How to Choose the Right Pillowcase

Pillows are often the focus when it comes to sleep comfort, but your pillowcase plays an equally important role. It’s the layer closest to your skin, so it directly affects how your bedding feels, how well you regulate temperature and even how fresh your bed stays night after night.

Choosing the right pillowcase isn’t just about style. Material, weave, size and care all influence how comfortable and long-lasting your bedding will be.

At DUSK, we design our bedding with both comfort and practicality in mind, helping you create a sleep space that feels as good as it looks.

Pillowcase materials

The material of your pillowcase has the biggest impact on comfort. It determines how soft it feels, how breathable it is and how well it performs across different seasons.

While materials like silk and polyester are available, cotton remains one of the most popular and reliable choices for everyday use.

Cotton pillowcases

Cotton is naturally breathable, durable and soft, making it ideal for year-round comfort. It allows air to circulate, helping regulate temperature and prevent overheating during the night.

For those who prefer a more premium feel, Egyptian cotton is a standout choice. Its longer fibres create a smoother, stronger fabric that feels softer against the skin and improves with every wash.

Percale vs sateen

The weave of cotton also affects how your pillowcase feels:

• Percale has a crisp, cool finish, similar to freshly laundered hotel bedding

• Sateen has a smoother, silk-like feel with a subtle sheen

Percale is often preferred by those who sleep warm, while sateen is ideal if you’re looking for a softer, more luxurious finish.

Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference, but both offer excellent comfort and durability.

Understanding thread count

Thread count is often seen as a marker of quality, but it’s important to understand what it actually means.

It refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. While higher thread counts can feel softer, they aren’t always better.

What matters more is:

• The quality of the cotton

• The length of the fibres

• The type of weave

For most people, a thread count between 400 and 600 offers the best balance. It provides a soft, smooth feel while remaining breathable and easy to care for.

Very high thread counts can sometimes feel heavier and require more maintenance, while lower counts may feel lighter but less refined.

Read our guide on how to choose quality bed linen to learn more about fabrics and durability.

Pillowcase sizes explained

Choosing the right pillowcase size is key to both comfort and how your bed looks. A well-fitted pillowcase will stay in place overnight, feel more comfortable and give your bedding a more polished finish.

In the UK, pillowcases come in a few standard sizes. Understanding these will help you choose the right option for your bed and pillows.

Standard pillowcase size

The most common pillowcase size in the UK is:

• 50cm x 75cm (Standard size)

This size fits most pillows and works across single, double and king size beds. It’s the most versatile option and is typically the default choice for everyday bedding.

Standard pillowcases are ideal if you want a clean, simple look that’s easy to style.

Super king pillowcase size

For larger beds, a bigger pillowcase can help create a more balanced and luxurious look:

• 50cm x 90cm (Super king size)

Super king pillowcases are designed for wider pillows and are best suited to king size and super king beds. They help fill out the width of the bed and create a more premium, hotel-inspired finish.

Pillowcase styles

Once you’ve chosen your material and size, style is where you can bring your bedroom together.

Pillowcases can be used to complement your duvet cover, add contrast through colour or texture and create a layered, styled bed.

For a clean and timeless look, white pillowcases remain a popular choice. They create a calm, minimal feel and pair easily with other colours and textures.

Oxford vs housewife pillowcases

In addition to size, you’ll also come across different pillowcase styles:

• Housewife pillowcases: a simple, tailored finish with no border, we sometimes call them 'classic' style

• Oxford pillowcases: feature a fabric border around the edge for a more decorative look

The internal size of the pillowcase stays the same, but Oxford styles appear larger due to the border. They’re ideal if you want a more styled, layered bed.

For a more elevated finish, Oxford pillowcases feature a fabric border that adds subtle detail and structure. This is often used in hotel-style bedding to create a more polished look.

You'll also find piped edge and scalloped designs to bring extra detail to your bed.

How to care for your pillowcases

Caring for your pillowcases properly helps maintain their softness, colour and durability over time.

As a general rule:

• Wash at 30 to 40°C to protect fibres

• Use a gentle detergent

• Avoid overloading the machine

• Air dry where possible

• Use a low heat setting if tumble drying

Pillowcases should be washed more frequently than other bedding, ideally once a week, as they come into direct contact with skin, hair and oils.

For more guidance, read our how often to wash bedding guide or learn how to wash white bedding to keep lighter fabrics looking fresh.

Extra tips for choosing the right pillowcase

To get the most from your bedding, consider a few additional factors:

• If you sleep warm, choose breathable cotton or percale weaves

• If you prefer a softer feel, opt for sateen finishes

• If you have sensitive skin, avoid synthetic materials

• If you want easy care, avoid very high thread counts

Having multiple pillowcases also makes it easier to rotate and keep your bedding feeling fresh.

Find your perfect pillowcase

The right pillowcase can make a noticeable difference to your sleep. By choosing carefully, you can improve comfort, extend the life of your bedding and create a bedroom that feels both stylish and relaxing.

Explore our full range of pillowcases, from everyday essentials to more premium finishes, and find the perfect fit for your space.

FAQs

Should pillowcases be bigger than the pillow?

Pillowcases should match the size of your pillow for the best fit. A slightly larger pillowcase can create a more relaxed look, while a closer fit gives a neater, more structured finish.

Can pillowcases shrink after washing?

Yes, pillowcases made from natural fibres like cotton can shrink slightly after washing, especially at higher temperatures. Following care instructions and washing at lower temperatures can help minimise shrinkage.

Are Oxford pillowcases bigger than standard pillowcases?

Oxford pillowcases are not bigger internally, but they include a decorative fabric border around the edge. This makes them appear larger and more structured when styled on a bed.

What is the best pillowcase size for styling a bed?

For a more styled, layered look, many people use a mix of standard and super king pillowcases. Larger pillowcases help create a fuller, more luxurious finish, especially on king and super king beds.