Silk vs Eucalyptus Sheets: Differences, Cost & Benefits Compared

Key Takeaways

• Silk sheets offer unparalleled softness and luxury with natural temperature regulation, keeping you comfortable year-round whilst being exceptionally gentle on skin and hair.

• Eucalyptus sheets provide excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for hot sleepers who prioritise cooling comfort.

• Silk production is remarkably sustainable, with Mayfairsilk using 100% Grade 6A long-fibre Mulberry silk sourced from rain-fed trees that require no pesticides.

• Eucalyptus sheets are more budget-friendly at £100–£200, whilst silk sheets start around £200 for premium sets.

• Mayfairsilk, a British-owned and designed brand, creates Grade 6A Mulberry silk sheets and pillowcases in 22–25 momme, blending natural thermoregulation, exclusive prints, and biodegradable materials for a truly luxurious sleep experience.

Why Your Bedding Choice Matters

Your sheets are your nightly companion for roughly eight hours. The material touching your skin throughout the night influences how well you rest, how you feel when you wake up, and even how your skin and hair look in the morning. 

Both silk and eucalyptus sheets represent a step up from standard cotton bedding, but they take very different approaches to luxury and comfort. Let's explore what makes each unique.

Material Origins & Texture

Silk

Silk begins with silkworms, specifically Mulberry silkworms that feed exclusively on mulberry leaves. This controlled diet produces long, uniform fibres that create silk's signature smoothness and subtle lustre. 

The result is a lightweight yet remarkably strong fabric that feels luxurious against your skin.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus sheets are made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees using an eco-friendly closed-loop process.

Eucalyptus sheets are crafted from Tencel lyocell fibres extracted from fast-growing eucalyptus trees. The trees are harvested sustainably, with new growth sprouting from existing root systems, and the manufacturing uses a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. 

The fabric structure creates an open weave that enhances breathability, making these sheets particularly appealing for warm climates.

Temperature Regulation & Moisture Management

How Silk Keeps You Comfortable

Silk acts like a natural thermostat for your bed. Its unique protein structure adapts to your body temperature, keeping you cool when it's warm and cosy when it's chilly. It also wicks perspiration away from your skin without absorbing it into the fabric. 

You stay dry and comfortable throughout the night, and your sheets don't become damp, creating an optimal sleep environment.

Eucalyptus's Cooling Power

Eucalyptus sheets excel at breathability. The open fibre structure allows air to circulate freely, creating a cooling effect. The moisture-wicking capabilities are excellent, as the fabric pulls moisture away efficiently. 

However, unlike silk's ability to disperse moisture without absorption, eucalyptus fibres do absorb some moisture, which can occasionally feel slightly damp on humid nights.

Skin & Hair Benefits

Silk's Gentle Touch

The smooth surface of silk creates minimal friction as you move during sleep. This gentle gliding action helps reduce hair breakage, prevents frizz, and minimises sleep lines on your face. Many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases specifically for these benefits. 

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, resisting dust mites, mould, and other allergens. For people with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, this makes silk sheets particularly beneficial.

Eucalyptus for Sensitive Skin

Eucalyptus sheets are also hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria and dust mites. The breathable nature helps prevent the warm, moist environment where allergens thrive. However, whilst soft, eucalyptus doesn't offer the same friction-reducing benefits as silk. 

It's gentle for most skin types but may not provide the same protective benefits for hair or dramatic reduction in facial creasing.

Durability & Care Requirements

Caring for Silk Sheets

Quality silk sheets from Mayfairsilk are durable and long-lasting when properly cared for, typically lasting a few years with daily use and regular washing. Silk requires delicate machine cycles or hand washing with mild detergents, followed by air drying to preserve the fibres' strength and sheen.

Whilst more involved than standard washing, many silk owners find it becomes second nature. Proper care reduces frequent replacements, which is better for both your wallet and the environment.

Low-Maintenance Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus sheets are easier to care for. They're machine washable and can handle tumble drying on low heat, making them convenient for busy households. The fibres maintain their softness through regular laundering without special handling.

Environmental & Sustainability Considerations

Silk is one of the most sustainable fabric materials due to its eco-friendly production methods.

Silk's Remarkable Eco-Credentials

Silk stands out as one of the most sustainable fabrics available. The Mulberry trees used in silk production are rain-fed, requiring no irrigation, pesticides, or chemical fertilisers. 

These trees actively absorb carbon from the atmosphere, giving silk a naturally low carbon footprint. When silk products do reach the end of life, they biodegrade cleanly.

Eucalyptus Production Methods

Eucalyptus sheets are produced using sustainable forestry practices and a closed-loop manufacturing system that recycles up to 99% of water and solvents. The trees grow quickly without pesticides, and harvesting allows regrowth from existing root systems.

Price Comparison

Premium Mulberry silk bedding represents a significant investment, with quality silk sheet sets typically ranging from £200 to over £1,200, depending on momme weight, size, and brand. At Mayfairsilk, our collections, featuring superior grade 6A silk at 22 and 25 momme, sit in the luxury segment because of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Eucalyptus sheets offer a luxury feel at more affordable prices, typically ranging from £100 to £200 for a complete set. This makes them attractive for those wanting to upgrade from standard cotton without the investment silk requires.

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.

Silk vs Eucalyptus: Comparison Table

Why Should You Get Your Silk Sheets From Mayfairsilk

Mayfairsilk offers premium grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding with free next-day delivery and a 30-night sleep guarantee.

When you're ready to invest in genuinely luxurious bedding, Mayfairsilk offers something special. 

Every piece is crafted from pure grade 6A Mulberry silk, which is the highest quality available. Our sheets at 22 momme and pillowcases at 25 momme are noticeably thicker and more durable than standard silk products made with 19 momme. Most importantly, every Mayfairsilk product is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, guaranteeing chemical-free production that’s safe for sensitive skin.

As a British-owned and designed brand, we have built our reputation on excellence, earning features in publications like Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. Our product range covers everything you need: signature pillowcases that reduce friction on hair and skin, silk bed sheet sets that envelop you in thermoregulating luxury, and exclusive limited-edition prints that add personality while delivering all the benefits of premium Mulberry silk.

We make luxury accessible with free next-day delivery on selected UK orders, with all taxes and duties calculated upfront. Our 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases lets you experience the difference risk-free.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are silk sheets worth the higher investment compared to eucalyptus?

Silk sheets are worth considering if you value beauty benefits such as reduced hair breakage, fewer sleep lines, and gentle care for sensitive skin. They’re ideal if you want year-round temperature regulation and a luxurious aesthetic.

How do I care for silk sheets to make them last?

Use a delicate machine cycle or hand wash with a mild, pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for silk. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and fabric softeners. Air dry your sheets away from direct sunlight. With proper care, quality silk sheets can last for several years, even with daily use.

Can eucalyptus sheets help with night sweats?

Yes, eucalyptus sheets are excellent for managing night sweats thanks to their breathable structure and moisture-wicking properties. However, silk sheets also address night sweats effectively through natural temperature regulation and moisture control, while offering added skin and hair benefits.

Do silk sheets feel hot in summer?

Not at all. Despite common misconceptions, silk sheets are ideal for warm weather. The natural fibres regulate temperature by adapting to your body heat, keeping you cool when it’s warm and cosy when it’s cold. Silk also wicks away moisture without absorbing it, preventing that sticky feeling.

What makes Mayfairsilk different from other silk bedding brands?

Mayfairsilk stands out for its exceptional quality, using only Grade 6A long-fibre Mulberry silk at 22 momme for sheets and 25 momme for pillowcases—thicker and more durable than standard silk. 

As a British-owned and designed brand, we’ve been recognised by Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair. Our range includes pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers, and exclusive limited-edition prints. We also offer a 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases, free next-day delivery on UK orders over £50, and transparent pricing with no hidden charges.