Satin is a luxurious fabric that has long been associated with elegance and nobility. It’s a great choice for dresses, gowns, and lingerie but also has many other uses. Satin is not a natural raw material but is woven from other fibres such as silk, polyester, wool, and cotton. It gets its shine and softness from the way it is woven with minimal interlacing between fibers.
The satin weave originated in China in the 12th century. It was originally made from silk, but because it is so expensive to produce it was reserved for the upper classes and royalty. It eventually spread throughout Asia and along the silk road to Europe. The word ‘satin’ actually comes from the port city of Quanzhou (or Zayton in medieval Arabic).
Although satin is made of other fabrics now, it still has the same properties. The silk satin we know and love has a lustrous front and dull backside, but other types of satin have varying qualities and uses.
Charmeuse satin, for example, is a light type of satin with a lustrous front and a matte backside. It can be woven with either long or short-staple yarns and is very breathable. It is also a great choice for linings, lingerie, and ties.
Slipper satin, on the other hand, is a very tight, medium-weight satin. It’s used for lingerie, shoes, and accessories. It is also often used for upholstery because it is durable and can be patterned. It is a popular choice for wedding gowns and evening wear because of its elegant drape and softness.