Standard vs Queen vs King Silk Pillowcase: Which Size to Buy

Standard vs Queen vs King Silk Pillowcase: Which Size to Buy

Buy the pillowcase that matches your pillow, not your bed. A standard pillow takes a standard case, a queen pillow takes a queen case, and a king pillow takes a king case. If you are not sure what size your pillow is, measure it flat and compare the length to the size chart below.

This guide shows how to measure, how to match a case to a pillow, and what to do when your pillow falls between sizes.

Quick size guide

Size

Pillowcase size

Made for

Common use

Standard

20" x 26"

Standard pillows

The most common bed pillow in the US

Queen

20" x 30"

Queen pillows

A slightly longer pillow, often used on queen beds

King

20" x 36"

King pillows

A long pillow, often used on king beds

Brands can differ by an inch or two, so check your pillow tag and the measurements on the product page before you order.

Our 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase comes in standard, queen and king, with a hidden zipper. The Queen measures 20" x 30".

How to measure your pillow

1.       Lay the pillow flat on a bed or table and smooth it out without squeezing it.

2.       Measure the short side. For most pillows this is about 20 inches.

3.       Measure the long side from seam to seam. This number is the one that decides your size.

4.       Check the tag. Many pillows list the size on a sewn-in label, such as standard, queen or king.

If your pillow is soft and has lost some fill, measure it after fluffing it. A flat, tired pillow can measure shorter than it really is.

Does bed size decide pillow size?

No, but the two often go together. People with queen beds often sleep on standard or queen pillows. People with king beds often use king pillows, or two standard pillows side by side. If you are shopping for a new pillowcase, start with the pillow you already own and ignore the mattress.

How a silk pillowcase should fit

A case that is too small pulls on the seams and the zipper. A case that is much too big bunches up and looks untidy, and you end up straightening it every morning. A good fit is close to the length of your pillow, up to a couple of inches longer. Our cases are cut slightly larger than the pillow size they are named for, so the pillow goes in without straining the seams or the zipper.

The hidden zipper on our cases keeps the opening closed, so the pillow stays in place and the case looks smooth from the front.

What if your pillow is between sizes?

•         Your pillow measures about 28 inches long. Many pillows sold as super standard are this size, and a queen case is usually the better match.

•         Your pillow is 30 inches long. Choose queen.

•         Your pillow is longer than 30 inches but shorter than 36. Measure carefully and check the product page measurements. A king case may be loose, and a queen case may be tight.

•         You sleep on a body pillow or a European square pillow. These need a different case, and the sizes in this guide do not apply.

Which size comes in our gift sets?

The Sleep Sanctuary Duo and Trio include a Queen pillowcase. If you sleep on a standard or king pillow, buy the 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase on its own in your size, or choose the 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase Duo, a pair of pillowcases that comes in standard, queen and king. Add a silk sleep mask separately.

Why 22 momme?

Momme measures the weight and density of silk. We chose 22 momme for bedding because thinner silk wears out sooner, while thicker silk breathes less and feels stiffer. Our pillowcases are made from mulberry silk.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a queen pillowcase on a standard pillow?

Yes. A standard pillow is about 4 inches shorter than a queen pillow, so the case will be a little loose at the end. Some people prefer this, and others find it bunches. If you want a neat look, buy the standard size.

Can I put a standard pillowcase on a queen pillow?

It is a tight fit, and it can strain the seams or the zipper. Choose a queen case for a queen pillow.

Will a queen pillowcase fit a king pillow?

No. A king pillow is about 6 inches longer than a queen pillow, so a queen case is too small. Choose a king case.

How many silk pillowcases do I need?

One for each pillow you sleep on. A spare is useful so that you always have a clean one while the other is being washed. The 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase Duo gives you two in the same size.

Which silk pillowcase size is best for a king bed?

It depends on your pillows. If you use king pillows, choose king. If you use two standard pillows, choose standard.

Does the pillowcase size change the silk quality?

No. The momme weight and the silk are the same across sizes. Only the dimensions change.

Which size to buy?

Match the case to your pillow. Standard pillow, standard case. Queen pillow, queen case. King pillow, king case. If your pillow is between sizes, measure the long side and choose the case closest to that length.