Silk vs Viscose Sheets: Cost, Pros, & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Silk is a natural protein fibre from silkworms that's breathable, hypoallergenic, and thermoregulating, while viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp through chemical processing.

• Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, whereas viscose tends to trap heat and lacks the same breathability.

• While viscose sheets are initially cheaper (£30–£80), silk's longevity and performance make it the better investment, with Mayfairsilk providing Grade 6A mulberry silk sheets from £275.

• Silk is entirely biodegradable and has less carbon emissions than cotton, making it far more sustainable than viscose, which requires heavy chemical processing that can pollute waterways.

• Mayfairsilk's premium 22 momme silk sheets offer superior durability, lasting years with daily use and proper care, significantly outlasting the typical 1–2 year lifespan of viscose.

Silk vs Viscose: Understanding the Fabrics

Silk is nature's luxury fibre, created by Bombyx mori silkworms that feast exclusively on mulberry leaves. 

These remarkable creatures spin cocoons from a single, continuous thread of silk that can stretch up to 900 metres long. The result is a natural protein fibre composed of fibroin (providing strength) and sericin (giving silk its lustrous sheen).

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose derived from wood pulp, typically from trees like bamboo, pine, or beech. While the raw material is natural, the production process is decidedly not.

Creating viscose involves dissolving wood pulp in harsh chemicals, then extruding the solution through tiny holes to form fibres. These fibres are then spun into yarn and woven into fabric. The process is chemically intensive and can have significant environmental consequences if not properly managed.

Silk vs Viscose Sheets: Key Differences

Temperature Regulation

Silk excels at thermoregulation, naturally adjusting to your body temperature. Its protein structure allows air to circulate freely while wicking moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. This makes silk ideal for year-round comfort, and it is particularly beneficial for those who experience night sweats or temperature fluctuations.

Viscose, while initially cool to the touch, lacks the sophisticated temperature management of silk. It tends to trap heat and moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable, clammy nights, especially in warmer weather or for individuals who tend to sleep hot.

Durability

High-quality silk is remarkably strong. The protein fibres in silk provide excellent tensile strength, and with proper care, silk sheets can maintain their beauty and performance for years of daily use.

Viscose sheets show wear much sooner than silk. The fibres are weaker, particularly when wet, making them prone to stretching, tearing, and pilling. Most viscose sheets begin to degrade after 1–2 years of regular use, requiring more frequent replacement.

Environmental Impact

Silk production generates fewer carbon emissions than cotton and far fewer than viscose.

Silk’s production process is naturally sustainable: mulberry trees grow without the use of pesticides, primarily relying on rainwater, silk farming generates minimal waste, and the fabric is entirely biodegradable.

Silk production generates less carbon dioxide than cotton production on a per-equivalent-weight basis. For example, a tonne of silk fabric emits just 34 kilograms of carbon, while a tonne of cotton fabric emits 27,680 kilograms of carbon dioxide. The difference in carbon footprint is largely due to Mulberry trees absorbing significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

While viscose starts with a natural raw material (wood pulp), its production process raises significant environmental concerns. The chemical processing releases pollutants that can contaminate water sources if not correctly managed. 

Additionally, sourcing wood pulp for viscose can contribute to deforestation unless the fibres come from sustainably managed forests.

Care Requirements: Maintaining Your Sheets

Silk requires gentle care but isn't as demanding as many people assume. Silk sheets can be machine-washed on a silk or delicate setting using cool water and a pH-neutral detergent specifically designed for silk. Alternatively, hand washing in cool water works beautifully.

Always air-dry silk sheets away from direct sunlight, and store them in a cool, dry place. A cool iron on the silk setting (inside out) can smooth any wrinkles, though silk naturally resists creasing. With this straightforward care routine, your silk sheets will maintain their beauty for years.

Viscose requires careful handling as the fibres are particularly weak when wet. Most viscose sheets require gentle machine washing with cool water, although some may need to be hand-washed. They should be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low heat setting, although repeated drying can accelerate wear.

Cost Comparison Between Silk & Viscose

Silk Sheets’ Pricing

Quality silk sheets represent a more substantial initial investment. Mayfairsilk's 22 momme silk sheets start from £275 for fitted sheets and £380 for flat sheets, with complete duvet sets ranging from £689 to £1,125. While the upfront cost is higher, silk's exceptional durability means these sheets can last many years with daily use and proper care.

Viscose Sheets’ Pricing

Viscose sheets typically range from £30 to £80 for a complete set, making them an attractive budget option. However, this lower price comes with trade-offs in durability, performance, and longevity. Most viscose sheets last approximately 1–2 years with regular use before showing significant wear, pilling, or loss of softness.

*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's 22 momme silk sheets offer superior quality and longevity compared to standard 19 momme silk.

Pros & Cons of Silk & Viscose Sheets

Silk Sheets Pros

• Exceptional temperature regulation

• Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites

• Luxuriously smooth texture that's gentle on hair and skin

• Highly sustainable with minimal environmental impact

• Remarkably durable; lasts 2–4 years with proper care

• Becomes softer and more lustrous over time

• Completely biodegradable within 1–5 years

Silk Sheets Cons

• Higher initial investment cost

• Requires gentle care and specific washing instructions

• More expensive to replace if damaged

Viscose Sheets Pros

• Lower upfront cost makes it accessible

• Soft and smooth feel when new

• Lightweight and breathable initially

• Widely available in various designs

Viscose Sheets Cons

• Shorter lifespan

• Poor temperature regulation can trap heat

• Not naturally hypoallergenic

• Chemically intensive production process

• Prone to pilling, stretching, and wear

• Loses softness over time

• Less environmentally friendly 

Silk vs Viscose Comparison Table

Why Choose Mayfairsilk for Your Silk Sheets

Mayfairsilk combines exceptional quality with environmental responsibility. Every product is crafted from Grade 6A mulberry silk, the highest quality available, with a thicker 22 momme weave for sheets that's superior to the standard 19 momme used by most competitors.

Mayfairsilk's British-designed silk sheets combine luxury with sustainability.

Our collection features silk fitted sheets, flat sheets, and complete duvet sets in both classic solid colours and exclusive limited-edition prints. Each piece is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, guaranteeing freedom from harmful chemicals and dyes. The distinctive matte finish and British design aesthetic create a sophisticated look that complements any bedroom style.

Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases, over 2,000 verified 5-star reviews, and recognition from industry awards. The UK-based warehouse ensures fast, reliable delivery with all taxes calculated upfront, no surprise charges.

Beyond using minimally processed, biodegradable silk, we plant a tree through Eden Reforestation Projects with every order and use recycled packaging materials wherever possible. When you choose Mayfairsilk, you're investing in luxury that's good for you and the planet.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are viscose sheets as good as silk sheets?

No, viscose sheets don't match silk's performance in key areas. While viscose initially provides a smooth feel, it lacks the natural temperature regulation, hypoallergenic properties, and durability of silk. Silk sheets from Mayfairsilk last many years with daily use, while viscose typically lasts only 1–2 years.

Which is more breathable: silk or viscose?

Silk is significantly more breathable than viscose. Silk's natural protein structure allows air to circulate freely while wicking moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortable regardless of temperature. Viscose tends to trap heat and humidity, which can lead to uncomfortable, clammy nights.

Is silk more sustainable than viscose?

Yes, silk is far more sustainable than viscose. The entire production cycle is ecologically sound, with mulberry trees grown pesticide-free, and every element is utilized with zero waste. Viscose requires heavy chemical processing that can pollute waterways and requires careful management to prevent environmental damage.

How do I wash silk sheets compared to those made from viscose?

Both fabrics require gentle care, but silk is actually more forgiving. Mayfairsilk sheets can be machine-washed on a silk setting with cool water and pH-neutral detergent, then air-dried. Viscose is particularly weak when wet, making it more prone to damage during washing. Both should be air-dried away from direct sunlight.

Why should I choose Mayfairsilk over budget viscose options?

Mayfairsilk provides unmatched quality, durability, and value despite the higher initial cost. Our Grade 6A Mulberry silk sheets at 22 momme offer exceptional longevity and performance. With proper care, they last many years compared to viscose's 1–2 years.