Frequently Asked Questions
Good silk should feel wonderful.
Choosing it should feel straightforward.
Find your fit, care for your silk and make yourself comfortable. Your Mayfairsilk questions, answered.
Mayfairsilk & our silk
What is Mayfairsilk?
Mayfairsilk is a British beauty, sleep and interiors brand, designed in London. We create pure Mulberry silk pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers and accessories that bring together smooth comfort, thoughtful function and distinctive colours and prints.
Where are Mayfairsilk products designed and made?
Our silk bedding and accessories are designed in London and handcrafted in China, the birthplace of sericulture, the art of cultivating silkworms to produce silk. This tradition stretches back more than 4,700 years.
Chinese legend tells of Empress Leizu discovering silk when a cocoon fell into her cup of tea and unravelled into a fine, shimmering thread. Today, we bring British design together with China’s long-established silk-making expertise to create the smooth, soft-touch matte finish that defines Mayfairsilk.
What is Mulberry silk?
Mulberry silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. It is valued for its long, fine fibres and smooth feel. Mayfairsilk bedding uses pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk, rather than polyester satin or a silk blend.
What makes Mayfairsilk different from other silk brands?
Mayfairsilk combines Grade 6A Mulberry silk with substantial fabric weights, a signature soft-touch matte finish and London-designed colours and prints. Our pillowcases are 25 Momme, while our sheets and duvet covers are 22 Momme. The result is silk chosen for how it feels, how it looks on your bed and how it works in everyday use.
What does Momme mean, and is 25 Momme better than 19 Momme?
Momme measures the weight of silk fabric. At the same fabric area, 25 Momme silk weighs more than 19 Momme silk, giving a more substantial cloth. Mayfairsilk uses 25 Momme for pillowcases and 22 Momme for sheets and duvet covers.
Weight is only part of the picture. Fibre grade, weave, finishing and construction also matter when comparing silk.
What is the difference between silk and satin?
Silk is a fibre; satin is a weave. Satin can be woven from silk, polyester or other fibres, so a satin label alone does not mean a pillowcase is silk. Check the composition: Mayfairsilk pillowcase fabric is 100% pure Mulberry silk, with our signature soft-touch matte finish.
Why does Mayfairsilk look matte rather than very shiny?
Soft to the touch, with a gentle sheen. Our matte finish is intentional: it lets the colour, print and drape of the silk do the talking. You still get the comfort of pure Mulberry silk, with a finish that sits beautifully alongside other fabrics in your bedroom.
Are Mayfairsilk silk products OEKO-TEX certified?
Our silk products are certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, meaning they are tested for harmful substances against the standard’s requirements. This certification is a textile safety standard. It does not mean a product is organic or that it treats a skin condition.
What does Mayfairsilk do to reduce waste?
We use silk fabric off-cuts to create selected accessories, helping make more use of the material from our production. We also plant a tree with every order. Silk is a natural protein fibre that can biodegrade under suitable conditions, although this does not apply to every component of a finished product.
Skin, hair & sleep comfort
Are silk pillowcases good for curly, frizzy or easily tangled hair?
A smooth silk pillowcase helps reduce friction, tugging and pulling as you move in your sleep. This can help minimise tangles, frizz and morning bedhead, whether your hair is curly, straight or textured. Mayfairsilk’s 25 Momme silk provides a smooth surface so your hair can glide more easily across the pillow.
Can a silk pillowcase help reduce hair breakage?
Silk’s smooth surface can help reduce the friction and catching that contribute to hair breakage during sleep. A silk pillowcase supports your haircare routine, but it does not prevent hair loss or treat thinning hair.
Are silk pillowcases suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Pure Mulberry silk offers a smooth surface that can feel comfortable against sensitive skin. It absorbs less moisture than highly absorbent fabrics such as cotton, helping skin retain more of its natural moisture. Keep your pillowcase clean and follow your usual skincare advice: silk is a choice for comfort, not a treatment for acne or eczema.
Do silk pillowcases prevent wrinkles?
A silk pillowcase can help minimise temporary sleep creases by allowing your skin to glide across a smoother surface. These morning marks are different from permanent wrinkles. Silk does not prevent or reverse skin ageing.
Are silk sheets hot or cool to sleep in?
Silk is naturally breathable and thermoregulating, supporting temperature comfort across the seasons. It can feel cool against the skin while also helping retain warmth when the room is cooler. Your duvet, mattress, room temperature and personal preferences also influence how warm you feel.
Is silk bedding suitable during menopause?
Silk’s breathability and thermoregulating qualities can make it a comfortable bedding choice when your temperature fluctuates. Menopause specialist Dr Shahzadi Harper recommends Mayfairsilk as part of a more comfortable sleep environment. Silk bedding does not treat menopause or stop hot flushes or night sweats.
Do I need to replace all my cotton bedding to try silk?
No need for a bedroom overhaul. A silk pillowcase is an easy place to start and works with your existing cotton sheets and duvet cover. It lets you experience the smooth feel against your skin and hair before choosing whether to add silk sheets or a complete bed-linen set.
Sizes & bespoke bedding
Which silk pillowcase sizes do you offer?
Our two main pillowcase sizes are:
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| UK Standard, also listed as US Queen | 50 × 75 cm (approximately 20 × 30 in) |
| UK Super King, also listed as US King | 50 × 90 cm (approximately 20 × 36 in) |
Measure your pillow before ordering, as size names vary between countries and manufacturers. For Oxford styles, the decorative border sits outside the pillow’s fit dimensions.
Which sizes are available for sheets and duvet covers?
Our main bedding range covers UK Single, Double, King, Super King and Emperor, with availability varying by product and colour. Measure your mattress for fitted sheets and your duvet for duvet covers, then compare those measurements with our size chart.
Will your fitted sheets fit a deep mattress or a mattress topper?
Our fitted sheets have a 35 cm pocket and elastic all round. Measure the combined depth of your mattress and topper before choosing a sheet. Selected Super King fitted sheets also offer a 40 cm extra-deep option; check the product listing for availability.
Do you offer bespoke silk bedding for custom beds and yachts?
Yes. Beautiful silk should fit your bed, even when your bed is anything but standard. We offer bespoke silk bedding production with small minimum quantities for custom beds, yacht berths and other non-standard sizes, so you can enjoy Mayfairsilk with a fit made for your space.
Send us your measurements, the pieces you need, your preferred colours and quantities. For a shaped yacht berth, include a drawing or template if available. We will confirm what can be made, the applicable minimum quantity, pricing and production lead time before you order.
Do you offer US and European bedding sizes?
Our main bedding range currently follows UK dimensions. We will be launching a limited range of US and European sizes in 2027. Until then, check measurements rather than relying on names such as King or Queen. If our existing sizes do not fit, ask us about bespoke production with small minimum quantities.
What is the difference between a duvet cover and a duvet?
A duvet cover is the removable outer cover for your duvet. Mayfairsilk’s silk duvet covers are bed linen, not filled duvet inserts. Check each product’s description to see exactly which pieces are included, particularly when choosing a set.
Sleep accessories
How do I choose between a silk eye mask and a Silk 360 Sleep Mask?
Choose our classic silk eye mask if you prefer a smaller design that covers the eyes. Choose the Silk 360 Sleep Mask for broader wraparound coverage, sculpted eye contours that give eyelids and lashes space, and an adjustable fastening. Both bring smooth silk comfort to bedtime and travel, so your favourite sleep companion can come with you.
What does a silk sleep turban do?
A silk sleep turban helps keep your hair together overnight while reducing friction against surrounding fabrics. Our double-layer silk turban has an elasticated base and silk ties to personalise the fit. It is an option for those who prefer to cover their hair while they sleep.
Caring for silk
Can I machine wash Mayfairsilk pillowcases and bedding?
Yes. Follow the item’s care label and use a delicate cycle in cool water, no hotter than 30°C. Turn pillowcases and duvet covers inside out and use a mesh laundry bag. Wash whites, lights and darks separately, using a liquid detergent specifically suitable for silk.
Which detergent should I use for silk?
Choose a pH-neutral liquid detergent labelled as suitable for silk, without enzymes, bleach or optical brighteners. A detergent described only as gentle, eco or non-bio is not necessarily suitable. Avoid fabric softener and follow the detergent’s dosage instructions.
Can I tumble dry or iron silk?
Do not tumble dry, twist or wring silk. Gently press out excess water between clean towels, then reshape and dry on a suitable rack in the shade. If needed, iron inside out on a low silk setting while slightly damp, following the care label.
How should I wash a silk sleep mask?
We recommend gently hand washing Mayfairsilk sleep masks in cool to tepid water below 30°C, using a detergent suitable for silk. Do not soak, wring or tumble dry. Press between clean towels, reshape and air dry in the shade. Follow the specific mask’s care label.
Delivery & returns
Where can I buy Mayfairsilk?
Shop online at mayfairsilk.com or visit selected retailers, including PLATFORM in London; JOYCE Beauty and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong; Jashanmal, Chattels & More and Linen Obsession in Dubai; Printemps Doha; and Atkinson’s in Vancouver. Ranges and stock vary by location.
Where do online orders ship from, and how long does delivery take?
Online orders ship from our UK warehouse by tracked courier. UK mainland orders placed before 1 pm Monday to Thursday are normally dispatched the same day for expected next-working-day delivery. International orders use DHL Express, with estimated delivery of 2-4 working days to listed European destinations and 2-5 working days to the US, from dispatch.
Some locations and busy periods take longer. Your dispatch email includes tracking details.
Will I have to pay import duties when my order arrives?
We ship international orders on a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) basis. Applicable import duties and taxes are calculated at checkout and included in the amount you pay. We handle the customs payment on your behalf, so you should not be asked to pay additional duties or import taxes on arrival.
What does the 30-night sleep guarantee cover?
The guarantee covers our silk pillowcases. Sleep on yours for up to 30 nights and, if it is not right for you, contact us to arrange a return for a refund of the pillowcase purchase price. You pay return shipping to our UK warehouse for a non-faulty return.
Email returns@mayfairsilk.com with your order number and wait for confirmation before sending it back.
Can I return or exchange other products?
Other full-price products have a 30-day returns window from delivery. They must be unused, unwashed, unmarked, uncreased and resalable, with their original unmarked packaging. Sale items are outside this extended window. Non-faulty return postage is your responsibility.
For returns, email returns@mayfairsilk.com. For exchanges or faulty, damaged or incorrect items, email orders@mayfairsilk.com. Our guarantee and returns policy are in addition to your statutory consumer rights.
Which awards and experts recognise Mayfairsilk?
Mayfairsilk’s recognition includes Best Silk Pillowcase at the RSVP Beauty Awards 2022 and Silk Bedding Company of the Year at the SME News UK Enterprise Awards 2023. Our press features include Vanity Fair, The World of Interiors, Condé Nast Traveller and Marie Claire.
Doctors and skincare specialists, including Dr Vidaltxo Martinez, Dr Terry Loong, Dr Shahzadi Harper and Claudia Fallah, have discussed Mayfairsilk in relation to skin comfort, hair friction and the sleep environment. Their recommendations and personal experiences are not claims that silk treats medical conditions.
How can I get help choosing the right product or size?
Email hello@mayfairsilk.com with your question. For sizing advice, include the dimensions of your pillow, mattress or duvet, plus the mattress depth if you are choosing a fitted sheet. A few measurements are all we need to help you find the right fit or discuss a bespoke option.
Still have a question?
From a favourite print to an unusual mattress size, we’re happy to help.