Satin is a beautiful material that has a smooth, luxurious feel and yet it is extremely common to not actually know what satin is.

In this post, we provide key details that answer – ‘what is satin?’, how it is made, the different types of satin and then also some pros and cons for when to use it.

What Is Satin – And What It Isn’t

To answer the question of what satin is we first have to touch upon what it isn’t. Satin is not a raw material, it is not an equivalent to wool or silk for instance.

Instead, satin is a type of weave. It is only possible to make satin from certain raw materials and using those materials does not mean you are automatically working with satin. To give an example, satin can be made from silk, but simply working with silk is not to say you have satin – the silk must be weaved into the satin pattern.

The Origins of Satin

The satin weaves is thought to have originated around 2,000 years ago in the Chinese port of Quanzhou – Zaitun is the Arabic name for this port, satin therefore a derivative of this name.

It took hundreds of years for the satin weave to become known globally – Italy started to produce this fabric in the 12th century and by around the 14th century it was available throughout Europe. However, that is not to say it was available to all, this being before the advance in man-made fibres, satin could only be made from silk and this made it an expensive fabric – one typically reserved for the church and those with extreme wealth. Satin was a status symbol as well as a wonderful fabric.

What Is The Satin Weave?

The satin weave is more complicated than other weaves, an example is shown in the image below.

Without getting overly technical, the intersections are more complex between the horizontal and vertical threads (the weft and warp yarns). The satin weave has long runs of the warp or weft yarns. The effect is to create a pattern that does not disperse the light as much as other weaves and this is where the sheen comes from.

There are variations on the satin weave, but the basic fundamental applies, a weave that has these longer, unbroken runs of yarn that creates the effect where the light shimmers and shines off the surface.

While satin has this luxurious feel to the front, the back will be duller, this again a result of the weave process, a pattern designed to make a lustrous finish on one side of the garment on end product. 

Which Materials Can Make Satin?

If a satin weave is used on a filament fibre (a continuous fibre) such as silk, nylon, rayon or polyester then this is a satin – a few purists continue to suggest a satin must be made from silk alone.

As mentioned, using silk does not, however, automatically make a fabric satin – the weave is all-important. 

If a satin weave is used on a short-staple fibre, cotton for example, then the resultant fabric would be considered a sateen.

Are There Different Types Of Satin?

In a word, yes.

There are different weaves and then different type pf this wonderful fabric.

A four harness satin weave sees the weft thread go over three warp threads and then under one.

A five harness weaves changes this pattern to four and one, an eight harness satin weave making it over seven and under one.

Ten types of satin can be formed, as listed below. The 10 are not all used as regularly, some reserved mostly for specialist tasks.

• Antique: This is a heavy fabric with a dull lustre, it is often used for upholstery and curtains
• Baronet: Made from Rayon and cotton, this is a truly luxurious fabric and is
• Charmeuse: Highly lustrous on one side, but dull on the other. Dressmaking is a common usage
• Crepe-back: Again used commonly in dressmaking, crepe-back is a reversible fabric that can have either the stain weave of crepe weave visible
• Duchess: Used in bridal wear, duchess holds shape well and can be dyed in solid colours. It is relatively heavy and stiff.
• Lucent: A sateen that is double faced and is shiny and high lustre. Used in clothes, bags and fashion accessories it has a surface that is slippery to the touch.
• Messaline: As with others, Messaline is commonly used in dress making. It is light and soft.
• Monroe: Bags and accessories are often made from Monroe – it is a medium weight sateen-fronted weave.
• Panne: Wonderful for dressmaking and evening wear, panne has a very high degree of lustre, this created by the finish with heated roller pressure.
• Slipper: Slipper has a matte surface and is lightweight. This fabric has a cotton reverse and is often used in craftwork.

The Advantages of Satin

Satin has a luxurious look and feel – this is often the key advantage and who it is chosen.

It is also versatile, as shown by the different types of satin and sateen listed above, and it can be durable, the taut nature of the fabric stronger than many plain weaves.

Satin is also wrinkle resistant, this especially true of thicker satins.

Satin is also a material that can be printed on, with high-quality, vibrant colours and images – this creates the perfect combination of a soft, luxurious look and feel and a vibrant pattern printed on to the surface.

The Disadvantages of Satin

As with all fabrics, there are pros and cons – no fabric can be the best choice for all tasks.

Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture.

Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction. 

Caring for Satin

Satins made from synthetic fibres and cotton sateens can be washed at home, but those made from silk must be fry cleaned.

For hand washing satins (where applicable), it is best to use a delicate or hand-wash cycle and use a cold water setting. After washing it should then be put flat on to a clean towel, this ensuring it retains its shape. Squeezing dry, hanging fry or, worst of all, placing in the tumble dryer can all lead to the fabric becoming mishapen.

Do You require Satin?

At Citrus Rain, we have a wide choice of satin fabrics, these all available for you to print your own design upon

If you are unsure about which textile is right for you, simply browse the fabric pages and order a material swatch FREE to help you make the best choice for your printed fabric.

Each sample is a physical example of that particular fabric, printed with its name, width, weight and other details.

We happily offer you full fabric information with an example of our print quality in advance.

At Citrus Rain, we are a leader in a leader in digital fabric printing and have worked with brands including the BBC, Virgin and 2012 and 2016 Olympics – we also work with individuals and smaller businesses to help them fulfil their printed fabric requirements.

To make an enquiry, please call 0161 320 3637 or use or Contact Form.

Satin Fabric. All You Need to Know About

Satin is a type of weave featuring a remarkably smooth and glossy face side. Most often created out of silk, silk satin fabric is renowned as the first choice for evening dresses. Let’s take a look at this beautiful and seductive fabric and see what it has to offer.

This fabric comes in a range of different weights and has a smooth and lustrous surface that is very attractive. This weave originated over 2,000 years ago in the Chinese port of Quanzhou and eventually spread from Asia to the west.

Historically, satin was used for upholstery — for example, Louis XIV used it to cover his ornate furniture in the Palace of Versailles. These days it is commonly used for evening gowns, lingerie, boxer shorts, ballet shoes, hats, ties and bedding. Coat lining fabrics are also often made from satin, as the smooth surface allows the coat to glide easily over the fabrics beneath it.

Silk satin fabric collection at Tissura online store

What Exactly is Satin Fabric?

There is some confusion over the difference between satin and silk. What you need to know is that satin is a type of weave and not a raw material, unlike silk which is produced by silkworms. So, silk can be used to make satin.

The name satin refers to a type of weave, which is constructed by floating warp yarns across the weft before going beneath one weft thread and starting the cycle again. This weave has fewer interlaces, and it creates the smooth and lustrous surface that everyone knows and loves. It is shining because the light reflecting is not scattered by the fibres: they are even and lying or “floating” on top of the weave.

Some fabric purists insist that satin fabric can only be made from silk. Originally, this was the case when the process originated in China.

Typical Characteristics

Satin fabric can be made of natural and synthetic fibers, so it varies in quality. Still, there are some characteristics common for all satin types. What are they?

• Satin typically has one side that is glossy and one side that is dull.
• The fabric is smooth and falls dramatically, making it look luxurious and seductive when worn in the form of a gown.
• Satin weaves are flexible and are able to be formed around compound curves.
• People with long hair like satin sheets because their hair is less likely to tangle while sleeping — the hair strands simply “glide over” the fabric rather than creating friction as they would with cotton.
• Satin that is made from pure silk is hypoallergenic and very breathable.

Types

Back in the day, satin fabric was reserved for royalty and nobility. Times changed, and today everybody can wear it, but the fabric has the same character: it is luscious and noble, and it still represents luxury.

There are several types of satin fabric you can use to create dresses, skirts and more. Below are some of the most well known:

Table 1. Satin fabric types

Variety

Properties

Uses

Antique Satin, also known as Satin Back Shantung

A heavy, dull fabric with a textured surface, because it is woven with slubbed yarns

Upholstery, curtains, draperies, bedding, accessories

Charmeuse Satin

A lightweight fabric with a very shiny face, quite clingy

Clothing, wedding and bridesmaid dresses

Crepe Back Satin

A reversible fabric with a satin face and a crepe back

Dressmaking, lingerie

Duchesse Satin, also known as Duchess

A heavy satin fabric with an outstanding ability to maintain shape, quite dull

Dressmaking, bridal wear

Double Faced Satin

A mid-weight satin fabric with a glossy surface on both sides, reversible

Clothing, wedding gowns, lingerie

Stretch Satin

A satin fabric with a little amount of elastane, lycra or spandex, which gives it some stretch

Form-fitting clothing, lingerie, bridal wear

This table includes the most popular satins you can find almost in any fabric shop. However, there are also less known varieties such as slipper satin, faconne satin, farmer’s satin, etc. Plus, satin fabric can be made from silk, polyester, cotton, acetate and many other fibers, which would eventually affect the appearance and texture of the cloth.

Difference Between Satin and Sateen

Are satin and sateen synonyms? You may say so. The two fabrics look similar, though sateen tends to have a little less sheen. What is the difference between them?

• Weave

Satin is made in satin weave, and sateen is made in sateen weave. Most people don’t see any difference, but a professional tailor will tell right away which one is which.

• Fibre

Sateen is made from 100% short staple cotton. Satin can be made from silk, polyester, nylon, etc. In other words, if the satin fabric you’re holding in your hands is woven from cotton, you’re holding sateen.

Both fabrics are used to design garments, from dresses and jackets to trousers, skirts, shorts and lingerie. You may also find them in upholstery and bedding. However, cotton sateen is a tougher and more durable material, so it would be most suitable for the projects that imply constant use, such as everyday wear and bed linen.

Pros and Cons

Table 2. Satin Features

Pros

Cons

It is a very versatile fabric.

It can be difficult to sew with, as it is glossy and can slip around in the sewing machine.

The fabric feels soft and silky on the skin, making it a popular choice for bed sheets.

It requires special treatment and cannot just be thrown in the washing machine.

Satin made from pure silk is 100% natural and hypoallergenic.

It is not shiny on both sides — there is a glossy side and a dull side. This could limit the designs it is used in.

Why is It Better?

Silk satin fabric is a perfect choice for almost any item in a woman’s closet. From underwear and lingerie to office blouses and cocktail dresses, it unfolds its charm and holds you captive from the moment you put it on. Satin made of pure silk feels like heaven, and looks like one! What makes it so adorable?

• Silk satin is hypoallergenic
• It is very breathable
• It is absorbent
• It has a pleasant lustre
• Silk satin does not attract static electricity

Silk satin is more expensive than synthetic satin. And while synthetic fibers are not that bad, here are some things to consider when it comes to choosing the best satin fabric for your projects:

• Synthetic satin does not breathe well
• Polyester satin tends to be too shiny
• Most synthetic satins are slippery
• Such satin fabric can get quite hot and cling a lot

Synthetic satins are less expensive. They are durable and offer the maximum shine, which is a great quality if you’re aiming to generate buzz. Still, natural silk satin does not irritate skin and feels gorgeous to the touch, and that is why it is often preferred over polyester and nylon satins.

End Uses

Satin fabric is one of the best choices for luxury wear. With this fabric, you don’t have to go all out with your design, embroidering it with myriads of crystals or sequins. Your dress may have a very simple cut, but if made in satin it’ll look expensive and elegant. Satin is ideal for making:

• Evening gowns
• Wedding dresses
• Corsets
• Skirts
• Blouses
• Shirts
• Loungewear
• Lingerie
• Underwear
• Inner lining

Satin is a hot favourite in dressmaking, but there are lots of ways one can use it to create stylish and sophisticated pieces. Think about

• Neckties
• Hats
• Ballet shoes
• Athletic shorts
• Gloves
• Neckbands
• Sashes
• Scarves
• Brooches
• Purses

Satin ribbons will add a touch of luxury to any design, whether it’s a dress, a hat or a pillow cover. Which brings us to another way of using satin: bed sheets, lightweight upholstery, interior finishing and luxurious handkerchiefs.

Dress Styles

Dresses are the number-one items usually made with satin. Satin dresses are versatile: you can wear them to office parties, birthday celebrations, proms, weddings, or just when you are in a mood to put one on. Here is a quick list of dress styles one can sew of satin:

• a little black dress, aka LBD
• a sheath dress
• a slip dress
• a H-line dress
• a tea dress
• a shirt dress
• a wrap dress
• a skater dress

Satin dresses come in various lengths, from flirty mini to gorgeous maxi, and in a range of silhouettes. Stretch satin fabrics allow us to create body-hugging designs, which look stunning on flawless figures. One can play a lot with details, such as neckline, hem, waist, or sleeves.

Black and red satin dresses are considered classic, while white and ivory satin fabrics are mostly associated with brides. These boundaries are easily shifted, and every woman can change the rules and go for a color she likes best. Who’s to say you can’t wear a pink satin dress to your wedding?

Silver and gold satin dresses are great for parties, gala events, visits to museums and art galleries. These colors demand attention, but they are not overpowering. Plus, one can easily dress down the look by combining it with black fabric.

Satin Fabric for Bridal Wear

A few words about bridal fashion in 2019.

• Silk satin is among the most popular textures in wedding dresses, together with organza, chiffon and tulle.
• Silk satin can be used for capes, capelets, wedding jackets.
• Princess capes are all the rage in 2019. You can go with see-through fabrics like tulle or chiffon, but make sure you hold it together with a satin ribbon.
• Satin fabric is a great option to pair with embroidered tulle and lace.
• Satin ribbons put an emphasis on a bride’s waist, either in a matching or contrasting color.
• Silk satin is perfect for bridal accessories, such as gloves, purses or shoulder bows.
• Detachable satin sleeves can accompany your strapless dress.

Modern brides get to choose between solid, jacquard and embroidered satin. The trendy color palette is centered around white, ivory, pink and nude. Dresses are no longer a must, by the way! Many fashion designers offer wedding jumpsuits and pants, and if you are the brave bride, consider making them with satin!

Care Tips

Satin fabric is luxury, which means it needs royal treatment. Below are some tips to help you increase the life of your satin garments.

1. Dry-cleaning is the preferred method of caring for all types of satin, though synthetic ones can be hand-washed at home.
2. Most satin items can be ironed. Press them inside out on low heat. It’s always better to use some kind of protection, like a piece of cotton fabric you can buy online at Tissura, or a special iron shoe.
3. Water spray can leave spots on satin fabric, so avoid it when ironing.
4. Satin garments should not be wrung. Instead, let them dry on a hanger, away from sun.
5. Embroidered satin fabric is a treasure, especially if it includes sequins, beads and crystals. Such fabrics should be cared for with utmost attention. Turn to professionals not to damage the embroidered pattern.

If you are after a high quality satin fabric, get yourself some silk! It should be dry-cleaned only, just like all silk materials that are rarely washed.

Tissura Collection

At Tissura online store, you can buy silk satin fabrics from Europe's leading manufacturers, such as Belinac, Taroni, Carnet, Etro, Jakob Schlaepfer and Ruffo Coli. Some of the most luxury ones are placed below. Click on the fabric you like and get to the product page to see more information about each one. To enjoy the whole collection of satin fabrics at Tissura, click on the corresponding button underneath:

Stretch silk satin fabric, 83 € (103 US$) per one running metre;

Stretch silk satin fabric, 83 € (103 US$) per one running metre;

Silk satin fabric, 54 € (67 US$) per one running metre;

Double faced silk satin fabric, 115 € (186 US$) per one running metre