Satin is a versatile fabric with a luxurious look and feel. Its shiny finish and softness make it ideal for blouses, dresses, skirts, jackets & coat linings, and high-end bedding. Its durability and shine also make it a great choice for little ballerinas dreaming of their next pair of pink pointe shoes!
Originally a silk fabric, satin is now woven with yarns made from synthetic fibres like polyester and rayon. It is one of the three main types of weave and can be found in a range of weights for different uses.
Each warp thread goes over seven weft threads and under one weft thread in a satin weave, creating a clear diagonal pattern and a highly reflective surface. It is also durable and offers stretch, which makes it ideal for lingerie and bridal gowns.
The fabric was developed more than two thousand years ago in China, where it was widely used by royalty and aristocrats. It passed through the Silk Road to Europe, where it became known as zayton by Arab merchants.
Today, satin is most commonly woven with synthetic fibres to keep the fabric affordable and sustainable. Nevertheless, some designers prefer to use natural silk for the softness and beauty it adds to their designs.
Regardless of the type of satin you choose, it is important to care for it properly to ensure it lasts and maintains its lustrous appearance. You can wash a silk satin garment by hand or on the delicate cycle of your machine, but it should always be dry cleaned to avoid shrinkage and stretching.