How often should you wash your pillowcase?

More often than most people do. Pillowcases collect sweat, skin cells, hair product, and bacteria quickly, and because your face is in contact with them for hours every night, the buildup has a direct effect on skin. Once a week is the general recommendation, twice a week if you have acne-prone skin or use leave-in hair or skincare products before bed. The upside of bamboo-cotton is that it washes well and softens with repeated washing rather than deteriorating from frequent use. For more information, visit our Care Guide.

Can your pillowcase cause acne or breakouts?

It can contribute. A pillowcase that isn't washed regularly harbours bacteria and oil that transfers to your skin overnight. Beyond hygiene, rough or synthetic fabrics create friction that can aggravate skin and clog pores. Switching to a smoother, natural fabric and washing more frequently is one of the lower-effort changes that can make a noticeable difference, particularly for people who already follow a skincare routine but still experience congestion along the jawline or cheeks.

What is the best pillowcase material?

For most people, bamboo-cotton hits the best balance. Silk has slightly less friction but is expensive, delicate to wash, and impractical as an everyday pillowcase. Standard cotton is durable but rougher on skin and hair than bamboo. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and microfibre are the worst option for skin, trapping heat and moisture against your face overnight. Bamboo-cotton gives you a smooth, breathable, natural fabric that washes easily and holds up over time.

What makes The Lad Collective pillowcases different?

Two things most pillowcases don't have. First, an invisible zip closure that keeps the pillow fully secured through the night with no hardware against your face. Second, a bamboo-cotton blend that gets noticeably softer with every wash rather than rougher. Most pillowcases do neither.

What's the difference between an envelope pillowcase and a zip pillowcase?

An envelope pillowcase has an open flap at the back that folds over to keep the pillow in. It's simple but the pillow can work its way out through the gap during the night. A zip pillowcase closes fully with a zip, keeping the pillow secured regardless of movement. Our pillowcases use a hidden zip that sits flush with the fabric, so there's no visible hardware and nothing rough against your face, but the pillow stays put all night.