How are silk and cotton different?

Here at Silk Harmony we often get asked how silk is different from cotton. We love these questions because we never tire of touting the benefits of silk. Of course, silk sheets and pillowcases feel absolutely amazing. Sleeping on silk also known to reduce sleep wrinkles, minimise bed head, and regulate body temperature. But there's quite a bit more to the story of silk and how it outperforms cotton.

Cotton is a popular fabric for bed linens of all types. However, when compared to silk, there are some essential differences that give silk a distinct advantage. Silk fabric is gentle on hair and skin, which gently glide across pillowcases and sheets. In contrast, cotton can pull and tug on delicate hair and skin, which contributes to bed head and sleep wrinkles. Silk is a protein-based fiber and is naturally moisturising; plant-based cotton is absorbent and can dry out hair and skin. Silk is moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating; when cotton gets wet, it stays that way. Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and resistant to mold and mites. Finally, nothing on earth compares to the luxurious feeling of sleeping on silk sheets.

Silk is a Protein-Based Fiber

Silk's unique properties come from the structure of its fibers. Silk fibers are coated with a layer of a protein known as fibroin, which is a natural moisturiser; in fact, fibroin is often used to make hair and skin products. Additionally, fibroin is anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Silk fibers also have a hollow center which helps in the regulation of body temperature during cool and warm conditions.

Silk is Better for Hair than Cotton

Silk is a protein-based, natural moisturiser that acts as a conditioner for hair. Cotton, however, is known for being absorbent. In fact, cotton pillowcases can act as a reverse conditioner, especially on coarse, curly, or wiry hair. Think about all the time, effort, and money you spend to nourish and condition your hair, only to have it undone overnight by your cotton pillowcase. Along with acting as a natural moisturiser, silk is practically free of friction; this means hair gently glides across a silk surface. Cotton pillowcases can snag tender tresses, and leave you with tangles and bed-head. Silk is also a better choice for anyone experiencing hair loss; it won't dry out or damage fragile regrowth.

Silk is Gentler on Skin than Cotton 

As we noted above, cotton is by nature very drying. It can undo the good work of even the priciest facial moisturiser. In contrast, silk is protein-based and can help your skin retain its natural moisture. Silk also reduces friction on delicate facial skin, which can minimize the occurrence of sleep creases and wrinkles. At the same time, silk is hypoallergenic and non-irritating, which means it's gentle on sensitive and even acne-prone skin.

 Silk Feels Great While Being Safe, Natural and Hypoallergenic 

We say it all the time: nothing else feels like sleeping on silk, it's the very definition of indulgence and luxury. At the same time, silk is naturally non-irritating; resistant to mold and mites; and hypoallergenic. Also, as a protein-based fiber, silk does not burn in the same way as cotton; it gives out far less smoke and can even be self-extinguishing.

Silk Harmony silk are Certified as Environmentally Friendly

Silk Harmony  uses only environmentally friendly dyes, and all products are The Oeko-Tex® certified to be free of chemicals. The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 was developed by European textile institutes committed to finding a way to reduce our environmental footprint. The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 is a global testing and accreditation program that successfully sets the standards for the screening of harmful substances in consumer textiles. Textiles can only be certified if all components meet the requirements submitted. All Silk Harmony products are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified and have been tested and guaranteed to be free of all harmful substances, including toxins and irritants. This ensures that the silk products that you bring into your home are safe, natural and healthy.