Satin is a luxurious, smooth fabric that’s used in clothing, upholstery, and bed sheets. It can be made from silk, polyester, or rayon. Its sheen and soft feel add a sense of elegance to apparel, making it popular for bridal gowns, prom dresses, nightgowns, and lingerie. Other satin garments include corsets, hats, and ties. Its smooth drape and sheen make it an attractive alternative to chiffon, which can be stiffer and more uncomfortable in hot weather.
Satin’s rich history dates back 2,000 years to China, where it was first developed as a luxurious textile for use in clothing and royal costumes. It quickly became a favorite in Europe, as well, but was reserved for the upper classes due to its high cost. In the Middle Ages, silk became more accessible to common people and the popularity of satin grew further.
The word ‘satin’ is often misused to mean any soft, shiny type of fabric. However, it specifically refers to a particular type of weave. Using certain raw materials or even working with silk does not automatically make a fabric satin, as it must be woven in a satin pattern to qualify as such.
There are many different types of satin fabrics, with each type offering unique characteristics. Some have a high sheen and others are more matte in appearance. They can also differ in their thickness (denier). For example, peau de soie is a very soft, satin-faced cloth with a grainy look and fine close ribs visible in the filling direction. It is reversible and easy to ease, but it has less sheen than satins with a more refined appearance, such as taffeta and duchess satin.