Satin is a very smooth, luxurious and silky fabric that has been in use since ancient times. It has a very soft feel against the skin and a shiny front that reflects light in a brilliant way.
It is made from a variety of fibers such as silk, nylon and polyester and can be woven in many different ways. It is a very durable and high-end fabric, so it’s often used to make clothing.
The term satin is derived from the Arabic word “Zaitun” which refers to Quanzhou, China where this weaving technique was first developed over 2,000 years ago. The cultivation of silk was widespread in China and so peasant women were able to master the art of satin weaving.
Traditionally, satin was only made from silk but now it can be produced from a wide range of other fibres such as cotton and wool. This has resulted in a satin that is much more affordable and is also better for the environment as it does not breathe quite as well as silk.
How to Care for Your Satin
The best way to care for satin is to wash it with cold water and a mild detergent. However, don’t wring or hang your satin after washing as this can damage the structure of the fabric.
Types of Satin
There are many types of satin varying in quality, thickness and finish. The most common types include: Antique satin, Baronet satin, Charmeuse satin and Slipper satin.