What Is Satin Made of? A Quick Guide to Its Types, Characteristics, and Care

When you think of a special-occasion fabric, your mind immediately jumps to satin. It’s luxurious, shiny, and elegant finish impresses men & women alike. But when it comes to knowing what satin is made of, many are in the wrong. Misconstrued as a fabric, satin is really a type of weave. Created using complex warp-faced weaving techniques and multiple materials like silk, cotton, and blends, satin’s admirable look spruces up any item! Below, find a complete guide on what satin material is, its types, and how to care for it.

What Is Satin?

Satin is one of the three main types of fabric weaves to exist, besides plain and twill. The satin weave involves floating long runs of warp yarn over weft thread. For context, in weaving, warp yarns are held stationary as the weft threads go over and above the loom. This unique way of weaving prevents light from dispersing through the cloth, giving satin its signature glossy finish on one side and a dull surface on the other.

It’s said that the satin weave originated 2000 years ago in China (206 BCE to 220 CE) when it was only made with silk and used in luxury garments and bed linens. In the 12th century, satin silk was introduced in Europe, and from there, it became a statement for royalty. Used primarily in clothing donned by the upper class, it was a symbol of luxury then and has carried its legacy till today.

Satin Weave Types

Here are 3 common satin weave types. The higher the weave count, the better formability, but with reduced stability.

• 4-Harness Satin Weave (4HS): It passes over 3 threads and under 1 warp, more pliable and easier to curve than plain weaves.
• 5-Harness Satin Weave (5HS): It’s over 4 then under 1. 5HS is the most common satin weave.
• 8-Harness Satin Weave (8HS): It’s the most pliable satin weave, floating over 7 warp yarns and under 1.

What Is Satin Made of

The satin weave can be made from a variety of materials like silk, cotton, rayon, polyester, or a blend of different materials. When it originated, silk was the only material that was used to make satin. But that has changed. To make satin more durable and economical, polyester and cotton were used and they were followed by other materials. Silk remains the most coveted today, but a blend of polyester and silk is also popular because it is more affordable than “only” silk dresses & upholstery.

Here are the 12 most popular satin types:

1. Antique Satin

Antique satin is named so because of its vintage, enduring appeal. It’s reversible in that one side is satin and the other is shantung.

Unlike the usual satin weave, this type of satin is created using irregular yarns giving it a textured, less glossy appearance. It’s seen in home decor, but its heritage charm has also made it appealing in fashion space.

2. Baronet Satin

This type of fabric has a rayon/ silk warp thread and a cotton weft thread giving it a truly glossy finish and a beautiful luxurious feel. It’s smoothness makes it popular in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and high-end fabrics for upholstery.

3. Charmeuse Satin

Highly popular in female fashion (from lingerie to heels and daily wear, it’s everywhere), charmeuse satin’s weaving differs by its use of floating threads. This attribute gives the front a lustrous appearance and the back a dull base. It’s slightly clingy but soft and comfortable to wear!

4. Crepe-Back Satin

Also known as “two-faced satin”, the crepe back satin can be easily spotted as it has smooth satin on one side and textured, dull back on the other. Seldom used in clothing, crepe-back satin is a popular choice for large-scale uses like venue dressing and decorations.

5. Duchess Satin

Also dubbed as the “bridal satin”, the duchess satin weave is finely woven and has a high thread count. It has considerable weight and possesses a sheen that awes but doesn’t overpower. It’s stiffness makes it easier to work on, so brides who have a vision in mind can easily get their dress customized as per their dream outfit!

6. Slipper Satin

Named after a ballerina’s slipper, this stiff, heavy satin fabric has a lustrous appearance and is a popular material for evening wear, prom dresses, and women’s shoes.

7. Messaline Satin

If you’re looking for soft, lightweight, and easy-to-carry satin, you have met your match. The messaline satin is known for its delicate nature, flowy drape, and high luster. You can often find it in everyday wear fashion.

8. Polysatin

The polyester satin or poly satin is made using artificial fibers. It’s the most popular satin type at the moment - all thanks to its economical prices. You can find it everywhere from home decor and accessories to bridesmaid dresses and evening gowns. The fabric is also quite durable and mimics silk satin appearance to the best.

9. Nylon Satin

Made using nylon in the weave, the nylon satin is an economical and durable option to the expensive silk satin fabric. It’s also quite glossy and can be easily color-dyed to many variations. One drawback is it’s breathability. The fabric isn’t as breathable as silk and can be uncomfortable in warmer temperatures.

10. Cotton Satin

The cotton satin weave is right up on the demand list behind the silk satin. It’s smooth, breathable, soft, flowy, luxurious, and has a subtle sheen - just what you need for a special occasion wear! Its durability has also made it popular in home decor items like bedsheets, duvet covers, and curtain linings.

11. Faconne Satin

The faconne is woven using the jacquard loom and is often made with mercerized cotton. This satin weave is not created for fashion uses, but rather for solid upholstery items like curtains and sofas.

12. Panne Satin

The last satin type has an interesting appeal because it combines satin’s sheen with the lush feel of velvet. In this satin weave, the material is pressed under a heated roller pressure that allows the fabric to mimic the fluid-like appearance of velvet. Panne satin is a popular fabric for evening gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and loungewear.

Advantages of Satin Fabric

Satin’s benefits transcend its opulent appearance, glossy finish, and unique graceful flow over your curves. Here are some more advantages of the satin fabric:

• The fabric is durable, breathable, and stretchable. This makes it comfortable for longer wear and versatile for all seasons.
• The satin weave also makes the attire wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sloppy appearance a few hours into wearing it.
• Satin also possesses strange temperature-regulating properties, making it functional in any season.

We hate to break it to you, it’s not all rosy though. Below, find the drawbacks of the satin fabric

Disadvantages of Satin Fabric

Here are some disadvantages of sating fabric:

• Satin has a slippery texture, which is great to feel, but the same attribute makes it difficult to work on it. If you want any customizations like threadwork, pearls, or any other embellishments, satin might not be the best material to hand over to your local seamstress.
• Satin weave is expensive, owing to its coveted qualities and strategic weaving. The price drives up further if it's made using costly raw materials like silk. That’s why it will always be a celebratory material and make you feel extra special whenever you put it on!

How to Care for Satin

Caring for satin is straightforward. There’s a general cheatsheet and then, there’s the specific care label instructions. Follow them both (they mostly overlap anyway) and you can be assured that your satin fabric dazzles and impresses for years to come.

1. Store in a cool, dry place in a CLOTH garment bag only! Plastic bags trap moisture and foster mildew growth. If you don’t know, mildew is a type of fungi that eats the cloth fibers and leaves them with a pungent odor.
2. Wash by hand or on a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Don’t use any harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. They can weaken the fibers of satin and make it lose its colors and bling.
3. Dry your satin dresses, accessories, and decor away from direct sunlight.
4. To remove stains, use a gentle spot remover. No need to harshly wring or agitate the dress. Gentle rubbing will suffice!
5. Never iron your satin dresses directly. Always place a press cloth or better, steam your satin bridesmaid dress instead.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re aware of what satin is made of, you know it can be a great investment for your wardrobe. Whether you choose it as your bridesmaid dress, wedding trousseau pick, or a much-deserved splurge, its elegance will add a touch of sophistication to your personality each time.