Silk vs. Satin: What is the Difference?

Silk and satin are often conflated and mentioned together, and for all the things silk and satin have in common, a plurality of differences exist as well. Our article takes a look at the differences between silk and satin, as well as their respective characteristics, features, advantages, and drawbacks. 

Silk and satin have many similarities as well as many important differences. 

The biggest difference is that silk is a fiber and satin is a weave. Silk is a natural fiber that comes from the cocoons of silkworms. Satin is a type of weave that can be used in conjunction with a variety of fibers including silk, polyester, cotton, wool, and more. 

Silk and satin are often used to make the same types of items, which includes blouses, shirts, pajamas, dresses, lingerie, pillowcases, sheets, and scarves. 

As a fiber, silk can be weaved into many different types of variations including satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, and twill silk. So although silk is sometimes satin, satin is not always made from silk.

The satin weave can be used with both natural or synthetic fibers, and is often made from silk, polyester, cotton, wool, and spandex. The two most popular types of satin are silk satin and polyester satin. 

Let's take a look at the key differences between silk and satin. You may also wish to read our complete article explaining the differences between satin and silk.

Silk is perhaps the most luxurious fabric on the planet and can be crafted in a number of ways to produce chiffon silk, mulberry silk, silk charmeuse, silk brocade, and more. 

Read: Glossary of Silk Fabrics and Weaves

Silk is an ancient fabric that originated in China nearly 5,000 years ago when Empress Leizu noticed that a silkworm had fallen into her teacup and started to unravel while she watched curiously. Even today, China produces about 80% of the world's silk, with Japan and India in a distant second and third. 

Silk is usually used to make swank clothing garments such as pajamas, shirts, blouses, dresses, scarfs, and robes. 

Silk is naturally made fiber that comes from silkworms through a process referred to as sericulture, also known as silk farming. 

During sericulture silkworms are fed heaps of leaves until they become fully grown and spin their silk cocoon. Once the cocoon is fully constructed it is then placed in boiling hot water so that the silk threads can be extracted and processed. 

These silk threads are then dyed, spun, and weaved together to make the silk cloth that is used to make our silk shirts, blouses, dresses, pajamas, scarfs, and bedding. 

To learn more about the step-by-step process of silk production, please read How is Silk Made?

Silk feels soft, smooth, and drapey on your skin. Silk has a breezy, lightweight feel that will give you a sense of relaxation and satisfaction. Silk is a natural fiber and it definitely feels like it, as it somehow feels healthy, refreshing, and earthy. 

Silk garments often come with a loose fitting design, which makes for an airy and sensationally comfortable experience. Once you wear silk clothing, it can become quite difficult to return to clothing made from any other fabric once again, as the feeling is just not quite as satisfying. 

To learn more please read What Does Silk Feel Like?

Satin is a type of weave that is used in combination with a number of fibers, that are both natural as well as synthetic and include silk, polyester, wool, cotton, and spandex to name a few. 

Satin is regarded as a vibrant, smooth, sheen, and elegant fabric. Polyester Satin is the most popular type of synthetic satin, and is almost as synonymous with satin as silk is.

Satin made from synthetic fibers does a great job imitating the luxurious and unique feeling of 100% silk satin, however is does feel a little less ritzy than pure silk satin. The advantage is that although synthetic satin may not be quite as luxurious as silk satin, it is certainly much more affordable. 

Learn more details by reading our full article What is Satin?

Satin is a weave that can be made from a variety of different fibers both natural as well as synthetic. 

When satin is made from silk, the process begins with the production of silk fibers by silkworms. The cocoons are then boiled, and the silk threads are extracted. After the threads have been dyed and spun, they are weaved using the satin technique to create a useful silk satin fabric.

Synthetic satin, such as polyester satin, is man made in processing plants and comes from chemicals such as terephthalic acid and ethylene. Once these synthetic fibers are made, they are then weaved using a satin technique, and eventually become usable synthetic satin cloth. 

Since satin is merely a weave, it must be paired together with a fiber such as silk or polyester to make a real textile. 

Satin is a weave that uses a 4:1 ratio, which means that there are 4 weft threads wrapped under every 1 warp thread. The unique combination of the weft and warp threads gives satin its glossy and vibrant appearance. 

When the weave is adjusted this can change the look, feel, density, thread count, and thickness (momme) of the satin cloth. 

Satin has a smooth and lightweight feel that brings a sense of calm and relaxation. The unique touch of satin is one of a kind and flows naturally down the curves and bends of your body. 

Polyester satin offers a very satisfying feel, and its touch has a much more expensive feel than the actual price tag; good value for a reasonable price. 

The touch and feel of silk satin is so soft and elegant that it is impossible to overstate. Silk satin has the ability to change your mood, your confidence, and maybe even your life. Silk satin has a magical, breezy, drapey, lightweight, and smooth feel.

To learn more please read Does Satin Feel Like Silk?

When comparing silk and satin it is important to note that satin is often made from silk fibers and the main differences between silk and satin will occur when the satin is produced from synthetic polyester fibers. 

Choosing which is better between satin and silk will vary depending on each individual's budget and style preferences, as well as the occasion, what they plan to do, and how they intend to wear the garment. 

It is common knowledge that silk is an expensive fabric and that garments made from silk typically come with a hefty price tag. Polyester satin does not quite match the quality and feel of silk satin, but it does a decent job and comes with a much more affordable price tag.

Budget conscious buyers will likely prefer to buy clothing and bedding made from polyester satin, because it is much more affordable than silk satin.

For individuals looking for the highest level of quality and comfort, and aren't hesitant to spend a few extra dollars on designer fashion and luxury products, look to items made from silk and silk satin to fulfill your luxury desires.

Natural fabrics such as silk typically carry a more luxurious, soft, and breathable feeling than synthetic fabrics. In addition to this, silk is great for people with sensitive skin since no chemicals are added during production. 

Synthetic satin is man made and is derived from a substance called purified terephthalic acid, which is a petroleum byproduct. Fast fashion products are often made from these synthetic fibers and are known to be damaging to the environment. Silk is naturally produced and has an environmental footprint far smaller than fabrics made from synthetic fibers. 

So if you're looking so a fabric that is comfortable, stylish, as well as good for the environment, you would likely prefer to choose silk. 

Both silk and synthetic satin are strong, durable, fabrics that can last long periods of time if cared for properly. Polyester satin is more durable than silk satin because it is specially treated during production to be resistant to shrinkage, wrinkles, and damage. This high level of durability is why bed sheets and wedding dresses are often made from synthetic satin. 

Silk and satin are both extremely comfortable but there is no debate that silk takes the prize when talking about comfort. Garments made from silk and silk satin are regarded as some of the most comfortable in the world, and while polyester satin does a great job emulating this, it does not give the buyer quite as high a level of comfort as silk satin does. 

The long, thin, uniform, strands of silk that are used to make silk cloth allow it to be exceptionally breathable. This breathability gives silk the unique ability to keep you warm during the winter, as well as keep you cool during the summer, which makes silk a great fabric for all 4 seasons. 

Satin is also breathable, but only when it is made out of silk. One of the main drawbacks of polyester and other synthetic fibers is that they are not very breathable. This is one of the biggest differences you will feel when wearing silk satin vs. polyester satin. Items made from silk satin are much more breathable than items made from polyester satin. 

Silk is a great fabric when it comes to caring for your skin and hair. Pillowcases made from polyester, linen, or even cotton, may leave deep lines and creases in your face when you sleep, which can eventually lead to the formation of wrinkles. The smooth surface of silk pillowcases and silk sleep masks provide solves this problem and ensures the skin on your face will look refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed every morning. If you are really looking to treat your skin well, try sleeping in silk satin pajamas, with silk satin sheets and silk satin pillowcases.

Polyester satin has the edge on silk when it comes to ease of care and maintenance. Although you should always check the care label first, polyester satin can usually be machine washed and sometimes even machine dried. 

Silk is best cared for by either dry cleaning or hand washing. You may also sometimes be able to machine wash certain silk items, but it requires extra precautions like using a mesh laundry bag and very specific wash settings. 

Silk and synthetic satin are quite similar when it comes to ironing and getting wrinkles out. The most effective way to get wrinkles out of both silk and satin is by ironing.

To iron both silk as well as satin you will need a cotton pressing cloth, a spray bottle, an ironing board, and an iron. Use the iron on the lowest heat setting and always keep a pressing cloth between the surface of the silk/satin and the face of the hot iron.