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The Great British summer may be drawing to a close, but we still have a few sticky nights to endure before the cooler autumnal weather hits. You might be longing to snuggle up under your Egyptian cotton sheets , but while the evenings are remaining hot, it may be more appropriate to reach for bedding that'll keep you cool and stop any night sweat nightmares at bay. Linen makes a great choice but, if you’re looking for something a little more sleek and luxurious, a silk bedding set should be on your radar. This completely natural material is highly breathable with impressive thermal control properties that help keep you cool - but you don't need to ditch them entirely as the crisp winter nights start to bite (silk retains heat well in the winter, too).
Allergy sufferers should also take note. “Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, so these sheets can be highly beneficial for those suffering from eczema or sensitive skin conditions caused by dust mites or other allergens,” says Martin Gill, managing director of luxury bedding brand, And So To Bed. “As sufferers are likely to be kept awake by congestion, this material can help eliminate these allergens, leading to a more restful night’s sleep.”
There are some hair and beauty bonuses, too. Even if you can’t face giving up your cosy cotton sheets, a pillowcase, at least, is worth considering. “This material is less absorbent than cotton, meaning it’s less likely to soak up your skincare products,” says Martin. This gives your expensive moisturiser more time and a better chance to work into your skin – where it should be – instead. And that smooth, frictionless surface means less frizz and hair breakages come morning as well, helping to make bedhead a thing of the past.
If the above isn’t reason enough to tempt you, it can’t be understated that slipping into sheets so soft and smooth every evening makes for a cooling, sensual treat that simply can’t be topped by other materials. Here’s our Bazaar edit of the 10 very best luxury silk bedding sets and separates to shop now and love forever.
LilySilk 25 Momme Seamless Luxury Bedding Set
Luxury silk brand LilySilk offers a gorgeous range of both men's and womenswear, but it's the silk bedding range we're most interested in – for both its sumptuously smooth feel and the brand's commitment to sustainability. Operating under a zero-waste ethos, LilySilk's team only makes as many items as they can sell. Any fabric remnants are used to make eye masks and scrunchies.
Pick from either individual separates or a full matching set. This one featured is its luxurious, heavier 25 momme duvet set. For summer, you might want to swap for the lighter 22 momme option instead.
Nothing says elegance like pure white silk – and The White Company just does classic, chic neutrals so well. With a 19 momme weight, this buttery soft set makes a perfect choice for the warmer season. Oxford corners add some extra smartness.
For a hotel-style look, Soak & Sleep is one of our go-to brands. We're already fans of its luxe high thread count Egyptian cotton bedding range, so naturally its silk offering has made our list as well. This cool silver option looks crisp and feels very modern; it would work especially well for those drawn to using mirrored or glass accents in their interior schemes.
Mix-and-match or, if you buy a full set, there's a modest 5 per cent discount. The brand has five colours to choose from but, if you're looking for a full set, they tend to sell out quickly.
British heritage brand Dorma is synonymous with quality, high-end luxury goods, and its silk bedding is no exception. Super soft and light to the touch, these sheets come in two colours - a champagne-tinged ivory as well as a light silver - with their neutrals tones sure to fit into any coloured bedroom. With prices starting at £300, if you're looking for high quality silk sheets without breaking the bank, you can't really go wrong with this set.
If maximalism is your style, then what's on offer at Mayfair Silk should be well worth a perusal. The brand has the largest range of patterned silk pillowcases we've seen (including tropical jungle prints and flamingos) – although its duvet sets tend to be a little more subdued.
Nonetheless, it's the most extensive selection of full sets we've seen in a beautiful range of colours. This seafoam green option, available in sizes from double to emperor, is a standout.
With a seven centimetre flange around the bottom, this elegant offering from Mommesilk drapes so beautifully, finishing off your scheme with an effortless flourish. This 22 momme duvet cover is available in a choice of six pretty shades.
Attention to detail is key here: internal corner ties help the duvet cover stay in place without bunching, and a tidy concealed zip keeps things seamless and elegant.
As with other silk sheets, this offering from LilySilk is like velvet to the touch - but its the unique method this set is made that makes it stand out to competitors. Titled 'Silk Charmeuse' it is responsibly crafted using a unique weaving technique that creates a smooth pearl-like gloss luster on one side of the fabric, while the reverse has a matte finish. We particularly like how luxe the deep navy blue set looks.
Ethical Bedding Eucalyptus Silk Bedsheet Set
Here's another eucalyptus silk set; again with the moisture-wicking, lightweight benefits that we all need as we head into the warmer months. Ethical Bedding has a smaller colour range to choose from, but it is among the most pleasingly-priced offering on our list – under £300 for an emperor-sized duvet cover, sheet and two pillowcases.
John Lewis John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase
John Lewis is a tried and trusted brand for quality basics. Its Ultimate Collection 100 per cent silk pillowcase comes in a choice of 13 colours, is naturally moisture-repellant and comes highly recommended by happy customers. Coming in at £45 for a pillowcase, it's among one of the cheaper offerings on here, but at no compromise of quality.
If you need a go-to pillowcase for a bargain price, Dorma offers a selection of silk pillowcases that come in a variety of colours. Cooling and comfortable to rest on, your skin the morning after the night before will seem softer and moisturised compared to your usual cotton or linen alternatives. We particularly love these pillows in the soft, rose blush colour, if you're looking to add a pop of colour to your bedroom.
