The Random-But-Useful Thing I Always Pack When I Travel

Real talk: Silk is expensive. Satin is an affordable alternative, and in all the years I’ve spent ping-ponging between the materials, I couldn’t really tell you the difference. Kitsch was the first to pop up when I first started researching, and I still have the original stain pillowcases I bought three years ago. They come in a bevy of colors and limited-edition styles, and are easy to wash and pack. I chose gray, because it hides any stains easily.  Sometimes I do wonder if I’ll successfully be able to zip it over a generous pillow, but so far there’s been no issue. And at under $20, they’re not something I’m terribly worried about forgetting in a hotel (I’ve had a few close calls). I love them so much I convinced my sister, who doesn’t care a lick for anything beauty related, to buy some for herself and her friends. Personally, I’ve had a mind to stock some at my parents’ house, so that I always have some on hand when I go to visit.

When it comes to silk, Clementine has me solidly won over. The brand uses 100 percent GOTS certified 6A organic mulberry silk and non-toxic (Oeko-tex 100 certified) dyes. Translation? This one’s great for sensitive skin. Of all the silk pillowcases I’ve tried, I like the feel of Clementine the best. It’s, well, silky—but without a tackiness I sometimes experience. Nope, this one is totally smooth. I also appreciate that Clementine’s pillowcases come in fun pastel colors and queen and king sizes. The care instructions say you can machine wash in a silk-only delicates load, but truth be told, I’ve thrown it in with all my other delicates and it’s come out just fine.

No lie, I almost fell into a paroxysm after forgetting to pack this pillowcase when I was leaving a hotel in Taipei. (It was luckily saved by my dad.) Slip is one of the OG silk pillowcase brands, with tons of fun colors and patterns to choose from. I have an older iteration, and the new ones are all zippered. At $115, these are similarly priced to Clementine, but the sales are pretty decent—I’ve seen up to 25 percent off.