Satin is a smooth fabric with a shiny surface that glimmers when light hits it. This makes it popular for dresses, linings, and bed linens. It can be made with natural or synthetic fibers and comes in a variety of weights for different uses. It’s also often labelled “dry clean only” because it can easily be marred with wear and tear or careless washing.
Satin weaves can be constructed in a number of ways, but most have one lustrous side and a matte or dull side. This gives the satin fabric its soft, shimmering shine and enables it to drape well. It’s easy to see why it has long been a favourite for gowns and bridal wear. It’s also been used for lining and bedding, and was even woven into furniture at the Palace of Versailles.
Many people think that if a product is labelled “satin” then it must be made from silk, but this is not the case. Silk is a raw material that can be gotten from silkworms but satin is actually a type of weave pattern, not a specific material. Products marketed as satin that don’t mention silk are typically made from polyester or another synthetic fabric.
There are several different types of satin, including mercerized cotton, which has a glossy sheen but is less slippery than other varieties. Other examples include chiffon, which is very lightweight but creases readily, and mako-satin, a high-quality, airy fabric with up to 220 threads per inch.