Satin or Silk: Complete Guide to Choosing the Best

Understand the difference between satin and silk

Satin and silk have a similar appearance, soft and shiny. But these are two distinct matters:

• Silk is a natural fiber produced by the silkworm. It is the only fiber of animal origin used for textiles.

• Satin refers to a weaving technique creating a satin effect. The fibers used are often synthetic such as polyester, sometimes cotton.

While silk is a noble and precious material, satin is a more accessible alternative.

Origin and manufacturing: satin versus silk

Silk comes from the cocoon spun by the silkworm, a moth. This extremely fine continuous thread, measuring up to 3,000 m, is then woven to create fabric.

Silk weaving dates back to ancient China, almost 8,500 years ago, as recalled in the reference work “All about silk” from the Lyon Fabric Museum. Today, China remains the world's leading producer.

Satin is a fabric with a satin appearance obtained thanks to a particular weaving technique. Generally made of polyester, more rarely of cotton, it imitates the shiny effect of silk.

Unlike the latter, its manufacture is more industrial and less expensive.

At The Oversized Hoodie®, we are fascinated by the history and ancestral techniques behind the production of silk. It is a true treasure of know-how that has lasted for millennia.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: How is silk made?

Fabric characteristics: natural silk versus satin

Here are the main differences between these two fabrics:

• Silk has a very soft and silky texture. The fabric slips between the fingers.

• Satin shines but has a less pleasant feel, sometimes rough.

• Silk is a natural and resistant fiber, satin contains synthetic fibers.

Our experience in the textile field has taught us that nothing beats the fineness of a real silk fabric. Even the finest satin does not provide that characteristic ultra-silky touch.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: Natural or synthetic silk?

Advantages of each material

Silk has many advantages linked to its nature as a noble fiber:

• It is very soft to the touch, almost fluid between the fingers.

• It has great resistance to wear and excellent elasticity.

• Silk is thermo-regulating, ideal in summer and winter.

• It allows good breathing of the skin and absorption of humidity.

• Silk is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Also read: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Silk?

Satin has other advantages:

• It offers a shiny appearance imitating silk at a lower cost.

• Its smooth and slippery texture provides a pleasant sensation.

• Cotton satin may be suitable for allergy sufferers, provided it is 100% cotton. Discover here all the differences between silk and cotton satin.

• It is a more affordable fabric than silk.

• Maintenance of satin is easy. It supports frequent washing.

According to the study “Impact of textiles on the quality of sleep” from the Sleep Center of Foch Hospital, natural silk offers better thermoregulation, allowing better quality sleep compared to satin.

Also read: Is silk warm?

Disadvantages of these fabrics

Silk also has some flaws:

• It is an expensive material, reserved for comfortable budgets.

• Maintenance requires lots of precautions: hand wash, dry flat.

• Silk is sensitive to humidity and UV rays. Bad maintenance damages it.

For satin:

• The synthetic fibers in it do not breathe well.

• Its smooth surface retains heat and perspiration.

• The satin feel can become sticky with body heat.

• Satin creases easily and retains creases.

• Its shine tends to fade over time.

Satin retains more perspiration according to data from the Foch Hospital Sleep Center study. Its less breathable texture can become sticky with body heat.

Also read: What are the types of silk?

Satin or silk: which choice for optimal comfort?

Silk wins for comfort, thanks to:

• Its great silky softness.

• Its natural breathing, ideal for the skin.

• Its perfect thermoregulation, summer and winter.

Satin is suitable for occasional use, taking care to maintain it well. Its smooth surface tends to retain perspiration.

Prefer satin for bedding, and reserve silk for clothes worn next to the skin to benefit from its benefits.

Also read: What material to wear in summer?

Silk or satin: which products to buy?

Satin or silk sheets: which one to choose?

For sheets, satin is a good compromise:

• Affordable price
• Easy maintenance, supports frequent washing
• Pleasant satin appearance

Silk remains delicate for daily use on a bed. Like the duvet cover, it will be damaged more quickly but will provide you with more benefits.

Also read: Choose your satin or silk sheets?

Satin or silk pillowcase: impact on hair

Silk pillowcases are ideal for preserving the beauty and softness of hair.

Their benefits:

• Reduces friction and limits static electricity
• Leaves hair smooth, shiny, frizz-free
• Gently moisturizes

Satin is also suitable but natural silk is more breathable.

Satin and silk: which is the silkiest fabric?

Without a doubt, it is silk which wins the prize for the most silky fabric.

• Its gentleness is incomparable
• It slips through the fingers
• The satin touch does not provide the same delicate sensation

Satin or silk scrunchie for curly hair

To tie curly hair, there's nothing like a satin scrunchie:

• Holds the hairstyle in place without damaging the curls
• Does not leave unsightly marks
• Avoid knots and the “frizzy” effect upon removal

Silk is more fragile and may break for this use.

Also read: Silk or Satin for Hair?

Price comparison: silk and satin by the meter

• Synthetic satin: from €5 per meter
• Cotton satin: between €10 and €15 per meter
• Natural silk: minimum €50 per meter, up to €150 for very high quality

silk therefore costs up to 10 times more than satin per meter. It's an investment in durable pieces. Satin is suitable for more basic products or trials.

Also read: How to recognize silk?

Textile care: how to take care of satin and silk?

satin is easier to maintain. It supports machine washing, even at 60°C, with a delicate program.

silk requires many more precautions to preserve the beauty of the fabric:

• Hand wash preferably
• Short cycle at low temperature
• Use detergent for delicate textiles
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Avoid twisting, hang to drain
• Iron at low temperature, wrong side
• Dry flat, in the shade

Good maintenance will extend the lifespan of your silk items.

Also read: Silk or satin for the skin?

Conclusion

Satin and silk both offer a pleasant touch. But silk remains unrivaled for its extreme softness and natural qualities. It is the most noble fiber.

This luxury product is worth the price for clothing and accessories against the skin. However, prefer the more resistant satin for bed linen subject to regular washing.

FAQ

Is satin good for hair?

Yes, satin is beneficial for the beauty of hair. Its smooth surface limits friction and static electricity. Hair is shinier and less tangled when you wake up.

What is the silkiest fabric?

Without a doubt, it's silk! No other material matches the finesse and delicacy of this thread of natural origin. Even the softest satin doesn't provide the same ultra-silky feeling.

Which fabric is similar to silk?

The satin, thanks to its special weaving technique, is what best imitates the shiny and soft effect of silk. But no synthetic fabric can match all the qualities of this noble textile that is silk.

Is it good for hair to sleep on satin or silk?

Yes, satin and silk are beneficial for preserving the beauty of hair at night. Their smooth fibers limit friction and the effects of humidity. When you wake up, hair is softer, shinier and frizz-free.

Cotton satin or silk?

Real silk wins hands down for its incomparable softness. But cotton sateen is a good option for modest budgets or trials. Its texture remains pleasant.

Sources

[1] Musée des Tissus de Lyon

[2] L'unité du sommeil de l'Hôpital Foch

Mis à jour le 21 février 2024