Why Your Bonnet Keeps Falling Off

Usually the first thing to check. A bonnet that is too large for your head rides up and slides off. One that is too small stretches over the hair and snaps back.

The brands publish different amounts of fit information:

Bonnet	Fit information published
Slip Silk Turban/Bonnet	One size, non-adjustable, 21 to 28 in (54 to 72 cm); Slip says it may be a loose fit on short or fine hair
Kitsch Oversized Satin Bonnet	Roomy, extra-long adjustable ties; dimensions not published
Kitsch XL Adjustable Satin Bonnet	XL, adjustable-fit ties; dimensions not published
Grace Eleyae Slap	Elastic band; sizes M-Original and L listed

If you have short or fine hair, a roomy bonnet may swim on your head. If you have a lot of hair, a smaller one will pop off. Measure your head around the hairline if you want to compare against a published range. See bonnet sizing and fit for how to choose.

Satin ties are slippery, and a single knot loosens as you turn. Try these in order:

1. Double-knot. Tie a regular knot, then tie it again on top.
2. Tie a bow over the knot. The bow adds friction and is easy to undo.
3. Move the knot to the front or the side. A knot at the nape gets pressed by the pillow and pulls loose. A knot at the forehead or side stays put.
4. Tuck the ends. Loose tails can catch on the pillow and drag the knot undone.

If your bonnet has a hidden drawstring, use it. It does the same job without a knot to loosen. Grace Eleyae describes its Adjustable Slap as having hidden adjustable drawstrings, and Kitsch describes its oversized bonnet as having extra-long adjustable ties, which give you more length to wrap and knot twice.

If you wake up with the ties undone every morning, the knot is probably not the real cause. Go back to size and position.

Many bonnets that slip are simply sitting too high. Position matters as much as tightness.

1. Gather your hair first so it does not push against the bonnet.
2. Put the back on first. Pull the bonnet down over the nape, low, so the back edge sits at the base of your skull.
3. Bring the front forward until the band sits just past your hairline, covering the edges.
4. Check the sides. The bonnet should sit over the ears or just above them, not bunched up on the top of your head.
5. Then adjust the ties or drawstring.

If you put the front on first and tug the back, the bonnet rides up and works its way off by morning. If it sits too far forward, it may press on your forehead and feel tight, which is a sign to adjust the size, not to loosen the ties until it drops.

If you sleep on your stomach, a bonnet with a flat, low profile will drag less on the pillow.

Two kinds of hair cause the most slipping.

Slick hair. Heavy oil, serum, or cream makes the hair slippery under the band, so the bonnet slides. Use a smaller amount of product, and keep it away from the hairline where the band sits. A fine, very straight head of hair can also be slippery by nature.

Voluminous hair. A large style pushes up against the bonnet and works it off from inside. Gather hair loosely at the crown or in large twists, and use a roomy bonnet.

Hair situation	What to try
Fine or slippery	Snugger fit, drawstring or elastic band, a scarf underneath
Thick or large style	Oversized or XL bonnet, adjustable ties
Heavy product at the hairline	Use less, or wipe the edge before tying
Long hair	Gather first; consider a bonnet made for length

For length, Kitsch describes its XL Adjustable Satin Bonnet as accommodating longer hair lengths ($22), and Blissy describes its Cascade Bonnet as designed for extra-long hair, braids and extensions ($89.95).

A few designs address slipping directly, according to the brands.

• Grace Eleyae Adjustable Slap ($28.45): hidden adjustable drawstrings plus an elastic band, one size fits most. Grace Eleyae describes it as aimed at people whose bonnet slips off.
• Grace Eleyae Slap ($22.80): satin-lined cap with an elastic band. Grace Eleyae says it stays on at night thanks to its elastic band.
• Kitsch Oversized Satin Bonnet ($22): roomy with extra-long adjustable ties.
• Kitsch XL Adjustable Satin Bonnet ($22): adjustable-fit ties for longer hair.

The clear pick if slipping is your main problem is the Adjustable Slap, because it combines both an elastic band and drawstrings, and it costs less than silk bonnets. The trade-off is that a cap-style design covers less loose volume than a large bonnet, so people with very large styles may prefer the oversized Kitsch option. See best bonnets that stay on all night.

Some heads and some sleeping habits just do not suit a bonnet, and that is fine.

Options to try, in order:

1. Add a scarf under the bonnet. The scarf gives the bonnet something to grip and also covers the hairline. Tie it loosely.
2. Switch to a satin-lined beanie or cap. Kitsch describes its Glazey Satin-Lined Beanie as a snug, stay-put fit, at $22. Grace Eleyae's Foldover Warm Slap is $38 with a satin lining. See satin-lined beanie vs bonnet.
3. Rely on a satin pillowcase. It does not stay on or come off. Kitsch's is $29 and Grace Eleyae's is $24.70.
4. Change your style. A loose braid or pineapple can be enough on a smooth surface.

If you find you take the bonnet off in your sleep, it may be uncomfortable rather than loose, and a pillowcase is the better fit. See bonnet vs satin pillowcase for a direct comparison.