Whether it is for your little ballet dancers or that special someone in your life, you can never go wrong with satin. It is a versatile fabric that can be used to make everything from gowns and night wears, to accessories like clutches and shoes. It is breathable and soft, and can also be made to be more durable with the addition of synthetic fibers. There are many different types of satin, from the smooth taffeta to the tightly woven slipper satin and even the lighter and more flexible messaline.
The material gets its lustrous finish from the weave and the minimum interlacing of the fibers. The resulting smoothness and glossiness is what makes it famous and desirable. While silk satin is the most common, it can also be produced from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. It was originally a luxurious fabric for the rich, but it has since become a staple in most wardrobes.
The different types of satin are all woven differently and are designed to serve various purposes. For example, crepe back satin is reversible with one side having the lustrous satin finish and the other with a crepe texture. Massaline satin is lightweight and possesses high luster, making it ideal for dressmaking. Duchess satin is a heavier fabric with less luster, and is usually dyed solid colors for use in bridal dresses. Poly satin is a good choice for those who want to avoid the expense of buying real silk, as it is woven from polyester threads.