Satin Satin is a smooth and shiny fabric that is woven from silk, as well as other materials such as polyester, acetate, nylon and rayon. It was first made only of silk, and was originally produced in China. It was originally invented as a way for people who couldn't afford pure silk to get the shiny, soft feel of a silk-like fabric.
Satin has one side that is glossy looking and one side that is not shiny. Clothing is made so that the shiny side shows. The fabric's shiny look comes from the way it is woven. This also is what gives the fabric its sensuous and soft feel on the skin.
Satin Varieties and Uses of Satin
Satin comes in an assortment of different varieties. Satin material varies in its thickness, flexibility and weight. Some kinds of satin fabrics include duchess,faconne, slipper satin, and delustered satin.
Duchess satin is mostly used to make fabric for dresses. Wedding or bridesmaid dresses are sometimes made with this type of material.
Satin faconne or satin jacquard is material that has woven patterns and designs intertwined within the fabric. It is a much more supple fabric than duchess satin, which is firm and holds up more.
Slipper satin is used to make shoes, and it's a common fabric for the type of prom shoes or bridesmaids' shoes that must be dyed. It is also used for the toes of slippers that dancers of ballet wear.
Delustered satin is not as shiny, and is more lightweight. It is often double faced as well and has fine grained line threads.
Many types of fabric are also backed with satin such as wool crepe and velvet. This makes it possible for the wearer to go without a slip or camisole.
Many other things can be made of this versatile fabric such as jackets, lingerie, boxers, night wear, neckties, dresses, upholstery, pillow cases and bed sheets.
Maintaining Satin Products
Maintaining your satin products can be tricky. It depends on the type of satin. Some can be dry cleaned, while others can be hand-washed with a mild detergent in warm water. Satin fabric should be turned inside out and soaked. It should not be wrung out, as this can damage it. It should be dried by laying it flat on a towel and air dried.
Ironing should be done on the dull side with a cloth between the material and the iron, otherwise it will scorch and burn.
