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What is Satin?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Satin is a type of textile weave that makes a glossy fabric. Though this method is most classically used with silk thread, it can also be used with other materials like polyester, acetate, nylon, and rayon. There are several different variations on this weave, notably sateen. Despite the fact that it's a method for making fabric, the term "satin" is also used as a descriptor to refer to specific types of fabric.

A Specific Pattern

A closeup of red duchesse satin.
A closeup of red duchesse satin.

To be considered a true satin, a fabric must be woven in a very specific manner. The material must have at least four threads brought to the surface of the fabric to "float" over a single thread running perpendicularly to them. The threads on the top are called warp strands, which run vertically, while the one on the bottom is called a weft strand, which runs horizontally. This process is called floating, and allows large portions of thread to reflect light, which makes the fabric shiny and glossy on one side. Some types, called double-faced satins, are made to be shiny on both sides by using two sets of warp strands.

Different Types

An embroidered satin pillow.
An embroidered satin pillow.

Fabrics made with this weave can vary in terms of texture and appearance according to the type of thread used and variations in the weave pattern. For instance, a fabric made with a mixture of silk and rayon is sometimes called duchesse. There are also several materials that are made with one weave or material on the back and another on the front, including Canton satin, which has a crepe weave on the back, and slipper satin, which has cotton on the back. There is also ciré satin, which is treated with a coating of wax to make it extremely shiny. This process also makes it stiff, which makes it good for use in ribbons.

Thread used for making satin.
Thread used for making satin.

Another common variation is charmeuse, which is made with one warp strand passing over at least three weft strands. A few other variations on the weave are sateen and satinet. Sateen is woven similarly, but has the opposite set of threads on top — satin has the warp threads floating, but sateen has the weft threads floating. It is also more commonly made from cotton or rayon than from silk. Satinet is a very thin material that's usually made of inferior materials, usually cotton or synthetic threads.

Uses

Sateen fabric, which is a variation on a satin weave.
Sateen fabric, which is a variation on a satin weave.

These fabrics are used to make a wide variety of materials, but are most commonly found in formal dresses, bedding, and lingerie. Satin-weave fabrics made with synthetic fibers can also be used to back other things like wool crepe and velvet, eliminating the need for a slip, camisole, or undershirt. Additionally, people use these fabrics for formal shoes and slippers. In this case, the fabric is sometimes dyed to match the rest of an outfit, particularly for a prom or wedding. Variations on the fabric are also used on ballet shoes.

Compared to Other Weaves

Satin is a fabric that is classically made with silk, which comes from the cocoon of the silkworm.
Satin is a fabric that is classically made with silk, which comes from the cocoon of the silkworm.

Satin is one of the three main types of weaves in textile making, which also includes plain and twill weaves. A plain weave consists of warp and weft threads alternatively overlapping and going under each other, while a twill weave floats at least three warp threads per weft. Though its construction makes this fabric the smoothest and most durable of all three, it is also the most likely to shrink if treated improperly, and it stretches very little. It also resists wrinkling and generally drapes the best of any of the weaves. The extent to which any of these properties are present in a fabric depends on the tightness of the weave, and sometimes on the materials used.

Cleaning

Satin variations are used for ballet shoes.
Satin variations are used for ballet shoes.

The safest bet when cleaning these fabrics is to dry clean them, particularly those made with very fine materials or lots of floating threads. Less delicate items can usually be hand washed in cold water with a gentle detergent, though it's important not to wring them out to dry, since this can misshape them. There are products available specifically for cleaning satin shoes as well, though for light staining a damp cotton ball followed up by a dry cloth can often work.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent BeautyAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent BeautyAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon315811

What does "395 Satin Taiwan" mean? Does it reveal which material the satin is made from?

anon169378

Is stretch satin the same/almost the same (quality, shine) as regular satin? Thanks!

anon96902

what is the quality of 395 satin embroidery?

is it a real satin or something cheap?

anon67372

what is the quality of 395 satin like? thanks

anon45521

satin is a sexy material similar to silk and can be made from silk. there are hundreds of different types of satin. satinman

cela

what is satin 395? which satin is the best? thank you.

anon22043

Satin 250DC is actually the grading of the satin (thickness and quality scale)

250 is the thickness in Smm (satin mm). The higher the number the better the quality and more expensive too.

DC is the grading based on AC, BC and DC. DC is the the minimum amount of contamination and 95%+ silk content. Hope this helps!

anon21839

I have heard that satin should not be steam ironed: is this so? also, how do I press the seams of a satin dress (in construction) without the seam allowances leaving 'shape shadows' on the visible side? Advice very welcome!

anon1843

what is satin 250 dc ?

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    • A closeup of red duchesse satin.
      By: klikk
      A closeup of red duchesse satin.
    • An embroidered satin pillow.
      By: aspen rock
      An embroidered satin pillow.
    • Thread used for making satin.
      By: Carlson
      Thread used for making satin.
    • Sateen fabric, which is a variation on a satin weave.
      By: katiagen
      Sateen fabric, which is a variation on a satin weave.
    • Satin is a fabric that is classically made with silk, which comes from the cocoon of the silkworm.
      By: lily
      Satin is a fabric that is classically made with silk, which comes from the cocoon of the silkworm.
    • Satin variations are used for ballet shoes.
      By: Aleksandr Doodko
      Satin variations are used for ballet shoes.