type of weave, thread count, and any environmental or manufacturing certifications. The material, weave type, and thread count will be highly personal to your sleeping style and preferences (i.e. if you prefer something silky versus crisp). Depending on the type of certification a product has, this can be a good indication as to whether or not any harmful chemicals were used in the manufacturing process or if the pillowcase was made with sustainable practices.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at the Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted outside research on the topic. Each option in this list performed the best during our in-lab or at-home tests. In addition, Bianca also spoke to experts in the field in order to gather some guidance regarding the construction and materials used in high-quality pillowcases. Insight was provided by Whitney Thornburg, Design Director at Coyuchi.
