Satin is a fabric that is used in many different areas from apparel to upholstery. It is considered as a luxurious fabric due to its shiny front side. It is normally woven with filament fibers like silk, nylon or polyester or a mixture of these. The fabric is tightly woven and therefore it does not get wrinkled easily in comparison to other fabrics. This makes it a great option for women’s gowns, nightgowns, lingerie and blouses. It is also popular for interior lining and is often used in dresses, shoes and curtains.
The word satin originates from the city of Quanzhou, which was called Zayton by the Arabs. The fabric became popular during the Middle Ages. It was expensive at the time, so it was only worn by the wealthy.
There are many different types of satin weaves, and each creates a unique fabric. The basic satin weave is an over x under y weave. For example, a four harness satin weave sees the weft thread go over three warp threads and under one, while an eight harness satin weave will make it over seven and under one. There are also crepe back satin, duchess satin and lustrous satin which is heavier and has a low luster.
It is recommended to hand wash satin fabrics to avoid any damage that could be caused by the washing machine. It is also advisable to use a cool water setting and air dry. Avoid using warm or hot water as this can cause the fabric to shrink and lose its shine.