A pillowcase is the protective cover you slip over a sleeping pillow, typically sold in pairs with an opening on one side. Unlike a decorative sham, a pillowcase is made for everyday use against your skin. Common closure styles include the simple open-end, the tucked housewife flap, and the bordered Oxford style with a flat fabric edge.
What a pillowcase is for
A pillowcase protects your pillow from body oils, perspiration, and everyday wear, and because it is easy to remove and launder, it keeps your sleep surface fresh and hygienic. It is the piece that actually touches your face and hair each night, so the fabric and finish matter for comfort. Pillowcases are usually sold in pairs and sized to match standard, queen, or king pillows.
Closure styles
The way a pillowcase encloses the pillow varies. The most common is the open-end or housewife style, which has a simple opening on one side, often with an interior flap that tucks over the pillow to keep it neatly contained. An Oxford pillowcase adds a flat, decorative fabric border around the edge for a more tailored look. Some pillowcases use an envelope closure with extra fabric that folds over, while others feature buttons or a hidden zipper for a secure, finished appearance.
The cuff and detailing
Many fine pillowcases have a cuff, an extra band of fabric at the open end that can be left plain or finished with hemstitching, embroidery, or a contrasting border. The cuff is both practical, reinforcing the opening, and decorative, offering a place for the elegant detailing that distinguishes luxury linens. Coordinating the cuff detail with your flat sheet ties a bed together beautifully.
Caring for pillowcases
Because pillowcases touch your face and hair nightly, many people launder them more often than the rest of the set. Wash with a gentle, phosphate-free cleanser and avoid chlorine bleach to protect the fabric and any trim. Pressing pillowcases after washing gives a crisp, hotel-fresh finish, especially on those with a hemstitched or bordered cuff.
You may also like flat versus fitted sheets and what a sham is.
This guide was prepared by Fig Linens and Home, a specialist in luxury bedding, bath, and table linens.
