Pillowcases

Housewife and Oxford: the two shapes

A standard pillowcase, sometimes called a housewife, is cut to the pillow with no border. It is the plain, practical shape and it is what most beds use. An Oxford pillowcase adds a flat fabric border of a few centimetres all the way round, which gives the pillow a framed, more formal look when the bed is made.

The difference is entirely presentational. Both hold the same pillow, both wash the same way, and an Oxford simply takes up a little more room on the bed and reads as dressier. Some ranges offer both, and a common arrangement is Oxford for the front pillows and plain for the ones behind.

Singles, pairs and what you are actually buying

Some listings are a single pillowcase and some are a pair, and it is stated on the product rather than implied by the price. This matters more than it should, because two identical-looking listings can differ by one pillowcase and the cheaper is not always the better value.

Where a pillowcase comes as part of a duvet cover set, it is included in that set and not counted here. The pillowcases on these pages are bought on their own, either to replace a worn pair or to add a second set for rotation.

Sizing, and why UK and US pillows differ

The standard UK pillowcase is 50cm by 75cm, and almost every UK pillow is cut to fit it. American standard pillows are longer and narrower, so a UK case on a US pillow leaves the pillow proud at the open end. If you are buying from outside the UK, check the pillow rather than assuming the case will fit.

A case that is slightly generous is better than one that is tight. A tight case compresses the pillow and shortens its life, and it is far harder to get on and off in a hurry.

Cotton, polycotton and how often to replace them

Pure cotton is more breathable and softens with washing, which is what most people want against their face. Polycotton dries faster and creases less, which suits a household that washes bedding often and does not want to iron it.

Whichever you choose, pillowcases have the shortest life of anything on a bed. They take facial oils, hair products and a hot wash more often than a duvet cover does, and the fabric thins at the open end first. Two pairs per bed, rotated, is the arrangement that lasts.

Washing and keeping them fresh

Wash pillowcases more often than the rest of the bed. Weekly is right for most people and twice weekly is not excessive for anyone with long hair or oily skin, and it does more for skin than most things sold for the purpose.

Forty degrees is enough, with dark colours washed separately for the first few cycles. Turn a printed case inside out to protect the design. Tumble dry on a low heat and take them out promptly, which is most of what keeps them smooth, or bring cotton in damp and press it warm if you want them crisp.