Want to transform your mattress and feel like you’re sleeping at a luxe resort, night after night? Two words: silk sheets. The best silk sheets often come with a premium price tag, but people who sleep on them say nothing compares to their comfort, breathability, coolness and high-end feel. Our top choice is the Lilysilk 22 Momme Seamless Silk Sheet set that boasts a pearlescent sheen and buttery-softness. And with proper care, these durable sheets can last you for years to come.
The best silk sheets, like the set from Promeed, feel soft, cool and gently drape over your skin ... [+] when you tuck yourself in.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
With that said, it wasn’t the only pair of silk sheets to catch our attention. In our best silk sheets list below, we provide recommendations for linens at several price points, including the best silk alternatives, and a comprehensive silk sheet buying guide.
Materials: 100% mulberry silk | Mattress depth: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: All standard sizes
Pros:
High-quality 22 momme mulberry silk
Can hold up in the wash
Cons:
Flat and fitted sheets are sold separately
Silk’s weight is measured in a unique unit of measure: momme. Many sets aren’t available in an array of thicknesses, but Lily Silk’s sheets come in 19, 22 and 25 momme silk—the 22 momme version is a good middle ground in terms of weight. This momme doesn’t feel too thick or thin, making them great for year-round use. Although I haven’t tried the sheets, I’ve tested Lily’s 22 momme silk pajamas, which are likely made of the same mulberry silk material as the sheets. The silk feels smooth, and the pajamas easily withstood multiple wash cycles—and I suspect the sheets would be no different. You can also get creative with your bed since the flat and fitted sheets are sold separately, allowing you to mix and match colors for your ideal aesthetic.
What the reviews say: Reviewers who have purchased these sheets from Lily Silk are generally happy with their experience. One reviewer says the sheets are “smooth and comfy,” and another notes that “the quality is superb.”
Best Affordable Silk Sheets
Soft, Durable And Comes At A Great Value
Amazon
Promeed 23 Momme Mulberry Silk Sheets (Queen)
Materials: 100% Mulberry silk | Mattress depth: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: All standard sizes
Pros:
Made with durable 23 momme mulberry silk
Machine washable on a gentle cycle
Cons:
Some reviewers note that these sheets start pilling quickly
There’s no getting around the high price of many 100% silk sheet sets, but this set from Promeed comes with a good value for its quality materials and high momme. For around the same price as a single silk sheet from other retailers, you get a full bed setup: two pillowcases, one flat sheet and one fitted sheet. And unlike many other silk sheets, these are machine washable—Promeed even provides a laundry bag with the set to keep them safe from damage in the wash. Made with 23 momme mulberry silk, these sheets are more durable than lower-momme sheets and should hold up well after years of use.
What the reviews say: One reviewer says, “I wash them on gentle with a special designed-for-silk laundry soap in cold water. I hang them to dry over doors or my shower curtain rod. They dry in a few hours. These sheets are amazing.”Another says, “These sheets are made very well. They are nice and soft and obviously silky. They are the most cost-effective I believe as well, if you don’t want to invest too much on your first set of silk sheets.”
Best Silk Sheets On Amazon
Soft And Smooth Without Feeling Slippery
Amazon
Mulberry Park 100% Pure Silk Sheet Set (Queen)
Materials: 100% mulberry silk | Mattress depth: Up to 17 inches | Sizes: Full, queen, king and California king
Pros:
Available in 15 and 17-inch pocket sizes
A range of color options
Cons:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
A quick search on Amazon for “silk sheets” brings up an abundance of options, including satin. But, here’s a spoiler alert: Satin sheets are not real silk and are made from synthetic fiber, instead. We like this silk set from Amazon because it’s made with 100% mulberry silk and has a 22 momme weight—a nice middle-ground between warm and lightweight. It comes in different pocket sizes, too, which range from 15 to 17 inches, ensuring you get the best fit for your bed and don’t have to worry about the sheets riding up. You can choose from nine solid colors including a few pastel tones.
What the reviews say: According to one reviewer, these sheets are “unbelievably comfortable.” Another reviewer writes, “The quality is great and the feel of these sheets [is] luxurious and thick.”
Best Thick Silk Sheets
A Hefty Silk Set That’s Still Breathable
Amazon
Thxsilk Silk Bed Sheets Set (Queen)
Materials: 100% mulberry silk | Mattress depth: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: Full, queen, king and California king
Pros:
Made with thick, 25 momme silk
Durable enough for the washing machine
Deep pockets fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick
Cons:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Some reviewers say they pill and tear easily
If you want an extra thick, sumptuous silk sheet, consider this set from Thxsilk. The silk sheet set boasts a 25 momme weight, so it’s heavier than many of the other sets on this list, which typically are 19 or 22 momme silk. This also means the set is likely more durable than others, and has a more substantial feel. This Thxsilk set set can fit mattresses up to 16 inches tall, and you can choose from seven color options. A fitted and flat sheet is included in the set, but instead of pillowcases, it comes with pillow shams. These have an envelope closure to keep your pillowcase from slipping off your pillow, and an outer hem that makes your bed look extra put together.
What the reviews say: One satisfied reviewer describes these sheets as buttery soft. Another says, “I love this sheet set. The 25 momme is slightly different than the 22. These are a little thicker and heavier. I can tell they last a long time. They launder perfectly if you take care and treat them gently. They’re lustrous and divine to sleep in.”
Materials: 100% mulberry silk | Mattress depth: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: All standard sizes
Pros:
Lightweight, 19 momme silk stays cool
More affordable than thicker silks
Cons:
Not sold as a full set
For hot sleepers who prefer to sleep with a sheet but want the thinnest one possible, this 19 momme Lily Silk sheet is the pick for you. The extra lightweight fabric made from 100% mulberry silk has a smooth, glossy look and feel that doesn’t weigh you down. As I mentioned in our best overall pick from the brand, I’ve tested Lily Silk’s 22 momme silk pajamas. The silk was high quality with a smooth feel, making them one of my favorite pajama sets I’ve ever tried. While I haven’t tested this specific pair of silk sheets, I’m confident the 19 momme set is just as good as the 22 and offer an airier, more breathable feel.
What the reviews say: Most reviewers like these sheets and are impressed with the quality, despite the relatively low momme weight compared to other sheets. “These sheets are fantastic and soft,” one buyer says. “On hot summer nights these sheets stay cool, and [they’re] so very soft and luxurious.” Another reviewer writes, “[These sheets are] soft and shimmery, smooth and cool to the touch.”
Best Silk-Like Sheets For Hot Sleepers
This Material Is Silk-Like, But Affordable
Cozy Earth
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set (Queen)
Materials: 100% viscose from bamboo | Mattress depth: Up to 20 inches | Sizes: All standard sizes and split king
Pros:
Bamboo is more wallet-friendly than silk
Bamboo viscose material is lightweight, breathable and soft
Its deep pockets fit extra-thick mattresses
Cons:
Bamboo is prone to wrinkling
If you don’t want to buy satin synthetic sheets, but also don’t want to splurge on pricey silk sheets, this set from Cozy Earth is a good compromise. These sheets feel buttery soft and smooth, and they are about as close to silk as you can get. They are sleek, but not quite as shiny or slick as satin, and they have a slightly heavier feel than silk. They have a more substantial feel, like silk sheets with a high momme. Plus, they fit on extra-thick mattresses up to 20 inches. I’ve tested these sheets and can vouch for their superior silky soft feel.
What the reviews say: One reviewer writes, “These bamboo sheets are so soft, and yet allow for a cool night’s sleep.” Another says, “The sheets are so soft, like satin. And they are so cool and comfortable.”
Best Vegan Silk Sheets
Silky Smooth And Made From Natural Fibers
Ettitude
Ettitude Bamboo Signature Sateen Sheets (Queen)
Materials: 100% bamboo lyocell | Mattress depth: Up to 17 inches | Sizes: All standard sizes
Pros:
Lower maintenance than silk sheets
Vegan alternative to silk
Cons:
Bamboo material is wrinkle-prone
Sateen is a weave pattern that’s often used to lend silky, satiny characteristics to natural fibers like bamboo or cotton. While these sheets don’t share silk’s luster, they are comparably soft and breathable. Ettitude’s sheets are made from 100% bamboo lyocell, a naturally derived fiber that’s hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. It also makes these sheets an ideal silk alternative for vegans (since silk is produced by the secretions of silkworms). Another benefit is that these sheets aren’t quite as fussy as regular silk sheets, meaning they’re a bit easier to maintain. They can be machine-washed and dried with no special detergents required.
What the reviews say: One reviewer states, “[These are] beautiful sheets that are so soft. [They] feel amazing and stay cool when sleeping.” Another says, “The sheets are excellent quality. They look and feel uber-luxurious and wash very well.”
Forbes Vetted editors and contributors have tested dozens of different sheets, from the most luxurious mulberry cotton sheets to wallet-friendly cotton linens. They also spend hours researching the best products in the sleep space and stay up-to-date on new releases.
Author Jamie Ueda has a degree in apparel and textile design, and has been researching and testing sleep products for several years. She previously worked in product development and manufacturing for a home textiles company, and Nike.
Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman and mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon oversee the category. They have collectively tested over 100 different mattresses and countless bedding products like sheets, pillows and blankets.
For this article, Jamie sought the expertise of Frej Lewenhaupt, textile expert, and co-founder and CEO of Steamery.
This article was updated in June 2024 by Jamie with the Ettitude Sheets as a new product pick and additions to the buyer’s guide.
How We Chose The Best Silk Sheets
When choosing silk sheets, I sorted through dozens of sheet sets online. I looked at well-known products and brands that I’m familiar with. I also searched sites, like Amazon, that carry some options to make sure I was checking the most popular vendors, as well. To narrow the list down, I chose products that have high ratings and reviews, or sheets from brands that have proven reliable and consistent in my previous experience testing pajamas and other sleep products.
In making our final picks, I relied on my knowledge from testing and writing about dozens of sheets, silk pajamas and silk pillowcases previously. I also tapped into my professional and educational background in textiles. I’ve worked in product development and quality assurance at a home textiles company and Nike. I also have degrees in apparel and textile design and mechanical engineering.
What To Consider When Shopping For Silk Sheets
Materials
Silk is silk, but there’s some nuance to finding the ideal silk sheets for your bed. Here are two terms that can help you better understand the quality, durability and price point of silk sheets and other silk products.
Momme
This is a unit of measurement used to determine the density of silk fabric. The higher the momme, the denser and thicker the fabric, and a lower momme leads to a thinner fabric. For silk sheets, 19 to 25 momme is the most common. A higher momme is typically a more durable fabric, but a lower momme feels more lightweight and breathable.
Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk gets its name from silkworms that are fed Mulberry leaves, which produce a smoother, stronger and more uniform silk fiber than regular silk. This type of silk often has a higher price tag as well.
Weight
A silk’s “weight” is simply another way of referring to its momme count, or density. Most silk bed sheets are between 19 and 25 momme.
Sheets with a lower weight are more affordable, but also thinner and more delicate. They tend to have a shorter lifespan, although they may be a better choice for naturally hot sleepers.
Sheets with a higher momme weight are more expensive, but also much more durable. Because higher momme sheets are more dense, they also physically weigh more than lower momme sheets and can sleep warmer.
Alternatives To Silk
There are also several alternatives to silk worth consideration.
While satin has the sheen of silk, they are typically made from polyester fibers that tend to trap heat and don’t have the same luxurious, airy feel. Still, it’s a very affordable alternative and may be worthwhile if you’re primarily after the silk look.
Bamboo viscose sheets, like the Cozy Earth and Ettitude sheets we mentioned above, are lightweight and have a slightly silky feel. They’re also significantly less expensive than silk, although they don’t share silk’s characteristic shine. These sheets are also the best option if you’re looking for a vegan silk alternative.
Finally, there are many sheets made from various phase-change materials that help them stay cool. Although these sheets aren’t typically made from 100% natural fibers, they often share the smoothness and breathability of silk. They are also more affordable than real silk sheets. Here are some of our favorite cooling bed sheets.
How To Care For Silk Sheets
Use The Right Detergent
Look for a detergent that is designed for silk or wool, as these are gentle on the fabric. Some laundry detergents that are not made specifically for silk may contain certain enzymes that can damage and break down the silk fibers.
Follow The Care Instructions
With some materials, you can get away with not following the care instructions with little to no issues with the laundered item. However, when it comes to silk, it’s best to follow the care instructions; otherwise, improper care can lead to the silk degrading, losing its shape or shrinking.
Washable Silk
Some silk items can be washed in the washing machine. According to Frej Lewenhaupt, textile expert and co-founder and CEO of Steamery, these silks “are made using a special construction technique that enhances the durability of the fabric and its ability to withstand machine washing.” However, if it’s not labeled machine washable, it’s important to follow the care instructions since agitation and tumbling can break down the fibers.
Air Out And Steam Fabric
Lewenhaupt recommends that you make a habit of airing out silk occasionally and using a steamer to refresh the fabric.
Silk Vs. Satin
When searching for silk sheets you often come across sheets labeled “silk satin,” “satin,” “silky satin,” “sateen” and other variations with the word “satin.” Satin is a type of weave that produces a glossy, lustrous fabric that looks similar to silk, but these fabrics rarely contain real silk. Typically, satin sheets are made from polyester or polyester blends.
Because they are made from synthetic materials, satin sheets are very affordable—especially when compared to real silk sheets. However, they lack the breathability and softness of real silk and have a much slicker feel.
Satin is also prone to snagging, so a set of satin sheets is less likely to last as long as a set of silk sheets.
Are Silk Sheets Worth It?
Silk can be a great option for hot sleepers or those who have sensitive skin. Silk sets typically have a cool-to-the-touch feel and help with temperature regulation. Also, the smooth and luxurious texture of silk offers an appealing look and feel for many sleepers.
Is It Better To Sleep On Silk Or Satin Sheets?
If the higher price tag of a silk sheet set is within your budget, then real silk is the way to go. It’s breathable and helps regulate body temperature, benefits that come from natural silk and are hard to replicate with other silk-like materials. Satin sheets are made of synthetic fibers, which may trap heat and moisture.
How Do I Find Good Silk Sheets?
When buying silk sheets, I recommend checking the fiber content so you know you’re getting real silk. Satin can look similar to silk, but it’s made with synthetic materials. A good rule of thumb to go by is: If the price is too good to be true, it’s likely satin.
