What's the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?

A pillow sham is a decorative cover that goes over your pillow and typically closes with buttons, zippers, or a flap — it's meant to look good and match your bedding. A pillowcase is what you actually sleep on, designed for comfort and protection of the pillow itself. Most people use both together: the pillowcase goes on the pillow first, then the sham over it for visual appeal.

What material should I choose for pillow shams?

Cotton and cotton blends are the most practical choices — they're durable, easy to wash, and breathable. Linen offers a more textured, relaxed look but wrinkles easily, while polyester is budget-friendly and wrinkle-resistant but doesn't breathe as well. Consider your climate and how much time you want to spend ironing when deciding.

How do I know what size pillow sham to buy?

Pillow shams come in standard, queen, and king sizes to match your pillow dimensions — measure your pillow or check its label before ordering. Keep in mind that shams typically have a 2-4 inch overlap to fit snugly over the pillow, so don't size up thinking you need extra room. If your pillow is between sizes, go with the larger sham for better coverage.

When is it worth spending more on pillow shams?

Higher-quality shams made from Egyptian cotton, linen, or specialty blends last longer and feel softer after repeated washing, making them worthwhile if you keep bedding for years. They're also worth the investment if you have allergies or sensitive skin, as premium materials are often hypoallergenic and have tighter weaves. Budget options work fine if you rotate them frequently or prefer to replace bedding seasonally.

What closure type is best for pillow shams?

Envelope closures (where fabric overlaps at the back) are easiest to use and don't require fasteners, making them simple for quick changes. Zip and button closures keep the pillow more securely in place and look cleaner, but take a few extra seconds to open and close. Choose based on how often you'll be washing them — envelope is fastest for frequent laundering, while zips and buttons are better for decorative shams you rarely remove.

10 Best Pillow Shams Of 2026 | The Winners

🏆Our Top Pick

Pizuna Cotton Standard Pillow Cases 50x75 cm White

01

9.9

Exceptional

🔥 1 interested

Pizuna Cotton Standard Pillow Cases 50x75 cm White

Pizuna

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Why We Love It

Practical 100% long staple cotton percale weave stays crisp

Reliable 50x75cm standard size fits perfectly on most pillows

Generous 5cm hem provides structural integrity through countless washes

9.9

Exceptional

🔥 1 interested

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02

9.6

Exceptional

2 Pieces Pillow Cover Set

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Why We Love It

Practical 300 Thread Count Egyptian cotton delivers consistent comfort

Practical housewife style percale weave enhances bedroom elegance

Ultra-soft long staple fibers feel gentle against your face

9.6

Exceptional

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03

9.3

Excellent

Egyptian Cotton Pillow Case 50 x 75 cm

Egyptian

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Why We Love It

Excellent 300 thread count Egyptian cotton rivals luxury resorts

Strong performer with hotel-quality softness that lasts seasons

50 x 75cm standard size fits most pillow types perfectly

9.3

Excellent

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European Square Pillow Shams Set of 2 White 600 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Pack of 2 Euro 26X26 White Pillow Shams Cushion Cover

04

9.1

Excellent

European Square Pillow Shams Set of 2 White 600 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Pack of 2 Euro 26X26 White Pillow Shams Cushion Cover

European

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Why We Love It

Excellent 600 thread count Egyptian cotton feels supremely luxurious

Strong performer in European 26 x 26 square size

Decorative shams transform pillows into statement bedroom pieces

9.1

Excellent

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Hotel Linen Klub Standard Pillowcase 2-Piece Set - Luxurious 100% Cotton 250TC Sateen with Elegant 1 cm Stripe Design

05

8.9

Very Good

Hotel Linen Klub Standard Pillowcase 2-Piece Set - Luxurious 100% Cotton 250TC Sateen with Elegant 1 cm Stripe Design

Hotel

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Why We Love It

Excellent 250TC sateen weave gleams with sophisticated elegance

Strong performer with crisp 1cm stripe design adds visual interest

50 x 75cm standard size works with most pillow inserts

8.9

Very Good

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06

8.7

Very Good

ACCURATEX Cooling Pillow Cases Set of 2

ACCURATEX

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Why We Love It

Solid bamboo construction glides smoothly against skin and hair

Reliable envelope closure stays secure without zippers or buttons

Breathable silk satin cooling technology prevents night sweats

8.7

Very Good

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OSBED Cotton Pillow Covers for Home Bedding

07

8.5

Very Good

OSBED Cotton Pillow Covers for Home Bedding

OSBED

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Why We Love It

Solid choice with hotel-quality cotton for guest rooms

Reliable 5cm hem prevents wear on everyday use

Breathable and cooling design works for warm climates

8.5

Very Good

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King Pillow Shams Set of 2 White Pillow Shams King 20X36 Pillow Covers 100% Egyptian Cotton 600 Thread Count Hotel Class Bedding Cushion Cover Decorative King Size Bed Pillow Shams Set

08

8.4

Good

King Pillow Shams Set of 2 White Pillow Shams King 20X36 Pillow Covers 100% Egyptian Cotton 600 Thread Count Hotel Class Bedding Cushion Cover Decorative King Size Bed Pillow Shams Set

King

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Why We Love It

Smart budget pick with impressive 600 thread count Egyptian cotton

Great entry-level option in king 20 x 36 size

Decorative design elevates bedding without premium price tags

8.4

Good

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Gyulin Pack of 2 100% Cotton 300 Thread Count European Square Pillow Shams Envelope Style Pillow Cover Pillowcase Pillow Protector Cushion Cover Non Zippered Only Cover No Insert 60x60CM White

09

8.2

Good

Gyulin Pack of 2 100% Cotton 300 Thread Count European Square Pillow Shams Envelope Style Pillow Cover Pillowcase Pillow Protector Cushion Cover Non Zippered Only Cover No Insert 60x60CM White

Gyulin

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Why We Love It

Smart budget pick with 300 thread count pure cotton quality

Great entry-level European 60 x 60cm square shams

Envelope style closure operates without zippers for simplicity

8.2

Good

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Beddingstar Standard Pillow Shams Set of 2 Luxurious and Soft

10

8

Good

Beddingstar Standard Pillow Shams Set of 2 Luxurious and Soft

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Why We Love It

Smart budget pick featuring 550 thread count Egyptian cotton

Great entry-level with 2 inch decorative border detail

20 x 26 standard size pairs with most pillow inserts

8

Good

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10 Best Pillow Shams Of 2026

Pizuna Cotton Standard Pillow Cases 50x75 cm White

Why We Love It

2 Pieces Pillow Cover Set

Why We Love It

Egyptian Cotton Pillow Case 50 x 75 cm

Why We Love It

European Square Pillow Shams Set of 2 White 600 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Pack of 2 Euro 26X26 White Pillow Shams Cushion Cover

Why We Love It

Hotel Linen Klub Standard Pillowcase 2-Piece Set - Luxurious 100% Cotton 250TC Sateen with Elegant 1 cm Stripe Design

Why We Love It

ACCURATEX Cooling Pillow Cases Set of 2

Why We Love It

OSBED Cotton Pillow Covers for Home Bedding

Why We Love It

King Pillow Shams Set of 2 White Pillow Shams King 20X36 Pillow Covers 100% Egyptian Cotton 600 Thread Count Hotel Class Bedding Cushion Cover Decorative King Size Bed Pillow Shams Set

Why We Love It

Gyulin Pack of 2 100% Cotton 300 Thread Count European Square Pillow Shams Envelope Style Pillow Cover Pillowcase Pillow Protector Cushion Cover Non Zippered Only Cover No Insert 60x60CM White

Why We Love It

Beddingstar Standard Pillow Shams Set of 2 Luxurious and Soft

Why We Love It

Quick Pick

Quick Pick

Pizuna Cotton Standard Pillow Cases 50x75 cm White, 100% Long Staple Cotton Percale Weave Soft Pillow Cover With 5cm Hem (Cooling Pillowcase - 2 PC)

2 Pieces Pillow Cover Set, Ultra Soft 100% Egyptian Cotton, 300 Thread Count, Luxury Long Staple Cotton Percale Weave, Housewife Style Hotel Quality Pillow Cases, Standard Size (H.W/Gray)

Egyptian Cotton Pillow Case 50 x 75 cm, 300 Thread Count Pair OF Housewife Pillowcases Super Soft Hotel Quality Set of Pillowcases 2 Pack (H.W/White)

European Square Pillow Shams Set of 2 White 600 Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Pack of 2 Euro 26X26 White Pillow Shams Cushion Cover, Cases Decorative Pillow Covers (White ,European 26 x 26)

Hotel Linen Klub Standard Pillowcase 2-Piece Set - Luxurious 100% Cotton 250TC Sateen with Elegant 1 cm Stripe Design, Size: 50 x 75 cm, Crisp White for a Touch of Sophistication in Your Bedroom

ACCURATEX Cooling Pillow Cases Set of 2, Soft Breathable Bamboo Pillowcase with Envelop Closure, Silk Satin Pillow Cover for Hair and Skin, Gifts, White, 50×75 cm

OSBED Cotton Pillow Covers for Home Bedding, Hotel Quality Pillows, Guestrooms & Sofa Pillows | Set of 2 Pillow Sham Covers, Breathable & Cooling Pillow Shams with 5cm Hem (Brown, 50 x 70cm)

King Pillow Shams Set of 2 White Pillow Shams King 20X36 Pillow Covers 100% Egyptian Cotton 600 Thread Count Hotel Class Bedding Cushion Cover Decorative King Size Bed Pillow Shams Set

Gyulin Pack of 2 100% Cotton 300 Thread Count European Square Pillow Shams Envelope Style Pillow Cover Pillowcase Pillow Protector Cushion Cover Non Zippered Only Cover No Insert 60x60CM White

beddingstar Standard Pillow Shams Set of 2 Luxurious and Soft - Genuine 550 Thread Count 100% Pure Egyptian Cotton White Pillow Shams Standard Size 20X26 Decorative Pillow Cover with 2 Inch Border

Buying Guide: Pillow Shams

📋 Table of Contents

1What's the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?

2What material should I choose for pillow shams?

3How do I know what size pillow sham to buy?

4When is it worth spending more on pillow shams?

5What closure type is best for pillow shams?