This question is so commonly asked and interpreted by those selling it to be what the have for sale at the time.
Lets talk to an expert, someone who knows and understands silk and is not repeating marketing fluff.
When customers walk in, they think they’re choosing between two fundamentally different pillowcases. They’re not. They’re choosing between two closure styles on the same core product: silk and in the case of our silk pillow cases 22 momme mulberry silk.
That distinction matters.
First, the real value: silk itself (not the closure) and the Momme. the higher the Momme the better the quality. Most pillow cases are 19momme at Silk.co.za we only use the finest quality 22 momme silk for quality and durability.
Before we even touch closures, understand this:
Silk reduces friction: less hair breakage, frizz, and tangling
Silk is less absorbent: helps retain moisture in skin and hair
Silk is smoother: less pulling on facial skin overnight
That’s why dermatologists and users consistently report better hair and skin outcomes on silk vs cotton
Pillow case Closure type does not change any of this.
The benefit comes from the surface you’re sleeping on, not how the pillow is sealed.
Envelope Closure (The Classic)
22 Momme Envelope Silk Pillowcase: More expensive due to the use of more silk
Classic flap design with no hardware—simple, durable, and widely preferred.
Pros
No hardware at all: nothing to snag hair or scratch skin
More durable long-term: no zipper to fail or break
Soft, uninterrupted feel: especially good for sensitive skin
Easy washing: no mechanical parts to worry about
Cons
Pillow can shift slightly inside the case
Requires occasional adjustment
Only one “clean side” if the flap is noticeable
Sales reality:
This is what most repeat buyers stick with. It’s simple, reliable, and does the job.
Hidden Zipper Closure (The “Structured Look” Option)
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase with Hidden Zipper cheaper due to use of less silk.
Snug-fit silk pillowcase with concealed zipper for a tailored, secure finish.
Pros
Tight, secure fit: pillow stays perfectly in place
Neater aesthetic: looks more “finished” or hotel-grade
Double-sided usability: no flap side
Cons
Zipper wear and tear over time
Risk of snagging during washing
Quality varies massively between brands
Even “hidden” zippers still introduce a hard component into a soft product
Sales reality:
Customers often think this is superior, but it’s mostly about appearance and structure, not performance.
Hair & skin benefits: Identical
Friction reduction: Same (silk surface)
Moisture retention: Same
Pillow stability: Moderaten for envelope, High for zipper
Durability: Higher for envelope (no parts) Lower for zipper (zipper can fail)
Maintenance: Easier for envelope More care needed
Comfort feel: Slightly softer for envelope overall, Structure for zipper
Aesthetic finish: Casual/luxury for envelope, Tailored for zipper
The Honest Verdict (What I tell customers)
If you’re buying silk for hair, skin, and overall sleep quality, here’s the truth:
Both are equally effective. Full stop.
There is zero scientific or practical advantage to having the pillow tightly bound in a zipper case when it comes to:
- Skin wrinkles
- Moisture retention
- Friction reduction
Those benefits come from the silk fibres themselves, not how tightly the pillow is enclosed.
Let me make it practical:
If your hair is frizzing: silk helps (both types)
If your skin is drying out: silk helps (both types)
If you want fewer tangles: silk helps (both types)
Now ask yourself:
Does your hair care whether there’s a zipper 30cm away on the edge?
Of course not.
Final recommendation (no fluff)
Choose envelope closure if you want durability, simplicity, and comfort
Choose zipper closure if you want a neater, more structured look
But don’t fall for this idea that: “Zipper = better performance”
It doesn’t.
It’s like putting your mattress in a tighter fitted sheet and expecting better sleep quality. The surface is what matters, not how tight the corners are.