Wearing silk has been a tradition for over 5,000 years. Although those who wore it have changed over the years, the delicate material has been used for almost everything including robes for Ancient Emperors and Parachutes for World War II Pilots. Below we break down why silk has been so popular, and 9 benefits of wearing it.

1. Prevents the effects of ageing

Ever woke up with lines and red marks on your face? Those are caused by your cotton pillowcases and clothes. Silk is the perfect alternative to avoid this and keep you looking and feeling fresh. Not only does a silk pillowcase feel wonderful against your skin, but added to that, a range of experts suggest silk can also help reduce the signs of ageing.

Silk contains a natural protein and a number of amino acids, and recent studies indicate these can make your facial lines and wrinkles appear smoother and less noticeable, as it relaxes the nervous system. 

Additionally, silk also contains natural chemicals which speed up the metabolism of your skin. This means your skin cells develop and repair more quickly than normal when sleeping with silk.

2. Reduces hair breakage 

Much like the skin, cotton can be hard on the fragile hair too. If you're repeatedly rubbing the same areas of hair against cotton, it can result in breakage. This might shock some, as cotton feels soft to the skin but it grips and tugs at individual strands, causing damage and breakage. 

The natural properties of silk can help reduce friction which often causes damage, such as split ends. This is because silk does not strip the hair of naturals the way other fabrics do, it instead it helps with retaining hydration.

3. Let’s your skin breathe

They say silk is a beauty addict's favourite fabric! Silk does wonders for the skin. While synthetic and natural fabrics traps air within the fabric, silk allows air to move in and out of the fabrics while you sleep, allowing new oxygen to pass by your skin. 

This allows your skin to breathe and feel refreshed - perfect for people with eczema and other skin conditions. Made from long, smooth fibres that are not abrasive against your skin, the smooth texture in silk reduces irritation to sensitive skin.

4. Keeps you cool and comfy

Nothing worse than feeling too hot while trying to sleep. Some people just run on the warmer side and feeling cool while sleeping can be tough. For people in a similar situation, silk is the ideal fabric choice as it can absorb and emit human body sweat quickly, freeing the moisture more quickly than other fibres. 

Another advantage of this versatile fabric is that it helps regulate our body temperature when sleeping and reduce perspiration. This is perfect for people who live in hotter climates, women going through menopause, and those who feel their body temperature runs a little hotter.

5. Makes sleep even more peaceful

Silk can reduce stress factors for our body and aid in a deeper slumber. Its cooling effect during hot summer nights, and warming quality due to the fabric’s tightly woven fibres, make silk an optimal choice for sleepwear and makes for a more peaceful sleep.

6. One of the cleanest and safest fabrics to wear 

Our sleeping quarters can become a breeding ground for fungi and other microbes, but silk is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to dirt, mould and mildew.

The cleanest and safest option for your family to sleep on, silk is a material that these germs are unable to cling to or grow on like they can with cotton or wool. Choosing silk means you can also prevent the myriad of allergy symptoms and illnesses that are caused by these nasty microbes.

7. Timeless & Easy to Care for

One of the advantages of owning a silk product is that it can last for years. With the right care, your silk piece will remain comfy and silky for decades. Use a gentle silk wash to keep it soft or take it to a dry cleaner to a deep clean. GINIA has recently just dropped a washable silk range which has made caring for silk even easier. These pieces are machine washable, simply place in a washable silk bag and it is good to go. 

8. It's a true luxury experience

Sometimes we treat ourselves to a massage, a relaxing day at the beach or a quiet evening in the bathtub. Whatever your escape, laying your head to rest at night in a silk PJ set is the perfect way to end your day. There is no better feeling than the soft, smooth and luxurious feel of silk against your skin when you go to bed at night. It is truly like having a massage every night. 

This luxurious feeling doesn’t end there with a range of beautiful ready to wear products too, one can feel fabulous all day and night. A beautiful silk slip dress or silk shirt is the perfect wardrobe staple for any women out and about on the town.

9. A year-round fabric

With its self-regulating temperature, soft comfortable feeling and its wearable longevity, silk is the perfect fabric to wear all year round. Layered in winter with wools and knits, and linen-silk mixes in the summer, silk is the perfect staple for the wardrobe. 

While it may not be the most affordable choice in the market, silk provides the most value. And besides, why shouldn't you invest in feeling comfortable and fabulous? You don't have to book a hotel to experience a luxurious lifestyle; choose silk and experience it everywhere.

Click here to shop our full range and pamper yourself today.