The Best Silk Sheets, According to Bedding Experts

When shopping for the best silk sheets, it’s important to not only consider how the sheets work for your bed but also their overall quality and durability. I asked bedding experts about how to determine silk sheet quality, especially when you’re shopping online and can’t feel the sheets for yourself. Here are my top picks for the best silk sheets based on expert advice.

Our top picks for the best silk sheets

What to consider when buying silk sheets

Momme count and silk weave

While you can refer to the best thread count for sheets when you’re looking at sets made from cotton, shopping for silk sheets is a little different. The momme count is a measurement specific to silk fabric. Barbara Stern, editor-in-chief at Ottoman Textiles LTD, a global supplier of wholesale textiles and bedding, explains that the momme count indicates the weight of the silk, and that corresponds with the sheet’s quality. “A higher momme count, typically between 19 and 25, often means a more durable and higher quality sheet,” she says.

According to Mommesilk, different silk weaves have common momme ranges. For example, a gauze weave is often a 3 to 5 momme, while a charmeuse, which is often used in silk pillowcases and sheets, is a 12 to 30 momme. Raw silk, with a 35 to 40 momme, is a very heavy silk.

Silk grade and rating

Hafiz Shariff, sleep expert and founder of Owl + Lark, a bedding and sleep accessory brand, explains that silk is also graded based on its perceived quality. “Silk is graded either A, B or C, with A being the best,” Shariff explains. “Each grade is also rated from 1 to 6, with 6A being the finest silk you will come across.”

The silk grade and rating also impacts its price, so you may need to find a balance that works best for your shopping goals. “The higher they are up the scale, the more expensive they will be, so be prepared to splurge if you are looking for the best of the best,” says Shariff. “However, any A grade silk is likely to be more than sufficient for the vast majority of people. It’s up to everyone to weigh the costs and benefits based on their financial situation.”

Silk type

Stern explains that the type of silk also impacts its quality. “Mulberry silk is considered the highest quality due to its long fibers, which contribute to the durability and smooth feel of the sheets,” she says.

Required care

According to Mayfair Silk, silk that has a lower momme count, such as 12 to 18, needs more delicate care than silk with a higher count. The lower momme count indicates a looser weave, so this type of silk can be more prone to snagging than silk with a higher momme count. Consider whether you are willing to hand wash your silk sheets. If you want a machine-washable sheet, then look for a higher momme count of 20 to 30 or more.

Price

Price is also an important consideration when buying silk sheets. “High quality silk isn’t cheap,” says Shariff. “If you’ve come across a surprising bargain, the chances are that the sheets are made of a fake silk. Genuine silk sheets will be prominently labeled as 100% silk.”

OEKO-TEX Label

Textiles, including silk sheets, often carry the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label. That label indicates that all components of the product have been tested for harmful substances. Looking for this label can give you the peace of mind of knowing that the sheets you buy don’t contain any chemicals that could potentially harm your health. OEKO-TEX certification is also important if you are looking for the best organic sheets, best bath towels, and essentially any textile that touches your skin.

How did we select the best silk sheets?

In choosing the best silk sheets, I carefully considered the silk’s overall quality, including factors like momme, silk grade and rating, the type of silk, and the weave. I didn’t include any products with a momme less than 19, and I tried to include as many products made of mulberry silk as possible.

I weighed other important factors that would impact a sheet’s performance, too. I considered the sheet’s design, including a fitted sheet’s depth and whether the sheet was seamless. I also looked for OEKO-TEX labels for safety. Finally, I included sheets that were available in various sizes and colors to increase the chances of them working for your needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are silk sheets worth it?

Silk sheets can be an excellent investment. Shariff explains that silk sheets are made of hypoallergenic materials, so they’re often ideal for people with allergies. “Silk sheets also regulate the temperature of the bed, keeping you warm during the winter and cool during the summer,” he says. If you’re looking for the best cooling sheets that you can also use year-round, silk sheets may be ideal.

Stern notes that silk sheets have a smooth surface that is gentle on skin and hair, which helps to reduce the chance of sleep creases and frizz.

How much should I pay for silk sheets?

Buying silk sheets can be an investment, but remember that by purchasing quality sheets, you’ll be getting a more durable product. “The cost of silk sheets can vary widely, but generally, a high-quality set can range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of the bed and the momme weight of the silk,” says Stern.

Is it better to have silk or satin sheets?

Stern explains that satin is a weave, not a material, so satin sheets can be made of several different materials, including silk. Satin may look like silk, leading to some confusion. According to Mayfair Silk, a satin that’s crafted from polyester won’t ever approach the many benefits that silk sheets offer.

What are the cons of silk sheets?

“Silk sheets can be delicate and require more careful handling than other materials,” says Stern. “They are also prone to wrinkling and can be slippery, which some people may not prefer.” Additionally, silk sheets are more expensive than other types of sheets, including some of the best bamboo sheets and best linen bed sheets. However, silk sheets offer many benefits that help to justify their cost.