Silk vs Cooling Sheets: Price, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Silk sheets naturally regulate temperature year-round, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, while cooling sheets focus specifically on heat dissipation for hot sleepers.

• Price ranges vary significantly: luxury silk sheets like Mayfairsilk's start at £233 and go up to £1200, while cooling sheets typically range from £15 to £470+, depending on material and quality.

• Silk offers hypoallergenic, skin-friendly properties that reduce friction on hair and skin, whereas cooling sheets prioritise moisture-wicking without the same beauty benefits.

• Mayfairsilk's British-owned and designed collection features premium Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22 momme for sheets and 25 momme for pillowcases, combining luxury with sustainable craftsmanship.

Understanding Silk Sheets

Silk sheets represent the pinnacle of bedding luxury, crafted from natural silk fibres produced by the mulberry silkworm. The finest quality silk, known as Grade 6A Mulberry silk, creates sheets with an unmistakably smooth, lustrous feel that transforms your entire sleep experience.

Silk's Temperature Regulation

The natural protein structure of silk fibres creates tiny pockets of air that provide insulation when it's cool, yet allow heat to escape when temperatures rise. This breathability means you're not choosing between staying cool or staying warm, as silk does both naturally.

Silk's moisture-wicking properties differ from those of synthetic fabrics. Rather than absorbing perspiration, silk's hydrophobic nature repels moisture away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly. This keeps you dry and comfortable, preventing the bacterial growth and odours that can develop in moisture-retaining fabrics.

Beauty Benefits

The smooth surface of silk creates minimal friction against your skin and hair as you move during sleep. This gentleness helps reduce the appearance of sleep lines and prevents hair breakage, tangles, and frizz. 

For people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, silk's hypoallergenic properties provide relief without irritation.

Price Range & Care Considerations

Quality silk sheets reflect the craftsmanship and premium materials that go into their production. Prices typically range from £233 to around £1,200 for exceptional-quality pieces. Mayfairsilk's sheets, crafted from Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22 momme weight, represent a solid investment in both luxury and longevity.

Caring for silk requires a gentler approach than standard bedding. Hand washing or using a delicate machine cycle with silk-specific detergents preserves the fibres' integrity. With proper care, quality silk sheets last 2–4 years with regular use, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.

Mayfairsilk: Luxurious Slumber in Matte Silk As Featured in Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar & Vanity Fair Experience True Silk Luxury: Silk Pillowcases · 25 Momme: Transform your beauty sleep with our signature pillowcases that help reduce friction on hair and skin while regulating temperature throughout the night. Silk Sheets · 22 Momme: Envelop yourself in the ultimate bedding experience with our thermoregulating complete sets, crafted from lustrous Grade 6A Mulberry silk with an exquisite matte finish. Exclusive Limited Edition Prints: Elevate your bedroom aesthetic with our designer patterns, created in small batches for those who appreciate distinctive luxury. The Mayfairsilk Difference: ✓ Grade 6A Mulberry silk (the highest quality available) ✓ Thicker, more durable weave (22–25 Momme vs. standard 19) ✓ Natural thermoregulation for year-round comfort ✓ British owned and designed ✓ UK-based warehouse for fast, reliable delivery ✓ 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases Luxury Without Compromise: Free Next-Day Delivery on orders over £50 to the UK and €180/$180 to the EU/US. All taxes and duties calculated upfront—no surprise charges. Discover Mayfairsilk Today →

Understanding Cooling Sheets

Cooling sheets are purpose-built to address one primary concern: keeping hot sleepers comfortable throughout the night. These sheets use various materials and technologies to maximise airflow and pull heat away from your body.

Materials & Performance

The cooling sheets category encompasses several fabric types. Bamboo viscose offers soft, breathable fabric with natural moisture-wicking properties. Percale cotton features a crisp, cool-to-the-touch weave with excellent breathability. Microfibre blends use engineered synthetic fibres to enhance airflow, while advanced synthetic fabrics incorporate cooling technologies such as phase-change materials.

Cooling sheets excel at moving heat and moisture away from your body, particularly beneficial during warm weather. However, performance varies considerably across different materials and prices. Bamboo and linen options provide a more natural hand feel, where synthetic options may feel less luxurious despite their cooling capabilities.

Price Range & Care Considerations

Cooling sheets offer a broader price spectrum than silk, starting around £15 and exceeding £470 for premium options. Most cooling sheets are straightforward to care for; they are machine-washable and tumble-dry-friendly. This convenience appeals to those who prefer low-maintenance bedding, though quality and longevity often come at a higher price.

Silk vs Cooling Sheets: Weighing the Pros & Cons

Silk sheets offer superior benefits, including temperature control, beauty advantages, and long-lasting durability.

Advantages of Silk Sheets

• Luxuriously soft texture that feels indulgent against your skin.

• Year-round temperature regulation that adapts to seasonal changes naturally.

• Moisture-wicking properties with antimicrobial benefits keep bedding fresh.

• Gentle on sensitive skin and reduces hair breakage and frizz.

• Hypoallergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers.

• Sustainable & biodegradable natural fibre with eco-friendly production.

• Long-lasting durability (2–4 years with regular use).

Disadvantages of Silk Sheets

• Higher initial investment compared to standard bedding.

• Requires delicate care, such as hand washing or gentle cycles.

• It may feel slippery on some mattresses without proper anchoring.

Advantages of Cooling Sheets

• Effective cooling designed explicitly for hot sleepers.

• More affordable entry points across various budgets.

• Easy care with machine washing and tumble drying.

• A wide variety of fabric types are available.

Disadvantages of Cooling Sheets

• Often, they are less durable than quality silk sheets.

• Variable quality, with some fabrics feeling synthetic.

• Benefits vary significantly depending on the material composition.

• Seasonal limitation, as many are optimised only for warm weather.

• No beauty benefits for skin or hair like silk provides.

Silk vs Cooling Sheets: Comparison Table

*Note: The price ranges mentioned above are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations. Costs may vary based on factors such as pricing policies, the provider's experience, and evolving market conditions.

Mayfairsilk: Silk that Delivers the Complete Sleep Experience

Experience the perfect balance of luxury and wellness with Mayfairsilk's Grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding.

With our products, you do not need to choose between function and luxury. As a British-owned and designed brand, we have built our reputation on delivering exceptional silk bedding that combines elegance with genuine sleep benefits.

At Mayfairsilk, our commitment starts with sourcing only Grade 6A Mulberry silk, the highest quality available. Our sheets feature a substantial 22 momme weight, and our pillowcases are crafted at an even more luxurious 25 momme.

Our collection includes everything you need to transform your bedroom: fitted sheets and flat sheets, pillowcases in classic and Oxford styles, duvet covers, eye masks, scrunchies, and cushion covers. Beautiful gift sets pair pillowcases with eye masks, perfect for introducing someone special to the silk difference.

In addition to comfort, our bedding supports your skin and hair while you sleep. The smooth surface minimises friction, helping reduce sleep lines and preventing hair breakage. The natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties create an optimal sleep environment, while the hypoallergenic nature suits even the most sensitive skin. All our products are OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring they're free from harsh chemicals.

Sustainability matters to us, and our production practices prioritise eco-friendly methods, using natural, biodegradable silk that's kind to the planet. Unlike synthetic cooling fabrics, Mayfairsilk's mulberry silk is renewable and sustainable, produced in accordance with ethical practices.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are silk sheets actually cooler than cooling sheets?

Silk sheets regulate temperature naturally rather than simply cooling. They keep you cool when it's warm and provide gentle warmth when it's cool, making them suitable year-round. Cooling sheets are engineered to dissipate heat, which works brilliantly in summer but may feel too cool during winter. If you want bedding that adapts to every season, silk is the better choice.

Can I machine-wash silk sheets, or do they require hand-washing?

You can machine-wash silk sheets on a gentle cycle using cold water and a silk-specific detergent. Place them in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, and always air dry away from direct sunlight. While hand washing is gentlest, modern silk sheets are designed to withstand careful machine washing. Cooling sheets are more convenient because they are fully machine-washable and tumble-dry safe.

Do silk sheets help with night sweats as much as cooling sheets?

Silk's moisture-wicking properties make it exceptional for managing night sweats. Rather than absorbing moisture like cotton, silk repels it away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly. This keeps you dry and prevents bacterial growth. Cooling sheets also wick moisture but focus primarily on heat dissipation. For night sweats, silk addresses both temperature and moisture management naturally.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk over other silk or cooling sheet brands?

Mayfairsilk stands apart through its commitment to exceptional quality and sustainable practices. Using only Grade 6A Mulberry silk at 22 momme for sheets and 25 momme for pillowcases, this British-owned, British-designed brand delivers genuine luxury that lasts. 

Their OEKO-TEX®-certified bedding is hypoallergenic and chemical-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The collection includes fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, eye masks, and scrunchies, everything crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Mayfairsilk's eco-friendly production practices mean you're choosing bedding that's kind to both you and the planet.