Pillowcase Size Guide and Dimensions - Anne de Solène

Choose the Right Pillowcase Size

A pillowcase’s main function is to protect your pillows from spills, stains, and miscellaneous wear and tear. However, pillowcases also serve as a smooth layer between you and your soft, plush pillow, so they really are the final step in getting your best night’s sleep. Along with picking a perfect pillowcase material, it’s important to choose the right size pillowcase. Too big? The pillowcase may bunch up and create a bumpy sleep surface. Too small? You’ll have a pillowcase slipping and sliding off in your sleep. Fortunately, this guide will help you find the just-right pillowcase size for your bed.

Standard Size Pillowcase

Standard-size pillowcases measure 20 inches by 26 inches (51cm x 56cm), making them an ideal fit for both standard and queen-size pillows. A standard-size pillow fits nicely on a twin or twin XL bed, while multiple standard pillows can rest side-by-side on full or queen mattresses.A bedding set for twin or full-size beds will often come with two standard-size pillowcases.

A lengthier variation on the standard-size pillowcase is the super standard size, which is two inches longer than its more common counterpart. The super standard pillowcase fits both standard and super standard pillow sizes.

Queen Size Pillowcase

Queen-size pillowcases measure 20 inches by 30 inches (51 cm x 76 cm). Queen pillows are the perfect length to stretch across a queen-size bed, but they may also be used on king or California king mattresses.

The queen pillowcase dimensions are four inches longer than the standard size. Aside from the luxurious look of a queen-sized pillow, they can also help you sleep better. Longer pillows can especially be beneficial if you tend to toss and turn at night because your head will always find a pillowy place to rest, even if you constantly switch sleeping positions.

King Size Pillowcase

King-size pillowcases measure 20 inches by 36 inches (51 cm x 92 cm) and are specifically designed to fit king-size pillows. These pillowcases are much longer than a standard—10 inches, to be exact—but two of them can fit across a sprawling king-size mattress.

Body Size Pillowcase

Body-size pillowcases measure 20 inches by 54 inches (51 cm x 137 cm). Just like body pillows are specially made for your limbs and joints, body pillowcases are specially made for these long and large pillows. Body pillows come in different shapes and sizes, the most common being I-shapes, as well as C-, U-, and J-shapes. You may have to research your specific body pillow to find the body-size pillowcase that best fits it.

Specialty Pillowcase Types & Sizes

• Euro Pillowcase Size: Euro pillowcases measure 26 by 26 inches (66 cm x 66 cm). Sometimes called “square pillows,” these Euro-style pillows are a popular decorative choice or can be used to prop yourself up while reading or watching TV.
• Orthopedic Pillowcase Size: Orthopedic pillowcases vary in shape and size, as they’re designed to support different orthopedic needs. Some orthopedic pillows are made to support your neck, while others support your legs or back. The best thing to do when looking for an orthopedic pillowcase is to contact the company from which your pillow was purchased—they likely have a custom case that’ll be a perfect fit.
• Travel Pillowcase Size: Travel pillows are either rectangular or C-shaped. Small, compact travel pillows allow you to rest your head during long flights or car rides. C-shaped travel pillows usually feature built-in cases that aren’t removable. Rectangular travel pillowcases are more common and are basically a mini version of the standard-size pillowcase.
• Throw Pillowcase Size: Throw pillowcases come in different sizes but are typically square. They are used mainly for decoration and can be artfully arranged on cozy couches, armchairs, or even on the bed. Throw pillowcases can be found in many different colors and patterns to fit your ideal style—from eclectic to minimalist to French Riviera chic.
• Pregnancy Pillowcase Size: Pregnancy pillowcases are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Their wedge- or bean-like shapes are made to support a person's body through the stages of pregnancy. Most pregnancy pillows come with an attached pillowcase, or, in rare cases, pregnancy pillowcases can be custom-made.
• Housewife Pillowcase: Housewife pillowcases are similar to standard pillowcases, with one tiny addition. If a pillowcase has a flap inside to keep the pillow from falling out, it’s technically a housewife pillowcase.
• Oxford Pillowcase: Oxford pillowcases are about the same in size as queen pillowcases, so they can easily fit any queen-size pillow. However, an Oxford pillowcase has a wide, flat hem around its border that creates a more refined and aesthetic bedding look.
• Pillow Sham: While often confused with pillowcases, pillow shams are purely decorative and not made to be slept on. A pillow sham contributes to the aesthetic of a bed, room, or home without any functional purpose. Pillow shams can come in any of the sizes that pillowcases are made in, and they often feature embroidery or quilting to add an air of artfulness to the bedroom they’re placed in.




Do Pillows Need a Pillowcase?



The short answer is yes. Most pillows need a pillowcases to protect them from dust, moisture, stains, and other types of damage. Just like your mattress needs a sheet, your pillow needs a pillowcase! Certain pillows, however, have built-in pillowcases to fit their specific shape, such as a travel or orthopedic pillow.

Using a pillowcase has many benefits that make them worth investing in, including:
• Protecting pillows from staining or damage;
• Protecting the pillow’s filling from rips or tearing;
• Providing a layer of protection between your skin and the pillow’s filling;
• Easy washing, as you can wash the pillowcase instead of the entire pillow.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)





How often do pillowcases need to be washed?

Pillowcases should be washed or changed once a week. This frequent washing may help prevent certain skin conditions and allergic reactions, especially if you allow pets to sleep on your bed with you.



Are pillows and pillowcases machine-washable?

Most pillows and pillowcases are machine-washable. However, they may have specific heat and detergent requirements, so you’re always advised to read your pillowcase’s care label before running it through a wash-and-dry cycle.



How are pillow sizes measured?

Pillow sizes are measured using the length and width of each edge of the pillow. Here are the most common pillow sizes, along with their standard dimensions:
• Standard Pillow Size: 20 inches x 26 inches (51 cm x 56 cm)
• Queen Pillow Size: 20 inches x 30 inches (51 cm x 76 cm)
• King Pillow Size: 20 inches x 36 inches (51 cm x 92 cm)
• Body Pillow Size: 20 inches x 54 inches (51 cm x 137 cm)