Pillowcases

Most people spend more time choosing a duvet cover than a pillowcase - which is surpising, given that the pillowcase is the thing your face presses against for eight hours. It protects the pillow filling from oils, hair products and general wear while shaping the bed's appearance, and it affects skin and hair more directly than any other piece of bedding.

Pillowcases in the UK come in a few practical formats. The housewife pillowcase is the everyday standard, sized to fit a 50 x 75cm pillow with a plain stitched edge that gives a fitted, tidy finish. The Oxford pillowcase has a flat decorative border extending around all four sides, giving a more considered look that suits guest bedrooms and hotel-style schemes. Square continental and king-size pillowcases suit the larger pillows often used as backrests or for reading in bed. Bolster, body and large pillow shapes have their own dedicated covers, and standard sham-style cases are popular for decorative front-of-bed display.

Although often bought as part of a bedding set, individual pillowcases let you mix textures, swap colours by season or invest in a more luxurious material without replacing everything else. Many households keep two or three sets in rotation so there is always a clean pair to hand.

Fabric is where the biggest differences sit. Cotton, especially Egyptian cotton or percale weave, breathes well, washes reliably and holds its shape over years. Linen has a textured, lived-in quality that softens further with each wash and suits rooms with a relaxed, warm aesthetic. Silk has built a genuine following for its smoothness against skin and hair, reducing friction-related creases and breakage overnight. Mulberry silk at the higher end is the most durable version. Satin offers a similar smooth feel at a lower price. Bamboo-blend pillowcases use natural fibre with a cool, breathable finish. Velvet brings a heavier, more seasonal quality that pairs well with autumn and winter bedroom schemes.

White and cream remain the most popular colours for a clean, hotel-quality finish, although gingham prints and solid pink, grey, blue and black options have grown steadily. Pillowcases pair naturally with pillow protectors underneath and the pillow itself, then match to a wider scheme built from bed sheets, duvet covers and a duvet. Younger family members are best served by dedicated children's pillowcases.

Flitch brings together pillowcases from more than 100 UK retailers in one place, so you can compare housewife, Oxford and continental sizes alongside cotton, linen, silk and satin finishes. Filters narrow by size, material, colour and price, price history shows how individual cases have tracked, and price drop alerts catch a saving. Our expert stylists are available for anyone choosing between practical everyday cases and a more luxurious silk or linen finish.

What is the difference between a housewife and Oxford pillowcase?

A housewife pillowcase has a plain stitched edge sized to fit the pillow snugly. An Oxford pillowcase has a flat decorative border extending a few centimetres beyond the pillow on all four sides.

Are silk pillowcases really worth it?

Many people find that silk reduces hair friction and skin creasing overnight, helping with frizz, breakage and sleep lines. Mulberry silk in higher momme weights tends to be the most durable and worth the investment. Satin - a synthetic weave with a similar practical effect to natural silk fibres - gives a similar smooth feel at a lower price.

How often should pillowcases be washed?

Every week as a minimum, in line with your bed sheets, since pillowcases absorb skin oils, sweat and hair products. Wash silk and satin on a cool, gentle cycle inside a mesh bag to preserve the fabric.

What size pillowcase do I need?

Standard UK pillows measure 50 x 75cm and need a matching housewife or Oxford case. King, super-king, square continental and bolster pillows each need cases sized specifically for their shape.