Satin and sateen are two popular fabrics you’ll often find in clothing and home goods. Because they look and feel so similar, it’s easy to confuse the two.
This article will walk you through the differences between satin and sateen, including what they’re made of, how they’re woven, and how to best care for them. We’ll compare material, weave, sheen, durability, typical uses, and care instructions so you can see the difference between satin vs sateen.
What is Satin?
Satin isn’t actually a fabric. Instead, it’s a type of weave characterized by “floating” warp yarns. The way the yarns float across the surface is what gives satin its signature sheen.
Satin has traditionally been made from silk, but these days it’s just as likely to be woven from polyester, nylon, or rayon.
Because of its high shine, luxurious feel, and smooth drape, satin is often used in formal wear, evening gowns, lingerie, bedding, and clothing linings. The long floats on the surface reflect light, giving it that characteristic glossy shine and elegant appearance.
What is sateen?
Sateen is a cotton fabric that’s woven in a way that mimics the structure of satin. This weave pattern gives sateen a smoother feel than plain-weave cotton.
While the weave is similar to that of satin, sateen relies on spun yarns rather than filament yarns. Spun yarns give sateen a softer texture and a less-shiny appearance than traditional satin.
The resulting fabric is smooth to the touch, has a subtle sheen, and feels luxurious. Sateen has less shine than satin, but it’s still considered an elegant fabric.
Sateen is often used in bedding, including sheets and duvet covers, because of its durability, comfort, and attractive appearance. It’s also a great choice for draperies, upholstery, and more casual clothing.
Satin vs. Sateen: What’s the Difference?
While both satin and sateen fabrics are known for their soft feel and lustrous appearance, there are key differences between them.
- Material: Satin is traditionally made from silk, although it can also be created from synthetic fibers like polyester. Sateen, on the other hand, is always made from cotton.
- Sheen and Texture: Satin has a high-gloss shine and a characteristically slippery feel. Sateen has a softer, more muted sheen and a more substantial, less slippery feel.
- Durability and Care: Satin is more delicate and often requires hand washing or dry cleaning. Sateen is more durable and easier to care for, as it’s typically machine washable.
- Price: Because it’s often made from silk, satin tends to be more expensive than sateen, which is made from more affordable cotton.
Caring for Satin and Sateen
Here’s how to clean and maintain your satin and sateen items:
Satin
- For silk satin, hand washing or dry cleaning is best.
- If your satin is synthetic, you can machine wash it on a delicate cycle.
- Always use a mild detergent and skip the bleach.
- Air drying is ideal, but you can tumble dry on low heat if necessary.
Sateen
- Sateen is machine washable in warm water.
- You can tumble dry it on medium heat.
- If needed, iron on a medium setting.
Sewing with Satin and Sateen
Here are some tips for sewing with these fabrics:
- Use a sharp, thin needle so you don’t snag the material.
- Choose a light thread, like silk or polyester.
- Cut carefully on a flat surface, using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.
- Pin inside the seam allowance to hide any holes.
- Think about using a stabilizer so the fabric doesn’t stretch out of shape.
- Finish the edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
Key Takeaways
Satin is a weave and sateen is a type of cotton fabric. Satin is known for its glossy shine and luxurious feel, while sateen offers a softer, more durable alternative.
The best choice depends on what you’re looking for. If you want luxury and a special-occasion fabric, go with satin. For everyday comfort and durability, sateen is the better bet.