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The 10 Best Hotel-style Pillowcases To Upgrade Your Bedroom [2024]

Amar Hussain's image
Amar Hussain
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Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

830 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63U.S. States Visited: 9

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
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Staying in hotels can be exciting. Whether you’re traveling for work or for fun, a hotel is like a home away from home. Most people focus on how comfortable the mattress or pillow is to determine how well they’ll sleep.

However, having a good pillowcase can make or break a night’s rest. If you’re looking to create a hotel-style oasis in your own home, picking the right pillowcase can make all the difference in ensuring maximum comfort.

Things To Consider With Hotel Pillowcases

You might think that all pillowcases are more or less the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, there are multiple factors that can make a difference in the comfort of a pillowcase.

Here are a few things to consider to make picking a pillowcase easier.

Material

Hotel pillow material
Hotel pillowcases are typically made out of cotton or a cotton blend. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

The material a pillowcase is made out of is the most important thing to consider when you’re deciding on which one to purchase.

Typically, hotel pillowcases will be made out of cotton or a cotton blend. They tend to be inexpensive, generally hypoallergenic, and comfortable.

Polyester cases can be less expensive, but they might be less comfortable depending on their weaving and the quality of the polyester used. Rayon is another material that can be less expensive for hotels. Instead, high-end hotels might opt for silk or satin.

Size

Hotel pillow size
Take the actual measurements of your pillow before your purchase. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Not all pillows are the same size, so not all pillowcases are the same size either. A pillowcase that’s too small might make a pillow feel lumpy. A pillowcase that’s too large might create uncomfortable or unsightly creases.

It’s important to make sure you know the size of the pillow you’re using before you purchase a pillowcase.

Terms such as “queen size” might be commonly used, however, there can be discrepancies in their meaning. To be sure, take the actual measurements of your pillow before your purchase.

Cleaning

Pillowcases, in general, can be difficult to clean without causing the fabric to fade over time. This is even more the case with hotel pillowcases.

Since they’re used by more people and are washed more often, they undergo more wear, tear, and exposure to cleaning products and heat. Thus, you’ll want to purchase pillowcases that are durable and easy to clean.

Hot Tip: Stain-resistant fabric might also be a wise choice, as once a pillowcase is stained, even if it’s thoroughly clean, it may no longer be usable.

Comfort

It’s important to consider how comfortable a pillowcase is before you purchase it.

Aside from its material, there are other things that can affect a cover’s comfort:

  • Thread Count: The number of threads woven into the fabric. Typically, the higher the thread count, the more comfortable the fabric.
  • Quality: High-quality material is often more comfortable than lower-quality versions of the same fabric. It might be softer and less rigid, for example.
  • Age: A pillowcase might become less comfortable with time. Especially if there are rips or snags in the fabric.

Design

The design of a pillowcase might seem superficial, but it can be an important factor when you consider purchasing one.

For example, a patterned pillowcase might help to obscure signs of use, such as minor snagged threads or slight discoloration that stain remover won’t get out.

However, a patterned or colored pillowcase might also make fading in the material more noticeable.  On the other hand, white pillowcases can be more susceptible to staining and discoloration. However, white cases are easier to replace, whereas patterns can be discontinued.

The 10 Best Hotel-style Pillowcases

There’s a wide selection of pillowcases on the market. It can be overwhelming to sort through them all to determine the major and minor differences between them to figure out which one is right for you.

We’ve weighed the pros and cons to come up with this list of the best pillowcases on the market today, so you can make the best choice for your needs.

1. A Breathable Pillowcase Set

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HC COLLECTION Pillowcases Queen Size

The HC Collection cases are great for people who prioritize having a pillowcase that’s breathable. These cases are made out of microfiber that allows airflow and temperature regulation, so your pillow won’t get too hot. That means you don’t have to constantly flip your pillow over to find the cool part for comfort.

It comes in a variety of colors, so it’s perfect for hotels and private users alike, and you can easily find one to match any style or decor.

They’re also safe to go into the washing machine since the material won’t shrink or stretch in high heat. The microfiber won’t pill either, making the cases look nice and new for longer.

What We Like:

  • Durable and comfortable

What We Don’t Like:

  • Premium price

Hot Tip: Pair your hotel-style pillowcase with a pillow, comforter, mattress topper, and blankets to make your bedroom feel like a hotel.

2. 100% Cotton Pillowcases for Maximum Comfort

Threadmill Home Linen Standard Pillowcase

Threadmill Home’s pillowcases are 100% cotton to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. They come in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes, so they’ll fit any bed or pillow, and you can easily find one that suits you.

These cases have a 600 thread count, offering enough comfort for most sleepers right away. However, the case has been designed to allow the fabric to get softer each time it’s washed.

There might be more budget-friendly options out there. However, these cases also boast sustainable manufacturing, making them better for the environment. Their durability also ensures they won’t have to be replaced often.

What We Like:

  • Elastic to stretch snugly around pillows

What We Don’t Like:

  • Can shrink if washed or dried at high temperatures

3. Machine-washable Pillowcases for Comfort on the Go

Queen Size Pillowcases Set of 2

If you want the security that you can easily wash your pillowcases, this set might be the right choice for you. These cases are microfiber, so they will maintain their shape and size, even when machine-washed, without the fabric degrading.

The material is also breathable and can regulate its temperature allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep no matter the time of year. The fabric will stay cool, allowing for easy, restful sleep.

This is also a good option for hotels or people who have guests often as it’s a hypoallergenic material. Thus, it shouldn’t be irritating even to people with sensitivities to fabric or dyes.

What We Like:

  • Good price-quality ratio

What We Don’t Like:

  • Sizes don’t correlate with all queen- or king-sized pillows

4. A Budget Option Without Sacrificing Quality

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Elegant Comfort Luxury Ultra

This pillowcase set by Elegant Comfort is perfect for those who want high-quality comfort at a budget-friendly price. These pillow covers are made out of soft microfiber with an impressive 1,500 thread count, making them comparable to Egyptian cotton.

They’re also wrinkle-resistant, so they’ll always look crisp and fresh, even after repeated use or after being buried at the bottom of a linen pile.

The white queen size is the standard size and color available, however, the covers also come in king size and body pillow options and in a variety of colors.

What We Like:

  • Soft and low-maintenance

What We Don’t Like:

  • On the small end for the stated sizes

5. A Pillowcase Set for the Whole House

Utopia Bedding Queen Pillowcases

If you are in the market for numerous pillowcases, but you are on a tight budget, the Utopia Bedding set is for you.

This set is great for a household looking to replace their linens. You get 12 queen-sized pillowcases, all made out of resistant polyester microfiber.

The material won’t shrink when washed correctly, and you don’t have to worry about the color fading or changing over time. All of that means the set should last a while before any of the cases need to be replaced.

The durability and convenience of the set don’t mean comfort is sacrificed. The material is still breathable, which will keep the pillow from becoming uncomfortably warm.

What We Like:

  • Budget-friendly

What We Don’t Like:

  • Has very specific care instructions

6. Pillowcases That Offer Complete Protection

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Glarea White Pillowcases Queen Size

If you want to make sure your pillow is completely covered by its pillowcase, the Glarea set is an option to consider.

These cases all have an envelope closure, so no part of the pillow has to be exposed while you use it, which makes it a sanitary option that reduces germs or bacteria coming in contact with the pillow.

That, in addition to the fact that this set comes in a pack of 12, makes it perfect for hotels, inns, or for use in your guest room. They’re also designed to be wrinkle- and shrink-resistant, and they won’t discolor, making the set a worthy investment that should last years.

What We Like:

  • Easy to care for

What We Don’t Like:

  • Lack of color and size options

7. All-purpose Pillowcase Option

Utopia Bedding Cotton Blend Pillowcases

The Utopia Bedding set is perfect for people who are looking for pillowcases appropriate for multiple settings.

The pillowcases are plain white and sized to fit a standard sleeping pillow, so they won’t look out of place in a house or in a hotel. The cases are also made of comfortable cotton to allow for easy, peaceful rest that shouldn’t irritate most skin sensitivities.

The set comes with 12 pillowcases, so multiple-bedroom homes or people who prefer to change their pillowcases daily will also find value in this set. Each pillowcase is also wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant, making it an option that’s easy to clean and care for.

What We Like:

  • Great value

What We Don’t Like:

  • Thin fabric

8. Hypoallergenic Pillowcases

Balichun Premium Queen Pillowcase

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic pillowcase option that doesn’t sacrifice quality and comfort, the Balichun set is for you. Though this is a bulk set, it’s still just as comfortable and high-quality as many pillowcases that are sold individually.

A thread count of 1,800 makes this microfiber option comparable to many Egyptian cotton varieties. The material is soft and will stay cool for maximum comfort.

The pillowcases are also easy to maintain, they’re wrinkle-free and resist shrinking or stretching, so not much work needs to go into making them last. Since they’re hypoallergenic, people with fabric and chemical sensitivities will be able to use the cases without worries.

What We Like:

  • Allergen-free

What We Don’t Like:

  • Texture can change if washed improperly

9. Durable Supima Cotton Pillowcases

ELINEN 100% Supima Cotton

The Elinen Supima cotton pillowcases are for you if you want a durable cover for your pillow while still having the comfort that comes with luxury.

Though made out of pure cotton, these pillowcases are weaved in a way that gives them a silky feel. That gives the pillowcases a cool feel but also helps protect long hair from breaking during the night, which is a plus for many sleepers.

The 600 thread count adds to the comfort by making the cases soft to the touch. The durability of the cases makes them easy to care for. They’re able to resist wrinkling and discoloring, so they’ll look fresh and new longer.

What We Like:

  • Silky feel at a lower cost

What We Don’t Like:

  • Not the most budget-friendly

10. Low-Maintenance Pillowcases

Pacific Linens White Percale Pillowcase

A great no-fuss pillowcase option comes from Pacific Linens. This is another bulk pack that comes with 12 pillowcases, making it great for hotels or people who tend to host a lot of guests.

The cotton doesn’t wrinkle, and it’s easy to keep clean and free from stains thanks to its poly-cotton fabric blend. The cases will last a while before they need to be replaced. The standard size is a queen, but they also come in the larger king variety if you have larger pillows.

The material is breathable to ensure comfort for even restless sleepers. This is even more important since the cases are envelope-style. Air still passes through them easily without sacrificing cleanliness.

What We Like:

  • Easy to care for

What We Don’t Like:

  • Relatively low thread count

Final Thoughts

While, ideally, all hotel-style pillowcases will be comfortable and easy to clean, there are some things that can differ between them. You can find hypoallergenic cases, budget options, and options that come in a variety of patterns and materials.

Hopefully, with the help of this list, you’re able to narrow down what your pillowcase needs are and which is the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pillowcases do hotels use?

Most hotels use cotton pillowcases. They tend to be a good mix of comfort and affordability. Some budget chain hotels might use pillowcases made of polyester or other lower-cost materials that might make them less comfortable.

Are hotel pillowcases clean?

Hotels should, at minimum, change and wash their pillowcases between guests. Some hotels might wash pillowcases less often during a guest’s stay upon request to save water.

Should I pack a pillow when I travel?

If you plan to stay in a hotel, bed & breakfast, or other such accommodation, it is generally unnecessary to bring your own pillow as one will be provided for you. However, if you would otherwise prefer sleeping with your own pillow, that typically shouldn’t be a problem.

How many pillowcases should I bring traveling?

If you plan to pack your own pillow on your trip, the number of pillowcases you should bring will depend on how many pillows you bring and how long you’ll be traveling. Typically packing 1 per pillow should be adequate. If you are traveling for longer than 2 weeks, you should bring a spare pillowcase or wash the one you have on your trip.

Amar Hussain's image

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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