Our Editors Swear These Luxurious Silk and Satin Sheets Are the Best You Can Buy (original) (raw)

When it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep, nothing compares to the luxurious experience of jumping into a bed draped in silk sheets. To help you find the best picks for your sleep preferences, we gathered several of the top-rated silk sheet sets—as well as more budget-friendly satin sheets (you can read more about that below)—on the market and put them to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in our homes for up to six months. We evaluated each option based on its quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value.

While most fabrics use thread count to measure density, silk’s weight is measured in momme. The higher the momme count, the heavier and denser the fabric. We tested products that range from 19 momme (medium-weight) to 23 momme (heavyweight). However, this is not the only factor that determines silk quality, as some of our lower momme options performed better than our higher momme options.

Our top silk and satin sheet sets are those that kept us comfortable throughout the night, held up to daily wear and use, and continued to feel soft, smooth, and high in quality after six months.

What to Know Before You Get Started

In this story, we recommend both silk and satin sheets. While the two fabrics are often used interchangeably, they are different. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Silk Satin
Natural, durable fiber Not a fiber, but a type of weave
Produced by silkworms Can be made from various materials including cotton and polyester
Innate temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic properties More affordable than silk, but price will vary by material
More tedious care requirements Less durable than silk, but easier to care for

Both satin and silk are lustrous, soft, and smooth, but silk is known for being the more luxurious fabric. To learn more about the differences in these materials, you can read our What to Look for in Silk Sheets section.

Editor's Note: This article was revised in May 2024 to include additional shopping context.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Invest in luxury bedding with Quince’s Mulberry Silk Sheet Set, our top choice because of its high-end construction, exceptionally soft texture, and elegant look. These sheets are constructed with mulberry silk, widely regarded as the highest quality silk available. When testing these sheets, we were impressed with their buttery soft, slippery texture. The 22-momme sheets offer a heavier weight and feel very substantial and high-quality.

We found these sheets felt cool to the touch, but they warmed up a bit after a few minutes. We'd describe them as somewhat breathable but not overly cooling. After soiling the sheets with coffee, makeup, and oil in the lab, each stain was still visible even after spot treatment. In our experience, this isn't unusual for silk sheets—but considering this set is only available in ivory, they probably won't be the best everyday option for households with kids or pets who may be more prone to spills and messes.

That said, we think these sheets could last quite some time with proper care. After rubbing the sheets with steel wool, we found that the area remained largely intact, with no dethreading. In our testing, this was pretty common for silk sheets in our testing because of their inherent fiber strength.

The sheets held up well against abrasion from steel wool.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

While these sheets aren’t cheap at around $500 for a queen-sized set, the price is lower than the other mulberry silk options on this list. The sheets are only available in queen and king sizes, though. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more on elegant sheets made with the highest-quality materials that should last you for years, we recommend the Quince Mulberry Silk Sheet Set.

After testing these sheets in our homes for six months, we found that these sheets continued to impress. When we made the bed with the sheets, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the fitted sheet stayed on the mattress, especially considering the slick texture. The sheets remained securely in place, but we noticed they became slightly more prone to bunching up as our testing progressed. However, we found this to be a minor issue.

Additionally, we were shocked by how well they maintained their overall quality over time. The texture remained exceptionally soft and luxurious, even after six months and multiple rounds in the washer and dryer. And in a household with pets who like to climb onto the bed, we found no signs of loose threads or snags from claws.

While we loved the sheet's overall construction and texture, we found ourselves reaching for this sheet set more when the weather was warmer. As temperatures drop, these sheets aren’t quite cozy enough to get us through the colder seasons. All in all, the Quince Mulberry Silk Sheet Set held up well over the testing period, and we’re impressed with its lasting quality so far.

Sizes: Queen, king | Momme: 22 | Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Machine washable

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Soft, lightweight, and cooling, the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets are a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to real silk sheets. During our tests, we found them to be beautifully constructed with a blend of cotton and bamboo fibers. We were impressed with the overall quality of these sheets, as they are very well made with even color and no imperfections. We think this satin sheet set offers a texture similar to silk at a much more accessible price point for most shoppers.

The 400-thread count sheets also have a soft, smooth texture. When making the bed, we loved the elegant look of the sheet set, as they fit snugly around the mattress and boast a lustrous finish. We also found these sheets exceptionally breathable and cool, making them a great option for those who tend to sleep warm.

The Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets fit well on our testing mattress.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

They held up nicely in the wash, too. The texture didn’t change much, and we saw no visible signs of wear. However, we did notice that some of the stains we made were difficult to remove, which may be an issue if you own pets or have children.

While we’re generally pleased with how these sheets have held up during our long-term testing, there are some caveats worth considering before you purchase these sheets. After six months of using these sheets consistently, we noticed some pilling and nubbiness after multiple rounds of laundering. This was more of an issue visually than texturally, as the sheets still felt soft.

Other than that, these sheets have shown no loose threads, stains, fading, tears, holes, or further signs of wear. We’ve found these sheets suitable for year-round use, as they remain comfortable during the cooler fall months and the humid summertime. We think they're hard to beat when it comes to their top-notch comfort and unmatched value.

The Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets are available in 18 different color and pattern options, so you’ll be able to find a set that matches your decor. And at under $35 for the queen size, these offer a ton of value considering their relatively low price point. So if you’re shocked by the price of pure silk sheets, these are a great option with a comparable quality

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Momme: Not applicable | Material: Cotton/bamboo blend | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you love the feel of silk and are looking for sheets that fit your budget, consider the Homiest Satin Sheet Set. This satin sheet set is made from polyester, one of the more affordable options we tested. So while you shouldn’t expect the same quality as some of the higher-end picks on this list, it’s still a solid pick for those who love a silky soft sheet set but don’t want to splurge.

During our tests, we found these sheets had a smooth, lustrous hand and a lightweight feel without being overly cheap despite their low price point. However, we noticed several loose threads throughout the fabric upon initial inspection. The color looked saturated and rich throughout the fabric, and we like that you can choose from 30 options to suit your preferences.

The sheets were very roomy and fit the mattress well when we made our testing bed. The fitted sheet stayed put even when tossing and turning over the bed. However, the sheets produce quite a bit of static which may be worth noting if you’re a restless sleeper.

In the lab, these sheets scored well for breathability and provided adequate airflow when lying underneath them. After laundering the sheets, we found that the material retained its deep, rich color quite nicely.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | Momme: Not applicable | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Beautifully designed and aesthetically pleasing, Colorado Home’s 22 momme Mulberry Silk Bed Sheets are a splurge-worthy addition to your home. Made with 100 percent mulberry Silk, these sheets boast a buttery-soft texture and lustrous finish.

They also have a sturdy construction with a medium weight, which adds to their high-quality look and feel. When lying underneath these sheets, we noticed they felt denser and cooler than other options we tested. Extremely comfortable with a smooth finish, you’ll feel the quality of the mulberry silk when using these sheets.

During long-term testing, we found these sheets to be slightly too warm during the summer, but we appreciated the cozy feel as the weather got colder. Our team member who used these at home reported feeling more rested and refreshed after using these sheets!

These sheets held up very well post-wash, with no discoloration, fading, snags, or uneven threads visible. Plus, we appreciate their low-maintenance care instructions and wrinkle resistance.

After six months of consistent use, we noticed some minor loose threads but overall, they still look and feel as good as new. At $550 for a queen-sized set, they’re the most expensive pick on our list, but if you want to invest in luxury bedding, the Colorado Home Co Mulberry Silk Bed Sheets Set is the best of the best.

Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Momme: 22 | Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Hand wash or machine wash delicate, air dry

What are the benefits of silk sheets?

“Silk sheets are known for being extremely comfortable to sleep on especially during the warmer months, as silk is a natural temperature regulator,” says Yoselin Castro, Senior Interior Designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. Hypoallergenic and non-irritating, silk is also gentle on your hair and scalp and beneficial for acne-prone skin.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

If you're looking for a sheet set that you won't have to switch out as the seasons change, the Mulberry Park 100% Pure Silk Sheet Set is the perfect option to keep you comfortable, no matter the climate. Made with mulberry silk, these 22 momme sheets have a luxurious appearance, texture, and construction that we couldn’t get enough of.

We were immediately impressed by how soft and smooth the sheets felt when unboxing them. The bed was easy to make, with plenty of room at the corners and the sheets stayed tucked in while tossing and turning without a problem. These sheets felt lightweight and airy and remained cool while lying underneath them.

While the sheets didn't blow us away in our lab tests for breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities, we still observed that the material feels cool. However, we found throughout the six months we tested them at home, these sheets felt noticeably cool during the summer months while keeping us comfortably warm in the fall.

While the manufacturer says these sheets are machine washable, our long-term tester chose to hand-wash these sheets, which may have contributed to the product’s impressive longevity. These sheets remain luxuriously soft—we think the texture has only improved over time. However, we have noticed that these sheets are slightly prone to wrinkling.

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Momme: 22 | Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Machine washable

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Whether you tend to overheat in your sleep or are looking for a seasonal sheet set for the warmer months, the Lilysilk Seamless Silk Sheet Set is a great pick. While 22 momme silk has a dense, heavyweight feel, this sheet set is a bit more lightweight (but still substantial) at 19 momme, which may be right for those who tend to overheat at night.

Made with 100 percent mulberry silk, the construction quality is very high-end, with no flaws or imperfections upon arrival. The 400-thread count sheets felt airy, and we loved their smooth, buttery-soft texture when putting these sheets to the test. After making the bed, we were particularly impressed with how luxurious the bedscape looked.

These sheets looked exceptionally luxurious when made on the bed.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

When lying underneath the sheets, they felt cool initially and warmed up after some time. While these sheets aren't the most breathable option we tested, they didn't feel overly hot or stuffy. It's worth noting that the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning these sheets, but you can hand wash or machine wash on the gentlest cycle if needed. We washed these on a gentle cycle with cold water, and they’ve held up nicely.

We’re happy these sheets performed exceptionally well, becoming even softer after six months of consistent use. They feel unbelievably comfortable and help regulate body temperature throughout the night. While they kept us cool in warmer weather, they were also cozy when the temperature dropped.

Our team member even reported that she has exclusively used these sheets for six months because she loves them so much. We have noticed minimal wear and tear, such as pilling in certain areas. However, this is to be expected with prolonged and consistent use.

While we think they’re great for most climates, they may not be warm enough during the winter. The sheet set’s quality, durability, and luxurious texture consistently impressed us both in and out of the lab. Additionally, we like that you can purchase a full set (via Amazon) or build your own set and include just the components you need (via the brand's website).

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Momme: 19 | Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Dry cleaning recommended (alternatively, hand wash or machine wash delicate), hang dry

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Transform your bedscape with the seasons or your mood with the Vonty Satin Sheet Set. You can choose from 33 gorgeous shades like beige, red, gold, and black. Like our other budget-friendly satin options, the Vonty Satin Sheet Set won’t necessarily offer the same longevity and luxuriousness as pure silk. We still think it’s a good alternative worth considering.

Upon inspection, we noticed a handful of loose threads and one uneven seam, but we liked the consistent color throughout. The sheets earned a perfect score in the texture category, boasting a smooth, slippery, and shiny finish. We appreciated their medium weight: they felt neither overly heavy nor flimsy.

When making the bed, the sheets were hard to handle because of the slippery texture. The fitted sheet was a bit loose over the bed, but this means it can easily fit over deep mattresses if needed. The sheets created a lot of static during our testing, particularly as the top and fitted sheets slid across one another. When testing for breathability, the sheets performed well, as the material felt cool and had good moisture management.

The sheets also proved quite durable, with most of the stains coming out completely after laundering. Plus, the sheets didn’t pill or thin much after abrading the area with steel wool. So while the Vonty Satin Sheet Set has a few drawbacks regarding its overall construction quality, we still think it’s a great deal, especially considering the texture, breathability, and overall value of the sheet set.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | Momme: Not applicable | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Light, elegant and fluffy, Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets might not be made from true silk, but they sure feel like it. Bamboo-derived sheets are a great option for those in the market for plant-based silky sheets. In our lab tests, we loved how smooth to the touch they feel, and their shiny finish adds an elegant look to any bed.

Constructed with a breathable weave and a soft texture, they’re made from a comfortable and convenient silk-like material that you can toss in the washing machine without worry. They're not quite as slippery as pure silk, but the texture is similar enough to warrant a spot on this list.

Made from fine-quality viscose derived from bamboo, these sheets allow you to sleep cool without tossing and turning, thanks to how well they regulate temperatures and wick moisture. During testing, we loved that the sheets felt cool to the touch when climbing into bed, and in our long-term tests, we found they remained that way all night long. Their enhanced custom weave prevents the sheets from pilling, making them more durable against daily wear and tear.

Plus, the sheets remain exceptionally soft after washing, and there’s no need to worry about wrinkles since they come out of the laundry completely wrinkle-free.

Additionally, we tested these sheets in our homes for six months and couldn’t get enough of them. The price is higher than most silk alternative options on this list, but they're still more affordable than pure mulberry silk sheets. These sheets are worth the price tag in our book, as they feel exceptionally soft and have held up very well over time. We’ve noticed a few loose threads here and there, but we think this is normal after using them nightly for six months.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Momme: Not applicable | Material: Viscose made from bamboo | Care: Machine wash

What We Like

What We Don't Like

With a softness we felt right out of the package during testing, this Brielle Home sheet offers you a luxurious sleeping experience at a lower price than pure silk. These sheets are made from Tencel-branded lyocell (a wood-based fiber) and constructed with a sateen weave for a smooth and glossy texture.

During our lab tests, we found these 300-thread count sheets to be cool to the touch, lightweight, and highly breathable. When it comes to temperature regulation, we found the set to be a step above normal sheets, helping to keep you cooler than usual. Additionally, this material adds a high-end look to any bedscape with its lustrous finish.

When it comes to the construction of this silk-like sateen sheet set, the details make the difference. The beautiful stitching and the extra flap that provided full pillow coverage enhanced the quality of these sheets. However, while these sheets are easy to care for and easy to get into place on your bed, they do tend to wrinkle easily. In testing, they remained quite wrinkled and did shrink a bit. However, if you don’t mind some wrinkles, we think these sheets offer a ton of value considering the price point.

After six months of testing these sheets, they continue to feel like luxury. We loved how cooling and soft these sheets felt throughout the night, and we found the smooth texture to be very comparable to silk. They held up well over time with little to no signs of wear after many rounds in the wash.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Momme: Not applicable | Material: Lyocell | Care: Machine wash

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Final Verdict

Made from mulberry silk, the 22-momme Quince Mulberry Silk Sheet Set is our best overall, silk pick because of its luxurious texture, elegant look, and high-quality construction. For something a bit more affordable, we recommend the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets (our best overall, satin pick). The soft, lightweight, and cooling sheet set is a great alternative if you don't want to splurge on pure silk.

How We Tested the Silk Sheets

Here at The Spruce, we’re constantly testing the best sheets, and we’ve put upwards of 200 different sets to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in our own homes—for context, that’s over 19,000 hours of testing to date.

Around 20 unique testers have tried the silk and satin sheets out firsthand, and all have varying sleep preferences. Our lab and at-home testers included hot sleepers, households with pets, and restless sleepers. For many testers, this was their first time handling silk bedding. Our testers who previously used to crisp percale or fuzzy jersey sheets tended not to be fans of the particularly slippery and delicate drape of silk and satin. This is expected, though, as silk isn’t for everyone. So although feedback about texture was varied, most of our testers appreciated the sheets' high-quality feel and temperature-regulating properties.

For this specific roundup, we researched the most beloved, top-rated silk and silk alternative sheets currently on the market and tested them in the lab. We evaluated quality by inspecting the silk sheets before and after following the care instructions. We looked for loose threads, pilling, snags, and imperfections in the stitching, dye, or pattern. We also noted specifics about each sheet, including the momme and fiber content.

Next, we assessed the texture of each silk sheet, considering its thickness, breathability, softness, structure, and smoothness. At that point, we made the bed with the silk sheets, observing how snugly the fitted sheet fit over the mattress, whether there was shifting or bunching, and how it draped over the bed. We also paid special attention to the depth of the fitted sheet and any excess fabric hanging over the sides.

We then tested the sheets’ breathability by noting whether or not the sheets felt cool to the touch or warmed up over time. We also tested moisture management by placing a drop of water in the middle of the sheet to see how quickly and how much the water dispersed over the area.

To evaluate the durability of each silk sheet, we performed a spill test. We poured different liquids (including coffee, oil, and makeup foundation) over each sheet, noting how easy the stain was to remove and whether we could tell it had been stained previously. Additionally, we ran steel wool over the fabric and observed the effects, collecting and measuring the amount of fiber that came off. We also carefully followed care instructions and judged whether there were any signs of wear, imperfections, wrinkles, or shrinkage post-wash. Finally, we assessed the silk sheets’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality.

Testing Stats
Products Tested 195
Hours Spent Testing 11,500+
Tests Performed 5
Unique Testers 81

In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we conducted real-world testing to see how the silk sheets held up over time, checking in after six months for most products. We took the lab-tested sheets home to see how they performed in real-world scenarios.

We considered the quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value and noted how the sheets may have improved or enhanced our sleep quality. We also observed whether the texture of the sheets changed after multiple rounds in the wash and whether we'd recommend the products to a friend or family member. We analyzed our testing scores with our supplemental research, to compile this list of silk and silk alternative sheets we believe are the best on the market.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

When Shopping for Silk Sheets

Silk is a natural biodegradable fiber produced by silkworms that’s smooth, durable, and lustrous. It feels cool and soft on your skin, but at the same time, silk is expensive and requires high maintenance. If you’re sold on silk, these are the attributes experts suggest you consider.

Consider the Quality of the Material

Shopping for silk sheets is an investment for a great night's sleep. However, not all silk is created equal, according to Yoselin Castro, senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. “Always make sure the sheets are made out of 100 percent mulberry silk, as this is the highest quality of silk,” she says.

While shopping online, you can set the filter to only “silk” while researching a product to find high-quality picks or avoid sheets made with a blend of materials. Several options on our list are constructed from mulberry silk, including One Quince's Mulberry Silk Sheet Set (our best overall, silkpick).

Beyond mulberry silk, other types of silk will still make for a high-quality sheet. One of the most popular materials used for silk sheets is charmeuse silk. Charmeuse, which means “charmer” in French, is characterized by a weave with luster on one side and matte on the reverse. Gentle on your skin and hair, charmeuse silk is temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. However, Charmeuse is also less commonly used as a bedding material compared to mulberry silk.

Keep Silk Weight in Mind

Another important factor to consider is the density of the silk and its quality, details that are measured by a unit called "momme." In a nutshell, the higher the momme, the heavier and denser the fabric—and the better the quality.

Midweight silk ranges between 20 and 28 momme, and anything above that is considered heavyweight and of superior quality. “I recommend handmade 22 momme Grade 6A mulberry silk if you can afford it,” says Nina Edwards Anker, founder of Nea Studio.

Most of the silk sheets on this list have a weight of 22 momme, including our best splurge pick, the Colorado Home Co. Mulberry Silk Bed Sheets Set. However, momme isn’t the only factor that contributes to quality. In fact, our best lightweightoption, the Lilysilk Seamless Silk Sheets Set falls slightly below that at 19 momme and offers a top-notch performance.

Understand Bedding Alternatives to Silk

The traditional way of making silk is to capture the unbroken silk filament from silkworms still inside their cocoons. However, there are cruelty-free alternatives, such as peace silk or ahimsa silk, where moths emerge from the cocoons, then the filaments are harvested. Another option is wild silk harvested from open forests.

For vegans or shoppers who prefer plant-based products, alternatives to silk can come in the form of bamboo- or eucalyptus-derived sheets. When it comes to selecting plant-based silk alternatives, Edwards Anker, notes: “Bamboo sheets can feel brittle in comparison to cotton or silk. I would recommend 100% Tencel Lyocell.” That being said, some nice bamboo sheet options have passed our lab and at-home tests, too. We especially like the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set (our best bamboo alternative).

In addition to bamboo, eucalyptus, and Egyptian cotton sheet fibers, certain weaves can mimic the buttery-smooth texture, soft drape, and lustrous finish of silk sheets. Both satin and sateen weaves can mimic the texture of—and often come at a lower price than—pure silk. The Lanest Housing Satin Sheets (our best overall, satin pick), are made from a blend of cotton and bamboo and offer a soft and light texture. We also highly recommend ourbest sateen pick, the Brielle Home Sateen Sheet Set, which is a lustrous and lightweight option made from Tencel Lyocell.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab and real-world tests.

Our Experts: