Pillowcases are like finishing touches to your bedroom; choosing the right pillowcase can make the whole difference in how your bedroom is going to look and feel at the end.
Without a pillowcase, you will be exposing your pillows to unwanted dust, dirt, and facial oils, which ultimately results in your pillows starting to look dirty and smelly all the time.
As humans we sometimes want to just hug our pillows and feel relaxed while waiting for our senses to go to sleep. But everyone has a different perspective and what might suit someone else might not be the perfect solution for you.
This is why we have come up with a list of different types of pillowcases that you can buy for yourself that suit both your requirements and your budget while still being an inclusive part of the overall decor of your bedroom.
Types of Pillowcases
Below, we have listed every single type of pillowcase that you can find both online and offline based on the type and fabric used in its manufacturing.
1. Housewife Pillowcase
Starting our list with the most common pillowcases that you are going to find in almost every domicile.
These are the standard cases that are manufactured to snugly cover the entire pillow so as to avoid creasing.
This is the most generic type of pillowcase, meaning it also comes at an affordable price point.
These pillowcases have one open side and one closed side, which makes it possible for you to insert the pillow.
The inner fabric of the open end secures your pillow in the right place so it does not come out from the case.
2. Bag Style Pillowcase
There are a variety of oxford pillowcases available in the market, each having its own unique features and benefits. Anything that has “Oxford” in it at the beginning is surely going to be fancy; the same goes for Oxford pillowcases.
These pillowcases have borders on all edges, and the border is usually two inches wide. Most people use Oxford pillowcases as decorative pieces in their bedrooms.
On the other hand, high-class individuals tend to prefer using them like regular pillowcases.
Apart from their eye-catching design, these pillowcases are also pretty durable and made to last long. As a result, if you want to invest in good quality pillowcases, you should go for Oxford-style pillowcases.
Keep in mind Oxford pillowcases are made from 100% Egyptian cotton, so they are soft to the touch and look great with any bedding ensemble.
3. Oxford Pillowcase
There are a variety of oxford pillowcases available in the market, each having its own unique features and benefits. Anything that has “Oxford” in it at the beginning is surely going to be fancy; the same goes for Oxford pillowcases.
These pillowcases have borders on all edges, and the border is usually two inches wide. Most people use Oxford pillowcases as decorative pieces in their bedrooms.
On the other hand, high-class individuals tend to prefer using them like regular pillowcases.
Apart from their eye-catching design, these pillowcases are also pretty durable and made to last long. As a result, if you want to invest in good quality pillowcases, you should go for Oxford-style pillowcases.
Keep in mind Oxford pillowcases are made from 100% Egyptian cotton, so they are soft to the touch and look great with any bedding ensemble.
4. Cotton Pillowcase
Now that we have moved from the type to the fabrics, let’s start with the cotton-based pillowcases.
These ones are quite popular as they are both durable and soft. Likewise, they are breathable as well, meaning when you are sleeping on them on a hot summer night, your head isn’t going to sweat.
Lots of people do find cotton pillowcases to be luxurious and easy to care for, but when you are looking for luxurious cotton pillowcases, you will have to pay a little extra in comparison to other fabrics.
Cotton pillowcases come in every color and size, and before you go with cotton pillowcases, you need to remember that cotton is prone to wrinkling, so you have to be careful with it when it comes to washing them.
The best way to prevent wrinkling of your pillowcases is by selecting the ones that are machine washable and dryer safe.
5. Polyester Pillowcase
Polyester is the fabric that keeps dust mites away from camping in your bed. Polyester comes as the most affordable and wrinkle-resistant fabric when compared with cotton, silk, and even bamboo.
Polyester is known to be synthetic fabric, it can be woven into microfibers or spun in such a way during manufacturing that mimics the feel of cotton or silk.
One of the downsides of using a polyester-based pillowcase is that it will heat up during the night by absorbing your body heat.
It can be beneficial for people who are living in cold regions, but for the most part, it will be a cause of trouble and sleepless nights.
Besides this, bedding experts also say polyester is prone to pilling and static adhesion problems.
Just like cotton, polyester is also available in every color and size. It could be much more affordable than cotton and other materials while still making you feel cozy.
Polyester is also hypoallergenic in nature, so it automatically becomes an excellent choice for people who are suffering from any form of skin allergies.
6. Satin Pillowcase
If you are someone who wants to have a cool fabric against your skin at night, then satin pillowcases are the best choice for you.
Satin pillowcases are made using the same polyester fabric from which polyester pillowcases are made, but the process of manufacturing it makes all the difference and makes it feel like silk.
Furthermore, satin pillowcases are known to be beneficial for hair and skin as they can smooth out your frizzy hair and reduce the presence of fine lines along with wrinkles on your face.
Satin also consists of materials like rayon, polyester, or even nylon. The defining factor of satin is its weave, which uses four or more threads over one thread in a pattern; all of this leads to smooth and shiny fabric mimicking silk.
7. Silk Pillowcase
The qualities of silk pillowcases can soothe your skin, keep you cool at night, and make your hair look and feel healthy. Silk fabric has a host of benefits that can leave you feeling refreshed every morning.
Silk isn’t as porous as cotton or linen, making your hair retain moisture while you are sleeping. In addition to this, hydrated hair looks shinier and bouncier; at the same time, they are less prone to breakage.
Silk pillowcases reduce friction during your sleep, so you will have minimum frizzy hair and a curbing bed head, which preserves your blowout.
With close examination under a microscope, we can see that fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and satin have lots of texture. But that’s not the case with silk; it is sold entirely on the basics of its smoothness.
8. Bamboo Pillowcase
Bamboo is one of the unique fabrics that combines the best of every fabric in one place.
It is hypoallergenic in nature and non-irritating. As a result, it keeps the bacteria off your skin at night.
The soothing properties of bamboo allow people with sensitive skin to sleep well at night.
Your body should be cool at night in order for it to not lose hydration; with bamboo fiber, you get to regulate your body temperature automatically, and thus, you won’t be sweating throughout the night.
Bamboo pillowcases have anti-aging properties as it has the lowest level of friction in comparison to all the other fabrics.
How to Choose the Right Pillowcase?
People usually put a lot of thought into the pillows that they are going to buy, but they pay too little attention to pillowcases. In truth, pillowcases are the point of contact for your head. In addition to this, by choosing the right pillowcases you will also extend your pillow’s life.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when selecting the type of pillowcase for your bedroom.
1. Fabric
One of the first things to consider when buying a pillowcase or any other bedding material is fabric. Materials will help you determine how long your pillowcases are going to stick around, in addition to affecting your comfort.
If you do not have any preferred choice, then go with the maximum softness and coziness; these types of pillowcases usually last long, and you only get to change them once you get bored of them. Try to find pillowcases that are made from natural fabric because they are manufactured to last a while.
2. Size
After the fabric is decided, the next thing to consider is the size of your pillowcases. You might be thinking going with the exact size of the pillows is the right thing to do. Some pillows require larger size pillowcases especially the ones that are made from latex, memory foam, and bamboo.
They might have regular measurements, but they require larger pillowcases, which provides them with a better fit while also allowing space for the fabric to breathe. So, it's always a good option to have pillowcases that are a bit bigger than your pillows in the first place.
3. Thread count
You might have heard the phrase “thread count.” It is a way to measure the number of threads in one square centimeter or an inch of fabric, both in terms of length and width. You count the number of threads in one square centimetre up and across, then add them together to get the thread count.
Thread count is there to show you the quality of the fabric, meaning the higher the thread count the better the quality of your pillowcases. A thread count above or near 400 is exceptionally durable, soft, and silky smooth.
Note: Thread count numbers can be inflated by manufacturers. As a result, always buy your pillowcases from a reputable retailer or brand to get your money’s worth.
4. Finish
Lastly, pay attention to the final look of your pillowcase; a cheap fabric will always have poor stitching, which will fall apart quickly.
Wrapping Up
Pillowcases are crucial for better sleep; at the same time, they are also important to keep your pillows safe from dust and other harmful spillage. Now that you have known all the different types of pillowcases, it is time for you to make your decision and get the one that you feel is the right choice for you.
Let us know which is your favorite type of pillowcase in the comment section.