A Guide to Choosing the Right Pillowcase

How much time to do you spend selecting your pillowcases? We all know that pillows are an extremely important factor in achieving a comfortable night’s sleep, but it’s time to stop only putting thought into your pillows and start considering your pillowcases, too. 

With so many different types of pillowcases, choosing the right one can be a difficult task. From thread counts to pillowcase materials, each factor helps to create the perfect pillowcases that are sumptuously soft but also lightweight and breathable for comfort all year round. 

Here at DUSK, we have pulled together our expertise to produce a guide on choosing the best pillowcase. 

Pillowcase Materials

The pillowcase fabric is one of the most important elements to consider when choosing a pillowcase, as it plays the biggest role in terms of comfort. When it comes to material, there are many options on the market, including polyester and silk. However, here at DUSK, all of our pillowcases are crafted from 100% cotton.

Cotton

Some of the most popular and luxurious pillowcases are often made from cotton. In fact, Egyptian cotton has been hailed as being one the world finest materials and we can see why — supremely soft, strong, lightweight and breathable, what more could you ask for when you're on the hunt for the perfect pillowcase?

If you’re looking for a luxury feel, cotton sateen is woven like silk to help give it that soft sheen that is adored by many. Like Eyptian cotton, cotton sateen is breathable and lightweight, making it a great pillowcase material for year round comfort.

Our bedding expert explains a little more about the cotton weaves: “We sell two types of cotton weaves: percale which is more crisp and what you would traditionally associate with the feel of cotton; and sateen, which is luxuriously silky soft and feels really smooth on the skin. Our customers do usually have a preference and our most popular ranges sell in sateen!”

Consider The Thread Count

When it comes to bed linen and finding the best pillow case, the thread count is always something you should consider and it’s often just as important as the material you select. Thread count refers to the number of threads that are woven together and this is calculated by measuring threads per square inch of material. 

It’s important to note that higher thread count is often associated with higher quality, but this is not always the case. In fact, the quality is determined by the type and lengths of the threads used to create the cotton. 

When choosing thread count, keep in mind that higher thread counts are often harder to look after and maintain. The key is to care for your bedding correctly, otherwise it may begin to feel rough. If you’re looking for an easy-care routine, a 400 to 600 thread count pillowcase will give you that same feeling of luxury but will be easier to look after in the long run. 

Choose Pillowcase Size

After deciding on material and thread count, the next decision to make is size. The size of your pillowcase is mostly about personal preference, what best fits your pillow and of course, your bed. 

Standard pillowcases measuring 50cm x 75cm are the most popular size due to fitting single, double and king size beds. Super king pillowcases measure 50 x 90cm making them perfect for your super king size bed. 

Pillowcase Styles

Now that you know all about your materials, sizes and thread counts, it’s time to think about the intricate details. Choosing a pillowcase that matches your duvet cover and bedroom will create a space that looks sophisticated and serene. Whether they’ve got decorative patterns, borders or are plain and classic, your pillowcase should match the aesthetic of your bedroom. 

If you’re trying to create a more luxurious or boutique hotel finish, we always recommend purchasing a pillowcase with an oxford border to add an elegant decorative detail to your bed. 

How To Care For Your Pillowcase

The way you care for your pillowcase can impact how it feels underneath your head as well as how long it lasts. For comfort and longevity, ensure you follow the instructions when washing your pillowcases and follow these three important pieces of information; 

  • Machine wash on a 30 - 40 degree cycle
  • Iron on a medium temperature
  • Air dry where possible or if using a tumble dryer, choose a medium temperature

For more tips and advice on bedding care, take a look at our guide for washing white bedding where you’ll find tips for cleaning as well as keeping your bedding bright and beautiful.