Best Silk Pillowcase Closures: Zipper, Envelope, or Button

Choosing the right silk pillowcase isn't just about size or color-it also means finding the best closure style for comfort, durability, and a perfect fit.

When choosing a silk pillowcase, the closure style matters as much as the size, color, or fabric weight. From hidden zippers to envelope flaps and button finishes, each closure offers unique benefits. Here’s how to pick the best option for your comfort and style.

You probably know that picking your perfect silk pillowcase means choosing the ideal size (standard, Queen or King size), color, and momme (the traditional unit used to measure the weight and density of silk fabric. ). Still, there's another important factor you absolutely must consider: how your pillowcase closes. You want your silk pillowcase closure to be attractive, effective at holding your pillow in place, and -- of course -- comfortable to sleep on.

At Mulberry Park Silks, our pillowcases are offered in two distinct closures, a high quality hidden zipper and a generous envelope style. Both options are excellent, but the closure that is best for you depends on many factors including the thickness of your pillow, how snug of a fit you are looking for, and whether you want to sleep on both sides of your pillowcase (we'll explain…). A pure mulberry silk pillowcase is a luxury you will enjoy for years to come. You want to make certain that every design detail of your silk bedding works best for you.

Let's take a closer look at a few popular silk pillowcase closure styles and evaluate the pros and cons of each.

Hidden Zipper Pillowcase Closure

By far the most popular closure style for silk pillowcases, the hidden zipper delivers a sleek, tailored finish. The zipper is neatly tucked into the side seam, making it virtually invisible when closed. Often color-matched to the fabric-similar to the hidden zippers on designer gowns-it blends seamlessly with the pillowcase. Beyond aesthetics, a zipper closure keeps the pillow securely in place, which is especially important since pure silk pillowcases are naturally smooth and slippery. Many customers also appreciate that with a zipper closure, both sides of the pillowcase are identical, so you can comfortably flip and sleep on either side. By comparison, an envelope-style silk pillowcase features a flap on one side, making the opposite side the more comfortable sleeping surface.

It can be difficult to judge the quality of zippers across different silk pillowcase brands when it comes to smooth operation and long-term durability. At Mulberry Park Silks, we use only premium SBS zippers with lace tape that is softer and lighter to prevent damage to delicate silk fibers. Our zippers are also "covered," meaning the back of the zipper is secured by an extra layer of fabric that holds it in place. This thoughtful design protects the zipper tail and reduces the risk of detachment. By contrast, many brands use an open zipper-a cost-cutting measure that increases the chance of snagging or breaking in the washing machine or during regular use. To maintain zipper performance, always zip your pillowcase before washing, and place it inside a mesh laundry bag to protect both the silk and the closure.

Hidden Zipper Pillowcase Pros and Cons

• Pros: Attractive (nearly invisible), holds pillow tightly in place. Looks the same on either side which means you can sleep on both sides
• Cons: zipper hardware quality can vary depending on brand, must use extra care when washing

Envelope Pillowcase Closure

This is the next most popular style, and a very comfortable choice for a silk pillowcase closure. As the name suggests, an envelope closure silk pillowcase folds around your pillow with a flap to hold it in place. This eliminates the need for a zipper. An envelope closure is also a guarantee of comfort and coziness. When you buy a silk pillowcase or silk sheet set, you want a smooth, relaxing, feel; there is nothing like slipping into a silk sheet set or laying your head on a silk pillowcase. With an envelope closure, all you feel is the friction-free silk case.

With that said, some envelope closures are better than others. An envelope closure that is too short and doesn't have enough fabric is likely to slip off the pillow. Slip pillowcase , for example, makes a style with an envelope closure; however, that envelope flap measures only 6.5 inches. The flap on a Fishers Finery silk pillow case also measures just 6.5 inches. A Mulberry Park Silks pillowcase , on the other hand, builds a very generous 7+ inches of fabric into its envelope flap, which is far more effective for holding the pillow in place. It also allows room for thicker or bulkier pillows.

If you love being able to squish and shape your pillow before settling in, an overstuffed pillow can make that difficult. That's why we recommend an envelope-style silk pillowcase for anyone with a thicker or extra-plush pillow. The generous flap design offers a flexible fit without adding bulk, making it easier to adjust your pillow for ultimate comfort.

Envelope Pillowcase Closure Pros and Cons

• Pros: Attractive, comfortable, nothing to break, great for thick pillowcases that need extra room
• Cons: Can slip off if envelope flap isn't big enough

Button Pillowcase Closure

This style of pillow closure most often found on a decorative pillow cover or silk case. Although a button closure holds a pillow securely in place, it is unlikely that you'll see a button closure on any pillowcase made for sleeping. The main reason for this is, of course, the fact that you would absolutely feel the button if you slept on it. Therefore, a button closure pillowcase has only one "sleeping side," which makes it far less desirable.

Button Pillowcase Closure Pros and Cons

• Pros: Hold pillow effectively in place
• Cons: Not really made for sleeping pillows

Feature	Hidden Zipper	Envelope	Button
Look & Style	Sleek, tailored finish; zipper hidden in seam	Simple, smooth design with fabric flap	Decorative, visible button closure
Comfort While Sleeping	Comfortable on both sides of pillow	Soft feel; flap may create a “front” side	Button can be felt, usually one-sided
Pillow Security	Keeps pillow snugly in place	Good hold if flap is 7” or longer	Very secure hold
Durability	Excellent if sewn with premium covered zipper (like MPS)	Durable; no moving parts	Button may loosen over time
Best For	Polished look and snug, tailored fit	Thicker or plush pillows; minimal hardware	Decorative or accent pillows
Drawbacks	Cheap, uncovered zippers from other brands may snag or break	Short flaps under 7” may slip off pillow	Not recommended for everyday sleep use

How to Care for Your Silk Pillowcases and Sheet Sets

While a silk pillowcase is a bit of indulgent luxury, caring for it can be surprisingly easy. At Mulberry Park Silks, our natural silk pillowcases can be easily washed by hand or by washing machine in a gentle cold water cycle, learn more here . We always recommend using an enzyme-free detergent specially formulated for silk and placing your items in fine mesh laundry bags (note: use separate bags for the fitted sheet and flat sheet). Never put silk in the dryer; silk is a natural fiber, and should be hung to dry, indoors or out, away from direct sunlight. Our silk pillowcases are color-fade resistant and will not fade over time if properly cared for.

Why OEKO-TEX® Certification Matters for Your Silk Pillowcase

At Mulberry Park Silks, we go a step further than other brands to ensure our fabric's safety. Along with ensuring that our silk sheets and accessories meet the highest standards of beauty, comfort, and color fastness, all of our silk products are certified OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. This means that all of our products and their components have been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. We have taken this extra step to reassure customers that manufacturing non-toxic silk sheets is of the utmost importance to us. Every piece of silk you bring into your home from Mulberry Park Silks is safe and natural (gentle enough even for your baby).

Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Pillowcase Closures

1. What is the difference between a hidden zipper silk pillowcase and an envelope closure?

A hidden zipper silk pillowcase delivers a sleek, tailored look and keeps your pillow snug on both sides, so you can flip it and sleep comfortably. An envelope closure silk pillowcase has a flap on one side, which provides flexibility-especially for thicker pillows-but most people prefer sleeping on the smooth, opposite side.

2. Are silk pillowcases better than cotton pillowcases?

Yes. Unlike a cotton pillowcase, which absorbs moisture and creates friction, a silk pillowcase is gentle on skin and hair. Silk helps reduce wrinkles, frizz, and tangles, while also being naturally breathable and temperature-regulating.

3. Do dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases?

Many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases for healthier skin and hair. Silk helps minimize friction, which reduces wrinkles, breakouts, and frizz while being gentle on sensitive skin. I recommend silk pillowcases for my patients interested in treating facial aging or improving aging skin and those with inflammatory or dry skin conditions.  says renown facial plastic surgeon, Dr Inessa Fishman, "There is some evidence to suggest that silk pillowcases may be helpful for those with dry hair or skin, as silk tends to absorb less moisture than cotton, thus allowing more moisture (and likely skincare products) to stay on the skin."

Learn more on this topic in our article: Dermatologists Answer Your Questions About Silk Pillowcases.

4. Do silk pillowcases help with frizzy hair?

Yes. A pure mulberry silk pillowcase helps fight frizz by reducing friction while you sleep. Unlike cotton or polyester, silk allows hair to glide smoothly across the surface, which means fewer tangles, less breakage, and a shinier finish in the morning.

5. Are silk pillowcases good for skin?

Absolutely. Silk is naturally soft and non-irritating, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. Sleeping on silk helps your skin retain hydration overnight and minimizes sleep creases that can lead to fine lines and wrinkles over time.

6. How do I wash a silk pillowcase?

You can clean your silk pillowcase by hand washing or using a gentle washing machine cycle with cold water. Always zip or fold your silk case before washing and place it inside a mesh laundry bag. Use only enzyme-free detergents formulated for delicate silk products, and never put silk in the dryer-hang dry away from direct sunlight.

7. Are satin pillowcases the same as silk pillowcases?

No. Satin pillowcases are usually made from polyester or other synthetic fibers, while a Mulberry Park Silks pillowcase is woven from 100% pure mulberry silk. Satin may be a less expensive option, but it lacks the natural softness, breathability, and benefits for hair and skin that real silk provides.

8. What sizes do Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases come in?

Our silk pillowcases are available in Standard, Queen, and King sizes to fit any bed. We also offer a wide range of colors so you can match your silk bedding to your décor.

9. Are silk pillowcases worth it?

Yes. While some see silk as an expensive option, a high-quality silk pillowcase is a true investment in your hair, skin, and sleep. With proper care, silk pillowcases last for years and deliver ongoing beauty and wellness benefits.

10. Can I buy Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases on Amazon?

Yes. Mulberry Park Silks offers a curated selection of silk pillowcases and bedding on Amazon. However, for the full range of colors, sizes, and exclusive products, we recommend shopping directly on our website.

11. How does Mulberry Park Silks compare to Blissy and Slip silk pillowcases?

Brands like Blissy and Slip pure silk pillowcases are popular, but Mulberry Park Silks consistently stands out for quality, value, and transparency. Unlike some brands, all of our pillowcases are made from 100% pure mulberry silk, certified to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 for safety and non-toxicity. We also offer a variety of sizes (Standard, Queen, King), colors, and momme weights (19, 22, and 30), so you can choose the silk pillowcase that best fits your needs. Customers love that Mulberry Park Silks provides the same luxury experience as more expensive options-often at a more accessible price point-while maintaining uncompromising quality and durability.

👉 For a full breakdown, see our comparison guides:

• Mulberry Park Silks vs. Blissy
• Mulberry Park Silks vs. Slip