What is Satin Fabric

What is satin

Satin is simply a weave of fabric, using filament fibres of silk, nylon or polyester, although the most requested type of satin is made from silk fibres. The weave uses a minimum number of interlacings and because of these missed interlacings the end result is a sheen on one side of the fabric and a dull finish on the back. Also, the lower number of interlacings cause the surface to feel silky smooth as well.

What is satin fabric

Satin is a kind of smooth, silky fabric that was first created from silk in China. Exportation reached Europe and by the 14th century, satin fabrics became highly prized throughout the region. It had become the favorite of the royal family. This is due to its incomparable luster and touch. Since satin undergoes the weaving process, it is incredibly delicate. It is more economical than silk and thicker than other polyester fabric.

Each fabric which is satin weaved could be called satin fabric.

Types of satin weaves

Fabrics created from satin weaves are more flexible, with better draping characteristics than plain weaves, allowing them to be formed around compound curves, which is useful in carbon-fiber composites manufacturing. In a satin weave, the fill yarn passes over multiple warp yarns before interlacing under one warp yarn. Common satin weaves are:

4-harness satin weave (4HS), also called crowfoot satin, in which the fill yarn passes over three warp yarns and under one warp yarn. It is more pliable than a plain weave.
5-harness satin weave (5HS); the fill yarn passes over four warp yarns and then under one warp yarn.
8-harness satin weave (8HS), in which the fill yarn passes over seven warp yarns and then under one warp yarn, is the most pliable satin weave and forms most easily around compound curves.

Types of satin fabric

Satin

Very common in wedding gowns, satin is a densely woven silk with a lustrous sheen on one side.

Duchesse Satin

More affordable than pure silk satin, duchesse satin is a lightweight blend of silk and rayon (a less expensive, synthetic fiber).
A beautiful heavy fabric with lustrous rich finish. Also know as Bridal Satin
Surface: Glossy, very lustrous surface with a dull back
Fibre: Silk or silk/rayon blend
Weight: Medium
Drape: Semi Stiff
Best for: Tailored silhouette, simple formal wedding gowns, excellent base for embellishments. A Line, Ballgown, Column, Mermaid

Charmeuse satin

Lightweight and soft, Charmuese is a satin-like fabric with a slightly more subdued luster.
Softer, lighter than satin.
Surface: Semi sheen
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Light
Drape: Soft
Best for: Unstructured wedding gowns, flowing styles. Empire, Mermaid

Shantung

A plain-weave silk or cotton fabric, Shantung is notable for its rubbed, rough texture.
Similar to dupion with a textured surface, may be satin backed.
Surface: Slubbed texture, dull
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Medium
Drape: Stiff
Best for: Tailored wedding gowns. A Line, Ballgown, Column,

Polyester Satin Fabric

Dull Satin Fabric, weaved by twisted DTY, matt finished. Normally used for dress, garment, night wear, etc

Bright Satin Fabric, weaved by FDY. Normally used for dress, lining, bridal, etc

Polyester spandex stretch satin fabric, warp is polyester yarn, weft is polyester yarn mixed with spandex yarn, have a good stretch. Well material for bra, under wear, etc.