The 6 Best Silk and Satin Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets are our top pick
People / Dera Burreson
If you're a fan of soft, smooth bedding with a slightly shiny finish, silk or satin sheets might be right up your alley. But while the two have a similar look and feel, they're not the same thing.
"Satin is a type of woven fabric made from any smooth and lustrous filament yarns," says Preeti Gopinath, Associate Professor of Textiles at The New School Parsons School of Design, explaining that it's typically woven from synthetic materials like polyester. Natural silk, on the other hand, is loomed from protein fibers sourced from mulberry worms.
We tried 12 silk and satin sheet sets firsthand to figure out which ones are worth buying, evaluating each for quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. We put them through multiple tests in our lab and then slept on our favorite silk and satin sheet sets for a month to determine which ones are worth the money.
It's worth noting that there are basically two types of silk and satin sheets on the market: under-$50 options and over-$500 options. There are not many options in the middle range, and in the case of silk and satin sheets, you usually get what you pay for. The cheaper versions tend to be a bit more slippery, and neither are resistant to staining, so keep that in mind while choosing the right bed sheets for your home.
With that being said, these are the best silk and satin sheets PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets
Pros
The sheets are well-made with durable stitching and smooth seams.
The silky fabric feels cool to the touch.
The colorfast material holds up well in the wash.
Cons
The fabric creates lots of static.
They don’t contain any real silk.
Of the sets we tested, Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets were our favorite. Out of the packaging, they seemed very well-made with durable stitching, wide, smooth seams, and no visible imperfections. We loved the slick, silky feel and ultra-soft texture.
When making the bed, the fitted sheet went on easily and tucked nicely over all four corners. It didn't come loose at night when tossing and turning, either. All in all, the sheets felt cool against the skin and were comfortable for sleeping, though they did create some static when moving around.
These sheets passed our colorfastness test, showing no signs of fading or bleeding. They also held up well in the wash — the color still looked good, and there were no snags or loose threads, which are qualities to look for in high-quality bed sheets. One thing to note is that, despite the product name, they're not technically silk but rather a satin-woven polyester. Still, considering the affordable price tag and impressive color selection, you really can't go wrong buying this sheet set.
How it’s held up:
We had one tester use these sheets for six months at home to see if the materials and comfort endured. After the first three months, the sheets maintained their original integrity, having been washed on delicate cycles and dried with low heat. Our tester did notice some pilling, which had gotten progressively worse after six months — but as the sheets are so comfortable and soft, they said it’s not a dealbreaker.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Fiber: Polyester | Thread Count: 400 | Colors: 18
Best Budget: Pure Bedding Satin Sheets
Pros
The sheets have a silky-smooth feel.
The color didn't fade at all in the wash.
The material appears durable and relatively stain-resistant.
Cons
There were several loose threads out of the packaging and more after washing.
It was hard to get the fitted sheet on the bed.
It was almost too slippery; the pillows and blankets slipped off.
For folks on a budget, we recommend Pure Bedding Satin Sheets. Although the fabric seemed a bit cheap, it felt immediately silky-smooth, and the color was consistent throughout. (The color or pattern is only on one side, though, so keep that in mind if you like to fold over the top sheet when making the bed.) The fitted sheet was a little tricky to get on, but after making the bed, it stayed secure and didn't budge throughout the night.
After washing them, the color and texture hadn't changed at all, but there were multiple loose threads. Although makeup left a mark, the other stains came out pretty easily in the laundry. The material also held up well through our abrasion test, with no visible pilling or tearing. These sheets don't seem as well-constructed as other sets we tried, but considering the wallet-friendly price tag, we still think they're worth buying.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Fiber: Microfiber | Thread Count: 1800 | Colors: 26
Best Luxury: Lilysilk 19 Momme Seamless Silk Sheets Set
Pros
The sheets have a high-quality construction with durable stitching and consistent color.
They are an exceptionally soft and smooth fabric with a subtle sheen.
It has a nice fit which makes it easy to make the bed.
Cons
They lost some lustrous sheen in the wash.
The stains are nearly impossible to remove.
If you're open to spending more on luxury sheets, consider this 100-percent mulberry silk set from LilySilk. Out of the box, we found the quality to be pretty outstanding, with durable stitching, no loose threads, and consistent color throughout. The fabric is lightweight, super-soft, and smooth (but not too slippery), with a subtle sheen — and it feels amazing against the skin. We also liked how easy it was to make the bed — the fitted sheet and pillowcases fit well, and the top sheet tucked in without a fuss. Everything stayed in place, even through a night of tossing and turning.
Though the sheets held up well in the laundry without any noticeable fading, they lost some of their original luster in the wash. Another thing to note is that stains were pretty much impossible to remove, so you'll want to be careful about eating and drinking in bed and making sure you always lay down with a washed face. The price might be hard to justify, but if these sheets are within your budget, we say go for it.
How it’s held up:
The tester who used the LilySilk sheets at home has nothing but good things to report after six months. The sheets continued to fit the bed well, showing no signs of shrinkage. The tester said these sheets are the most lightweight set she owns and kept her cool throughout the summer.
She washed them on a gentle cycle weekly, using low heat in the dryer, and found that they softened over time. While there was some pilling, our tester thinks her dog digging in the sheets might have been the culprit. As a bonus, our tester said the silk material improved her hair texture (reducing frizz when she woke up) and has “done wonders” for her skin (waking up without harsh lines like cotton sometimes creates).
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Fiber: Mulberry silk | Momme: 19 | Colors: 9
Best Breathable: Mulberry Park Silks 22 Momme Silk Sheet Set
Pros
It’s an exceedingly soft and smooth fabric.
The airy material stays comfortably cool throughout the night.
We love the luxurious, high-end look and feel.
Cons
It’s slightly less silky after washing.
The top sheet slides around due to the slick texture.
If you sleep hot or are prone to night sweats, Mulberry Park Silk Sheets might be your best bet. The 100-percent mulberry silk fabric is not only exceedingly soft and smooth but also notably breathable, and it stays comfortably cool throughout the night. This high-end sheet set looks just as luxurious as it feels — we noticed zero imperfections and were impressed with the stitching and consistent color.
It was easy to make the bed, thanks to the deep fitted sheet, though the top sheet slid around a bit due to the slippery texture. Like other silk sheets we tested, these were a bit less lustrous and slick after washing, but they were still very soft. While this is the most expensive set we tested, we think it might be worth the investment if you can swing the price.
How it’s held up:
It’s one thing for a product to test well in the lab, but to see how it holds up over time is another. The Mulberry Park sheets continued to impress for the six months our tester tried them at home. She used the sheets regularly and hand-washed them every few weeks, noting that the delicate material is maintained if you follow the rigid cleaning instructions.
Though expensive, the sheets have a quality that exceeds expectations. They never shrunk and fit our tester’s mattress consistently. The material remains soft, silky, and cool to the touch. These sheets also did not pill (likely due to the care this tester took when washing them). They helped regulate temperature, keeping our tester cool all summer, yet have not been too cold to sleep in this winter — a good balance for year-round use.
Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Fiber: Mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Colors: 8
Related: The 14 Best Cooling Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Organic: Colorado Home Co. Mulberry Silk Bed Sheets Set
Pros
The material is soft and smooth but not overly slick.
It has a dense, medium-weight feel that's still breathable.
The durable fabric resists pilling and fraying.
Cons
It faded slightly and lost some silkiness in the wash.
The material is prone to staining.
For those partial to organic bedding, we recommend Colorado Home Co. The brand's 100-percent mulberry silk sheets are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Upon first inspection, they felt soft and smooth but not overly slick, and we didn't notice any snags, loose threads, inconsistent dye, or other imperfections.
These sheets have a medium-weight density feel that feels high-quality but doesn't appear to sacrifice breathability. Unfortunately, they faded slightly and lost some of their luster in the wash, though the fabric still looked and felt luxurious. However, another downside is that, like most other silk sets we tested, the fabric is prone to staining. Still, it seems generally durable and resistant to pilling and fraying. While the price is undeniably high, we think these might be worth the investment if you're looking for real certified-organic silk.
How it’s held up:
After use on and off for six months, our tester said the Colorado Home sheets had retained their texture and continued to meet expectations. He washed them once a month — first on a delicate cycle and then by hand for the remaining washes. The silk material remained incredibly soft and continued to cool off our tester at night. They still look and feel brand new. Our tester especially liked the stylish look of these sheets.
Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Fiber: Organic mulberry silk | Momme: 22 | Colors: 11
Related: The 13 Best Bamboo Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Color Selection: Decolure Satin Sheet Set
Pros
It has a silky-smooth feel but is not overly slippery.
We liked that the dye and texture remained consistent.
The deep-pocketed sheet stays in place while sleeping.
Cons
The fabric creates some static while sleeping.
The color faded slightly in the wash.
Looking for bedding in a particular color? These satin sheets come in a whopping 21 hues, ranging from black to silver to deep dusty rose. While the stitching seemed consistent, we did notice some loose threads when we took them out of the packaging. Other than that, they appeared well-made, felt silky-smooth, and had a consistent dye and texture. These sheets passed our colorfastness test, and although they faded slightly in the wash, the color remained even throughout.
Thanks to a fitted sheet with pockets deep enough to fit any mattress, it was easy to make the bed, and everything stayed in place throughout the night. Though the fabric wasn't overly slippery like other satin sets, it did get slightly staticky. These sheets aren't quite as nice as the real silk sets we tested, but considering the budget-friendly price, we think they're a great value and would buy them as a backup set or use them in a guest room.
How it’s held up:
Another budget-friendly pick, the Decolure Satin Sheets impressed us with their long-term results. Our tester used them consistently for six months and liked that the sheets seemed to get softer over time. The elastic stretched out a little, but the fitted sheet continued to fit the bed without issue.
There were some snags and loose threads, but they worked well for such an affordable option. Our tester said they will likely retire the sheets for the winter in favor of a warmer set but will continue using the satin pillowcases since they made a difference in the texture of their hair and skin.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Fiber: Polyester | Thread Count: Not listed | Colors: 21 colors available
More Silk and Satin Sheets We Tried
Madison Park Satin 6-Piece Luxury Sheet Set: The Madison Park sheets impressed our team in our lab test. They are extremely soft and did well after our wash test. Plus, the extra-deep fitted sheet simplified the process of making the bed. We also appreciated the extensive color and sizing options. While the sheets feel cool to the touch, we learned after six months of home testing that they aren’t that breathable and trap heat quite a bit. Our tester was also frustrated that the material was so silky it kept slipping off the mattress and had to be re-made frequently.
People / Henry Wortock
Things to Consider When Buying Silk or Satin Sheets
Material/Fiber
When shopping for silk or satin sheets, pay attention to the material — as in the actual fiber used to make the fabric. Like LilySilk 19 Momme Seamless Silk Sheets, some sets are made of real silk, which is sourced from mulberry worms, so it's a natural material but not vegan. Satin sheets, on the other hand, can be made of various materials. But as with Lanest Housing Satin Sheets, they're most often woven from synthetic fibers like polyester.
Silk is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle against the skin. Polyester can have a similar feel, though it's generally not as breathable and may not be ideal for hot sleepers or those who get night sweats.
Weave
The weave affects not only the feel of bed sheets but also the weight and breathability. Silk bedding can be made using various weaves, including plain square, jacquard, or satin. Satin sheets, as the name would imply, feature a satin weave.
"Satin-weave fabric has long floats in its weave structure," says Gopinath. Unlike a plain square weave pattern (one thread over, one thread under), a float means the pattern skips threads. Satin sheets follow a one-thread-over, four-threads-under pattern. The tighter weave makes them silky-smooth but not as breathable as those with a square weave.
Thread Count
Satin sheets might list a thread count, which can range from 150 for polyester to 1,800 or more for microfiber. Some people view a high thread count as an indicator of softer, better-quality sheets, but it doesn't tell the whole story in terms of durability and feel.
Momme Grade
For 100-percent silk sheets, you'll often see a momme (pronounced "mommy") number listed. This measurement grades the weight of the material, and a higher number is generally considered better quality. Between 19 and 25 is ideal.
People / Henry Wortock
How We Tested Silk and Satin Sheets
After researching the best silk and satin sheets on the market, we selected 12 sets to try firsthand, including five silk and seven satin.
Design: First, we took them out of the packaging, inspected the look and feel, and checked for imperfections, such as loose threads or snags.
Durability: Then we performed various assessments, including a colorfastness test with warm water and an absorbency test with water droplets. We also rubbed steel wool back and forth on the fabric to see if it pilled or tore. To see how well they held up in the wash and check for fading, we laundered the sheets and compared the material and color to an unwashed pillowcase. Finally, we applied coffee, oil, and foundation to evaluate stain resistance.
Longevity: We continued testing our top picks at home for long-term testing up to six months. Our testers assessed whether the feel, texture, or quality changed during that time frame.
Each sheet set was scored for quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value, and those with the highest overall ratings are featured in this roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between silk and satin sheets?
Derived from protein fiber (aka fibroin) produced by mulberry worms, real silk refers to the actual fiber used to make bed sheets. "Fabrics made from silk are typically luxurious, smooth, and lustrous," says Gopinath.
Conversely, satin is simply a weave style. This means satin sheets can be woven from various materials — though they're most often made of synthetic fibers like polyester. As Gopinath notes, "They have the appearance and feel of silk fabric due to their luster/sheen and smoothness." But satin bedding is typically not as breathable as natural silk.
What is the downside to satin sheets?
Since satin sheets are often loomed from synthetic materials such as polyester or microfiber, they're not as breathable or moisture-wicking as sheets made from natural fabrics like bamboo, cotton, linen, or silk.
"They can pill, especially when made from synthetics," Gopinath adds. After trying out several sets, we should note that satin sheets can also be super slick and slippery, which may bother you while you're sleeping, and some sets are prone to static cling.
What is the price range for silk and satin sheets?
Silk sheets made of 100-percent mulberry silk are among the most expensive on the market, often costing upwards of $500 per set. Satin sheets tend to be much more affordable. You can easily find a set for under $100, if not $50 or lower.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in bedding, home goods, decor, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed Preeti Gopinath and then compiled insights from our team of testers. A stickler for nice bedding, Theresa has slept on multiple satin sheet sets over the years and currently sleeps with a silk pillowcase for the skincare benefits.
Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer at PEOPLE who has extensively covered home-related products such as vacuums, bath towels, and mattresses. She utilized our long-term testing insights from real testers to interpret how each satin or silk sheet set held up over time. She also made light updates to keep this story as accurate and timely as possible.
Meet Our Expert
Preeti Gopinath is the Associate Professor of Textiles at The New School Parsons School of Design.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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