Silk vs Supima Cotton: Difference, Price & Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Silk comes from silkworm cocoons and offers an ultra-smooth, temperature-regulating experience that's gentle on skin and hair, while Supima cotton is a premium plant-based fibre known for its durability and breathability.

• Supima cotton is easier to care for with machine-washable convenience, while silk requires gentler handling but rewards you with hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking properties.

• Silk typically costs more due to labour-intensive production, with prices starting around £200 per sheet. On the other hand, Supima cotton ranges from £40–£250 per sheet depending on quality.

• Mayfairsilk combines the luxury of Grade 6A mulberry silk with sustainable practices, offering award-winning bedding that transforms your sleep experience.

An Overview to Silk & Supima Cotton 

Silk is a natural protein fibre created by Bombyx mori silkworms as they spin their cocoons. These carefully raised silkworms produce long, continuous strands that are harvested and woven into lustrous fabric prized for thousands of years.

Supima cotton is a premium variety grown primarily in the United States, representing less than 1% of cotton worldwide. The name stands for "Superior Pima," distinguished by extra-long staple fibres that create softer, stronger fabric than standard cotton.

The fundamental difference lies in their source: silk is an animal-based protein fibre while Supima cotton is plant-based. Silk's protein structure closely mimics human hair and skin, explaining its exceptional gentleness.

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 →

Differences Between Silk & Supima Cotton

Properties & Feel

Gliding across your skin with almost no friction, silk bedding creates a cooling, indulgent sensation. It's incredibly lightweight yet drapes beautifully, with that signature sheen catching light elegantly. High-quality Mulberry silk, particularly Grade 6A varieties like what Mayfairsilk uses, offers exceptionally smooth surfaces without roughness.

In contrast, you'll find Supima cotton delivers buttery, plush softness with a slightly more textured feel. The fabric has more body and weight, which is comforting for those who prefer the substance. Extra-long staple fibres create a uniform fabric that resists pilling.

That signature silk sheen catches light elegantly, transforming your bedroom into a sanctuary of refined luxury.

Breathability & Comfort

Nature's original smart fabric, silk, regulates temperature naturally through its unique protein structure, keeping you cool in warmth and insulated when it's cool. It absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, wicking away perspiration during your sleep.

Cotton excels in breathability too, though it works differently. Natural plant fibres allow excellent air circulation, making it particularly appealing for hot sleepers. However, it doesn't match silk's impressive absorption capacity or adaptive nature—silk responds to your body's needs rather than simply staying cool or warm.

Durability & Care

Delicate by nature, silk requires gentle handling, hand washing with mild detergent or machine washing on a delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and high heat. With proper care, quality silk maintains its beauty for a few years. The thicker 22–25 momme weave offers enhanced durability compared to the standard 19 momme.

Far more user-friendly, Supima cotton withstands machine washing on regular cycles and tumble drying on low heat. Extra-long staple fibres create a durable fabric that resists pilling and tearing, excellent for busy households. Properly cared for, these sheets last several years while maintaining their softness.

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Silk production is remarkably eco-friendly when done responsibly. Silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves, which grow on trees that require no pesticides and support reforestation. The production generates significantly less CO₂ compared to synthetics and many natural fibres. Silk is completely biodegradable.

At Mayfairsilk, we implement eco-conscious production methods throughout its supply chain, actively supporting reforestation initiatives and ensuring ethical conditions. Our OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification confirms products are free from harmful substances.

Cotton farming faces environmental challenges related to water consumption and pesticide use. Growing cotton requires significant water resources. When comparing sustainability, silk's lower water requirements, minimal pesticide needs, natural biodegradability, and tree cultivation give it notable environmental advantages.

Price Comparison

Silk generally occupies the premium end of the luxury bedding market. The production process is labour-intensive, from carefully raising silkworms on a controlled mulberry leaf diet to processing the delicate fibres. Silk bedding typically starts around £200 per sheet and can climb significantly higher depending on quality.

Quality Supima cotton sheets typically range from £40–£250 per sheet depending on weave, thread count, and brand. This makes Supima cotton attractive for those seeking luxury bedding without silk's investment level.

Benefits of Silk & Supima Cotton 

While Supima cotton is smooth and gentle, it does not match silk’s friction-reducing properties.

Silk's smooth surface is transformative for skin and hair health. The minimal friction created as you move during sleep helps prevent those telltale sleep lines that can deepen into wrinkles over time. Dermatologists often recommend silk pillowcases for this very reason.

For hair, the benefits are equally impressive. The smooth surface reduces friction that causes breakage, split ends, and morning frizz. Your hair glides across silk rather than catching and tangling, particularly beneficial for textured, curled, or chemically treated hair.

Supima cotton is undeniably gentle and comfortable against the skin. However, like all cotton, it does absorb moisture from your skin, which can contribute to dryness. The fabric's smoothness, while pleasant, doesn't match silk's friction-reducing properties.

Silk vs Supima Cotton Comparison Table

*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.

Why You Should Get Your Luxury Bedding From Mayfairsilk

With Mayfairsilk, you get to experience the difference that Grade 6A mulberry silk makes from the moment you slip into bed.

Luxury bedding should enhance your life, and that's exactly what Mayfairsilk delivers. Every piece from us is crafted from Grade 6A long-fibre mulberry silk in thicker 22–25 momme weights, compared to the industry standard 19 momme.

This commitment to quality hasn't gone unnoticed. We've earned recognition as Best Luxury Silk Bedding & Accessories Company at The Perfect Gift Awards and Best Luxury Silk Bedding Brand by the UK Enterprise Awards—accolades that reflect both product excellence and customer satisfaction.

Our collection spans the essentials and the indulgent: silk pillowcases with 25 momme weights, complete sheet sets, duvet covers, cushion covers, sleep eye masks, silk scrunchies for hair care, and thoughtfully curated gift sets. Every item carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, confirming it's free from harmful substances.

As a British-owned company, we've built our reputation on transparency and reliability. We deliver with fast shipping, maintain straightforward pricing without hidden costs, and back our pillowcases with a 30-night sleep guarantee. We're confident in what we sell because we know the difference quality silk makes, and we want you to experience it risk-free.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I machine wash silk bedding, or is hand washing required?

High-quality silk can be machine-washed with proper care. Use a delicate cycle, cool water, and place items in a mesh laundry bag. Always use pH-neutral detergent specifically designed for silk, avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. 

Hand washing is gentler and may extend the fabric's life, but machine washing on delicate settings is perfectly acceptable. Air dry flat away from direct sunlight.

How long does silk bedding typically last compared to Supima cotton?

With proper care, quality silk bedding can last a few years with daily use and regular washing. Mayfairsilk's thicker 22–25 momme silk offers enhanced durability compared to standard 19 momme products. 

Supima cotton generally lasts slightly longer due to its hardier nature, often maintaining quality for several years. The longevity of both fabrics depends significantly on care practices.

Does silk bedding really help prevent wrinkles & hair damage?

Silk’s smooth surface creates minimal friction as you move during sleep, reducing creasing that contributes to sleep lines and eventual wrinkles. 

For hair, reduced friction means less breakage, fewer split ends, and significantly less frizz. This is particularly beneficial for textured, curled, or chemically treated hair. Many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases specifically for these benefits.

Is silk bedding worth the higher price for hot sleepers?

Yes, silk can be exceptionally beneficial for hot sleepers despite the investment. Its natural temperature-regulating properties adapt to your body's needs, wicking away moisture and keeping you cool. 

Silk can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. However, Supima cotton also performs admirably for hot sleepers through excellent breathability at a lower price point.