The main difference between satin and silk is that satin is a weave and silk is a fiber. Satin is a weave that can be used together with a wide variety of different fibers, both natural as well as synthetic. This includes but is not limited to silk, polyester, wool, cotton, and spandex, with the two most common types of satin being silk satin and polyester satin. Silk is a naturally produced fiber that can be made into fabrics such as satin, organza, chiffon, and charmeuse.
This is: What is the Difference Between Satin and Silk (EXPLAINED!)
In this article you will learn about satin and silk, as well as the differences and similarities between the two.
Satin and silk are often mentioned together, however they are often the source of confusion as well.
Continue reading below in order to learn everything you need to know about both silk and satin!
Contents:
What is The Difference Between Satin and Silk?
Silk and satin have a number of characteristics in common, as well as several key differences. Below we compare silk and satin in categories such as cost, texture, breathability, care and maintenance, and more.
The main difference between satin and silk is that satin is a weave and silk is a fiber. Satin is a weave that can be used together with a wide variety of different fibers, both natural as well as synthetic. This includes but is not limited to silk, polyester, wool, cotton, and spandex, with the two most common types of satin being silk satin and polyester satin. Silk is a naturally produced fiber that can be made into fabrics such as satin, organza, chiffon, and charmeuse.
Continue reading below to learn in detail about the differences between satin and silk.
Cost
Silk (in any form) as well as silk satin are both expensive fabrics that are typically only used for luxury items.
Synthetic satin is much cheaper than silk satin. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester satin, are just a fraction of the cost of real silk satin.
Texture
Silk is soft and smooth, with a glossy sheen front side, and a dull matte backside. Silk is very lightweight, drapey, and luxurious to the touch.
Continue reading: What Does Silk Feel Like?
Synthetic satin is also soft and smooth, and is glossy on both the front as well as the backside.
Continue reading: Does Satin Feel Like Silk?
Type of Fiber
Silk is a natural fiber that is produced by silkworms during a process referred to as sericulture. The silkworms munch on mulberry leaves until they are fully grown and ready to spin a cocoon. Once the silkworm has spun its cocoon, the cocoon is then soaked in boiling water so that the silk threads may be gently extracted.
Read: How is Silk Made?
Synthetic satin is typically made from polyester. Polyester is man made and comes from petroleum based substances such as ethylene and terephthalic acid. The most popular type of synthetic satin is made from polyester, however satin can also be made from spandex, rayon, and other synthetic fibers.
Read: Silk vs. Polyester
Breathability
Natural fibers are typically more breathable than synthetic fibers, and silk is one of the most breathable natural fibers in existence. Silk is incredibly breathable, which gives you a cool, dry feeling, even in the summertime. Silk’s breathability is one of the reasons why it feels so comfortable to wear.
Read: Are Silk Pajamas Too Hot?
Polyester on the other hand is not very breathable, and garments made from polyester satin can become stuffy and hot. One of the biggest drawbacks to polyester is its lack of breathability.
Care and Maintenance
Synthetic polyester satin is a durable fabric that can be machine washed, as well as machine dried in most cases. Wash your synthetic satin garments in cold water and dry on tumble dry low if the care label allows for it. Do not wash your synthetic satin using the hot water setting and do not dry on tumble dry high, as polyester is not heat resistant and doing this may lead to damage. You may also wish to hand wash your polyester satin in order to maintain is quality for a longer period of time.
To learn more about satin care please review the following articles:
Silk is a delicate material that requires a very gentle method of care. Silk is best dry cleaned or hand washed, and usually cannot go in the washing machine or dryer. It is important to wash, dry, and iron silk properly, or else you risk damaging the fibers.
To learn more about silk care please review the following articles:
Skin and Hair
If the health of your hair and skin is a priority, then silk pillowcases, sheets, and pajamas will be your best friend. Silk is natural, hypoallergenic, repels mold, dust, and allergens, and uses no chemicals during production.
Silk pillowcases are great for skin and silk's smooth surface can help you to avoid creating wrinkles on your face over the long term. Pillowcases made from other fabrics can form creases which then transfer to your face as you sleep on them during the night.
For individuals with sensitive skin, silk pajamas, sheets, and pillowcases can help to avoid allergic reactions and irritation while you sleep.
Polyester satin does not provide the same benefits as silk when it comes to the health of your skin and hair. Polyester is a man made synthetic fiber, and well it may not be detrimental to your skin and hair, it definitely is not helping either.
Uses
Silk is often used to make blouses, shirts, pajamas, scarves, pillowcases, sheets, and lingerie.
Synthetic satin is commonly used to make shirts, blouses, wedding dresses, pillowcases, sheets, and pajamas.
Satin vs. Silk
The table below has a summary of the differences between satin and silk. If you want to learn more about the distinctions between satin and silk, please read: Silk vs. Satin
Satin
Silk
Synthetic satin is affordable
Silk is very expensive
Satin is shiny on both sides
Silk is shiny on the front side and dull on the back
Satin can be made from synthetic and natural fibers
Silk is a natural fiber made by silkworms
Synthetic satin is not breathable
Silk is highly breathable
Silk is highly breathable
Silk should be dry cleaned or hand washed
Synthetic satins are not good for your skin and hair
Silk is great for your skin and hair
Pillowcases, sheets, blouses, wedding dresses, shirts, pajamas
Blouses, shirts, pajamas, scarves, lingerie
What is Satin?
Satin is a type of weave that can be used in conjunction with a number of fibers, both natural and synthetic, that include silk, polyester, wool, cotton, and spandex to name a few. The two most common types of satin are polyester satin (also referred to as synthetic satin) and silk satin.
Silk satin is the most luxurious and expensive type of satin, while synthetic satin is a lower quality, yet more affordable alternative.
Satin is a weave that uses a 4:1 ratio which means that 4 weft threats wrap under 1 warp thread during production. The unique combination of the weft and warp threads gives satin its glossy and vibrant appearance.
Continue reading: What is Satin?
What is Silk?
Silk is a natural fiber that is produced by silkworms on silk farms. Silk is an ancient fabric that has been around for 5,000 years, since it was first discovered in China by Empress Leizu. Legend has it the empress was drinking tea in the garden when a silkworm fell into her cup. To the surprise of the Empress, the silkworm's cocoon started to unravel in her cup, revealing a long, thin strand of silk.
There are many different types of fabrics made from silk including silk chiffon, charmeuse silk, mulberry silk, silk crepe, and silk satin. Silk is one of the most luxurious types of fabrics in the world, and is soft, smooth, comfortable, breathable, drapey, and luxurious.
What is the Difference Between Satin and Silk FAQ
What is better silk or satin?
Silk is more luxurious than synthetic satin, however synthetic satin is the more affordable alternative. Silk is breathable, natural, moisture wicking, soft, comfortable, and stylish. Synthetic satin does a good job imitating silk, but it doesn’t match the look and feel of the real thing.
Which is softer satin or silk?
Silk satin is slightly softer than synthetic satin, which is often the case when comparing natural and synthetic fabrics. Naturally produced fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk, are regarded as the softest types of fabric.
Which is more shiny, satin or silk?
Synthetic satin has a great shine to it, however it doesn't quite match the vibrant glow of 100% silk fabric.