A Complete Guide to Buying Your Perfect Pillowcase

For a great night’s sleep and creating your perfect bedroom hideaway finding the right pillowcase is a crucial consideration. We are firm believers in investing in good quality bed linen and your pillowcases are no exception. So, if you’ve ever been confused about the difference between a standard, oxford, zipper pillowcase or what their various sizes actually mean then delve straight into our definitive guide.

What is a Housewife Pillowcase?

A housewife pillowcase goes by several names: standard, housewife or terse. These pillowcases were originally named after the Housewives Co-operative in Bolton who reinvented the standard pillowcase in the 1880's. At the time pillows frequently fell out of their cases. To resolve this issue a flap at the open end was added to tuck in and secure the pillow in place. We have now grown accustomed to this simple style.
Housewife pillowcases are often seen as minimalistic and traditional, with their modest design prompting people to refer to them as the regular option. A popular pick, Housewife pillowcases can be comfortably combined with most other types of bedding and are typically the style that comes with basic bed linen bundles.

What Does a Housewife Pillowcase Look Like?

The housewife pillowcase has a much simpler look with a sewn edge that fits the The standard pillow has a functional look with a plain sewn edge. It gives a neat, paired back, minimalist look to your bedding. They are often referred to as the ‘standard’ and are a popular choice because they be effortlessly combined with other types of bedding. This is why they often form part of an essential ben linen bundle.

What are Oxford pillowcases?

​The Oxford pillowcase name is derived from the type of fabric that was traditionally used in its production: Oxford cloth. Tough and hard-wearing it’s a versatile fabric that holds up well to being washed time and time again. Their durability, therefore, makes them a household favourite.

What Does An Oxford Pillowcase Look Like? 

Oxford pillowcases are easily identified by their distinctive wide-stitched hem. This fabric border typically measures about 5-10cm making the size of the pillow appear much larger. The craftsmanship behind the oxford pillowcase is a key aspect that sets it apart but the additional fabric goes beyond mere functionality, it serves an aesthetic purpose. The crisp, tailored look of an oxford pillowcase gives the illusion of a wider, more luxurious pillow making any bedroom look more elegant, sophisticated and refined. While modern oxford pillowcases are often made with sleeker materials like satin or silk, it continues to retain its original name. 

What’s The Difference Between an Oxford Pillowcase and a Standard Pillowcase?

Both pillowcases serve the same functionality and they are equally comfortable to sleep on so you won’t notice a difference during the night. Deciding whether you should opt for a standard or an oxford pillowcase will come down to your personal style. Your bedroom should be a calming, tranquil space where you relax and unwind, so opt for the pillowcase that best suits your aesthetic.

The Oxford pillowcase is a Statement of Style

Whether you have a minimalist decor or a more luxurious style, oxford pillowcases can seamlessly blend in or stand out as a focal point. Their versatility allows them to complement various bedding sets and room designs, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate both form and function.
Opting for oxford pillowcases is particularly effective on bigger beds, such as a Super King, where they help to fill out the space a little more; thereby preventing the pillows from appearing too small. Many people put a housewife pillowcase on the bottom and place an oxford pillowcase on top. This gives the bed a more ‘polished’ look without the use of extra throw pillows. These are small decorative pillows which are placed on top of your bed to dress it up.

The Housewife Pillowcase is Modern and Minimalist

On the other hand, housewife pillowcases offer a simple, clean design that fits seamlessly into modern or minimalist décor. Their straightforward, practical style makes them versatile and easy to match with different bedding sets.

What Sizes Are Oxford and Housewife Pillowcases?

Both options come in a range of pillow case sizes. The UK standard pillowcase size is 50 x 75cm but this increase as the size of your pillow increases. If you have a super king pillow, you should opt for a king-size pillowcase that measures 50 x 90cm. The fabric border adds an extra 5-10 cm around the edges, making the overall dimensions of the pillowcase larger. This means that while the pillowcase will securely hold a standard pillow, the visible border will make it appear substantially bigger. Meanwhile, the size of a square pillowcase is typically 50cm x 75cm.

It’s worth noting at this point that you can get ‘standard’ housewife and oxford pillowcases. This is because ‘standard’ actually refers to the size and not the style. So you can have a standard size Oxford pillowcase, for instance.

Here at Rise & Fall we sell standard and king size pillowcases and our measurements do come out a little larger than normal, as shown in the table below:

	Centimeters	Inches
Standard Pillowcase	75cm x 50cm	29.5in x 19.5in
King Size Pillowcase	90 cm x 50cm	35.4in x 19.5in

Does an Oxford Pillowcase Fit a Standard Pillow?

As we touched upon above, an oxford pillowcase is designed to fit regular size pillow dimensions. The internal dimensions of an oxford pillowcase match those of a standard pillow, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. So, if you have standard pillows and are considering upgrading to oxford pillowcases, you can be confident that they will fit perfectly.

What Fabrics Should You Choose?

Both types of pillowcases will be equally as comfortable for sleeping. Opting for high-quality, premium fabrics can significantly enhance your comfort and ensure a peaceful sleep throughout the night. At Rise & Fall we only use the finest materials to give our customers the ultimate night sleep. In fact, we believe that the fabric of your pillowcase is more important than the type of pillowcase you choose.
For a comfortable night’s sleep, you want natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Unlike synthetic fabrics, they are breathable and can help regulate your body temperature while you’re sleep

Soft and Smooth Pillowcase Range

Our Soft and Smooth pillowcases offers the ultimate in softness. Made from best cotton, woven with a silky veneer finish, these pillowcases offer a beautifully smooth finish that feels soft indulgent to the touch. They are available in organic and non-organic cotton.

Crisp and Cool Pillowcases

Our Crisp and Cool cotton pillowcases are made from 400 thread count. They are woven for comfort and breathability using GOTS certified organic cotton making it perfect for sensitive skin and those who can get hot at night. The one up/one down percale technique means your bedding will remain cool, whilst being soft and gentle on your skin.

Linen Pillowcases

Another standout option comes from our linen collection, made from 100% European flax. They are washed to maintain their colour, softness and shape, making them a great long-term investment. Manufactured using majority renewable energy and 99% recycled and reused water, they are as great for the environment as they are for you.

To find out more about all bed linen options, check out our bed linen buying guide.

What Are Zipper Pillowcases?

If you tend to be a restless sleeper who moves around a lot during the night a pillowcase with a zipper could be a good option to ensure your pillow stays snugly in place throughout the night. This is particularly beneficial for silk pillowcases, which are naturally more slippery than cotton. Another benefit of zipper pillowcases is that they offer a tidy and smooth appearance with no loose fabric. The ease of removing and replacing the pillowcase also makes zipper closures a good choice for those who prioritise convenience.

However, you may find the zipper uncomfortable, especially if you happen to rest your face directly on the closure area. If you opt for a zipper pillowcase it’s important to choose a high-quality zipper to avoid potential snagging or damage to delicate fabrics like silk. When washing your pillowcase, remember to close the zipper beforehand to prevent any issues. Broken zips can happen over time.  

What is a Continental Pillowcase?

A continental pillowcase is a square pillowcase, usually 65cm x 65cm (25.6in x 25.6in), which can come in both Housewife or Oxford designs. Continental pillows are usually used as back pillows set against the headboard or as decorative pillows to dress a bed.

The Choose Is Yours

If you want a clean, understated look opt for a housewife pillowcase. If you prefer a more decorative, sophisticated look then choose the oxford pillowcase. At Rise & Fall our pillowcases are available in standard and super king size. You can opt for organic and non-organic cotton or our breathable and naturally hypoallergenic flax linen. We recommend prioritising superior fabrics for your bed linen to help to transform your bedroom into a sanctuary. Explore our collection of high-quality luxury pillowcases which come in a palette of signature colours. We also sell premium British wool pillows and recycled down pillows if you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives for a restful night's sleep. For more information, read our guide on how to choose the right pillow.