Silk vs Jersey Knit Sheets: Cost, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, while wicking moisture to keep you more comfortable during sleep.

• Silk’s smooth, frictionless surface is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, helping reduce hair breakage, frizz, and irritation. High-quality silk sheets in the UK range from £275 to over £1,000, with premium duvet sets from £689 to £1,125.

• Jersey knit sheets offer cosy, stretchy softness and gradually soften further with each wash for lasting comfort.

• Jersey is easy to care for, affordable for everyday use, and provides practical, relaxed bedding at UK prices starting around £20.

• Mayfairsilk delivers premium Mulberry silk bedding and accessories designed in London, combining luxury, durability, and wellness benefits to enhance your sleep experience.

What Makes Silk & Jersey Knit Sheets Different?

Silk and jersey knit sheets sit at opposite ends of the bedding spectrum. Silk, made from natural silkworm fibres, is smooth, lustrous, and naturally temperature-regulating, offering a cool, elegant feel. It is also hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, draping gracefully over the body with a distinctive sheen. Jersey knit, created by looping threads together rather than weaving, is soft, stretchy, and cosy, quickly warming to body temperature for a lived-in comfort.

The differences extend to durability and environmental impact. Silk is naturally more sustainable than jersey knit alternatives, as it is biodegradable and produced through eco-friendly methods. Jersey knit's environmental impact varies significantly depending on whether synthetic or natural fibres are used, with synthetic options being particularly resource-intensive.

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 →

Silk Sheets: Luxury, Benefits & Considerations

Silk sheets have long symbolised luxury, dating back to ancient China, where the secrets of silk production were closely guarded. Today, silk remains one of the most coveted bedding materials, admired for its smoothness, natural sheen, and elegant drape. Sleeping on silk gives a tactile experience associated with comfort, indulgence, and timeless sophistication.

Silk sheets provide a smooth, frictionless surface that helps reduce hair breakage and skin irritation.

How Silk Sheets Are Made

Silk comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm, which spins a cocoon of continuous fibres. These filaments are carefully harvested before the moth emerges, then twisted into thread and woven into fabric. Quality silk sheets are measured in momme weight, typically 19–25 momme for bedding, with mulberry silk in a charmeuse weave considered the gold standard. This labour-intensive process contributes to silk’s premium price and luxurious feel.

The True Cost of Silk Bedding

Silk sheets in the UK typically cost between £275 and over £1,000, with prices influenced by factors like fabric quality, momme weight, and the brand. Full silk duvet sets from premium brands often range from around £689 to £1,125, reflecting the high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and the luxurious comfort that silk offers. 

Cheaper alternatives marketed as “silk” are often synthetic satin or silk blends that lack the smoothness, durability, and skin‑friendly properties of genuine silk. Over time, the cost-per-use of high-quality silk may offer better value than lower-priced options.

Benefits of Sleeping on Silk Sheets

Sleeping on silk gives a range of benefits that enhance comfort and promote better sleep. Its natural temperature-regulating properties help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, creating an ideal sleep environment year-round. Silk is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, reducing irritation and helping maintain skin health. 

The smooth surface minimises friction, which can prevent hair breakage, frizz, and bedhead. Silk also absorbs minimal facial creams and oils, allowing skincare products to work effectively overnight. Additionally, it is naturally resistant to dust mites, mould, and mildew, contributing to a cleaner and healthier sleeping space.

Considerations Before Buying Silk Sheets

Before investing in silk sheets, there are multiple considerations to keep in mind. The premium price may be out of reach for some budgets, and maintaining their quality requires delicate washing and careful handling. 

Silk’s smooth, cool surface may not appeal to those who prefer a heavier, cosier feel, and the fabric can be more prone to damage from rough handling, sharp objects, or certain skincare products.

Jersey Knit Sheets: The T-Shirt-Soft Alternative

If silk represents luxury and elegance, jersey knit sheets offer casual comfort and accessibility. They provide a lived-in softness that makes bedtime instantly relaxing, cosy, and approachable.

What Is Jersey Knit?

Jersey knit is a fabric-making technique in which threads are looped together in a continuous process, creating natural stretch, softness, and breathability. Most sheets are made from cotton or cotton blends, and the knit construction forms tiny air pockets that enhance comfort. Initially developed for underwear and sportswear, jersey’s forgiving texture and casual drape make it ideal for relaxed, everyday bedding.

Jersey knit fabric stretches naturally, making it easy to fit various mattress depths.

The True Cost of Jersey Sheets

In the UK, the cost of jersey knit sheets can vary significantly. Basic fitted sheets are available from £20, making them an affordable option for everyday use. Jersey sheets arrive soft, soften further with washing, and are low-maintenance, standing up well to regular machine washing and drying. Their practical durability makes them suitable for households with children, pets, or frequent guests.

Benefits of Sleeping on Jersey Knit Sheets

Jersey knit sheets offer immediate, T-shirt-like softness and a stretchy fit that accommodates mattresses of various depths. They are affordable, making it easy to own multiple sets or rotate them seasonally. Their low-maintenance care, with standard washing and drying, adds to their practicality, while the comfortable, casual feel makes them ideal for everyday use.

Considerations Before Buying Jersey Knit Sheets

Jersey sheets can pill over time as fibres loosen, creating small fabric balls that affect smoothness. Lower-quality sets show this wear sooner, and even high-quality sheets may eventually develop pilling after repeated washes. 

Jersey’s stretchy nature can also cause sheets to lose shape slightly over time, and the casual, relaxed feel may not appeal to those who prefer crisp, structured bedding. Additionally, lighter-coloured sets may show stains more easily, and darker colours can fade after frequent washing.

Choosing the Right Sheets: Durability, Comfort & Sleep Style

Choosing the right sheets involves more than just picking a colour or pattern; it’s about understanding how different fabrics perform over time, how they feel against your skin, and how they support a comfortable night’s sleep. 

Silk and jersey knit each offer unique advantages, ranging from durability and maintenance to temperature regulation and skin-friendliness. By exploring how these fabrics differ in wear patterns, care needs, and sleep benefits, you can make an informed decision that balances luxury, comfort, and long-term value for your personal sleep style.

Durability & Lifespan

When investing in bedding, understanding durability helps gauge actual value. Silk and jersey knit differently, with silk often offering longer-lasting performance when correctly cared for. 

Its natural strength, smoothness, and resilience give it an edge in longevity, while jersey knit tends to show wear sooner through pilling, reduced stretch, or visible snags. Material quality is key; higher momme silk provides exceptional durability, while long-staple cotton jerseys resist pilling better than lower-quality alternatives.

Beyond its longevity, silk is also more environmentally sustainable than cotton or synthetic alternatives, requiring less water and fewer chemicals in production.

Care Tips to Extend Lifespan

Proper care extends the life of both fabrics. Silk benefits from gentle detergents, avoiding excessive heat, and careful handling, while jersey should be washed inside-out in cold water and dried on low heat to minimise wear. 

Rotating among multiple sets further preserves longevity, particularly for silk, which is most stressed during laundering rather than daily use.

Sleep Comfort & Temperature

Silk’s smooth surface, natural temperature regulation, and hypoallergenic properties often make it the preferred choice for many sleepers. Hot sleepers enjoy silk’s cooling touch and moisture-wicking benefits, while cold sleepers may appreciate jersey’s warmth. That said, silk still provides gentle, adaptive comfort year-round, especially when layered.

Sensitive Skin Benefits

For those with sensitive skin, silk’s frictionless surface reduces irritation and helps maintain skin and hair health. Jersey knit, particularly in 100% cotton, is soft and breathable, helping prevent heat rash or moisture irritation, but silk’s exceptional smoothness and hypoallergenic qualities make it especially beneficial for sensitive skin.

Silk vs Jersey Knit Sheets: Comparison Table

Mayfairsilk: Enhance Your Sleep Experience

At Mayfairsilk, we present a carefully curated collection of silk bedding and lifestyle accessories, British-owned and designed with timeless style and meticulous craftsmanship. Every product is made from the finest Mulberry silk, combining luxury, comfort, and durability to transform your nightly routine into a truly indulgent experience. 

Each piece is thoughtfully created to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your bedroom, providing a smooth, silky touch that soothes the skin and promotes restful sleep. Beyond its luxurious feel, we also focus on wellness, with silk’s natural thermoregulating and hypoallergenic properties supporting skin and hair health. 

Mulberry silk sheets provide natural temperature regulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Premium Quality Silk: Our 22 momme silk sheets and 25 momme pillowcases provide unmatched smoothness, strength, and durability for a luxurious sleep experience.

• Luxurious Bedding Sets: Includes fitted and flat sheets, duvet sets, and pillowcases crafted for comfort, elegance, and long-lasting performance.

• Silk Accessories: Eye masks, scrunchies, cushion covers, and other silk items enhance everyday routines with a touch of sophistication.

• Thermoregulating Comfort: Natural properties keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, promoting restful sleep year-round.

• Gentle on Skin and Hair: Silk’s smooth, hypoallergenic surface reduces friction, helping to prevent hair breakage, frizz, and skin irritation.

• Sustainable Sourcing: Responsibly produced silk reflects our commitment to eco-friendly practices without compromising quality or luxury.

• Safety and Purity: Every item is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals and dyes for worry-free luxury.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are silk sheets worth the high price tag?

Silk sheets can justify their premium cost through superior comfort, skin and hair benefits, and long-term durability. Quality silk often outlasts multiple sets of cheaper alternatives, offering better cost-per-use. 

Its temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and hair-friendly properties provide benefits that synthetic fabrics cannot fully replicate. However, silk is a luxury purchase, and comfortable alternatives exist for those on a tighter budget.

Do jersey knit sheets pill over time?

Yes, pilling is common with jersey knit sheets, though quality makes a difference. Long-staple cotton resists pilling better than shorter fibres or polyester blends. To minimise pilling, wash sheets inside out in cold water, avoid fabric softeners, and remove them promptly from the dryer. Minor pilling is normal, but a fabric shaver can refresh the appearance.

Can silk sheets help with hair breakage and skin wrinkles?

Silk’s smooth surface reduces friction against hair and skin, helping to prevent hair breakage, frizz, and sleep wrinkles. High-quality silk with a charmeuse weave offers the greatest benefits, though results vary by individual hair and skin type.

How often should I replace jersey knit sheets with Silk Sheets?

Most jersey sheets stay comfortable for 2-3 years, though premium versions may last a bit longer. Replace them when pilling, thinning, staining, or loss of elasticity affects comfort and fit. 

High-quality silk sheets, such as those from Mayfairsilk, offer exceptional durability and long-term comfort, often outlasting multiple sets of cotton or jersey sheets when correctly cared for, making them a worthwhile investment in both luxury and longevity.

Will silk sheets make me too hot or cold at night?

Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Its moisture-wicking and insulating properties adapt to your body and environment. Some sleepers who prefer extra warmth may find silk cooler than cotton, so trying a silk pillowcase first can help gauge comfort.

 

*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.