Satin fabric has graced halls and homes for centuries, and with a little tender loving care, your favorite satin pieces can withstand the test of time, too. The smooth, fluid sheen of satin looks and feels light and delicate, yet is surprisingly durable when compared to other special occasion fabrics. Its silky texture lends itself to more than just eveningwear, making its way into lingerie and intimates, as well as luxury bedding and drapery.
With more than three hundred varieties in stock and available by the yard, Zelouf Fabrics is the satin authority for both high-volume manufacturing and bespoke designs. And we’re here to help you keep every gown, dress, and blouse looking pristine and satiny soft with the proper washing technique.
The Facts on Satin
The lustrous look and soft, silky feel of satin fabric comes from its own signature "satin weave." This weaving technique involves floating the weft yarns over multiple warp yarns, resulting in a smooth, glossy surface with minimal interlacing. A top choice for evening gowns, bridal dresses, lingerie, high-end bedding, and more, satin's high color saturation and soft drape make it a popular choice for statement garments with fluid, graceful silhouettes.
The first satin fabrics were woven from silk many centuries ago, but today’s varieties also include cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, and rayon. Synthetic blends make modern satins quite durable and relatively inexpensive when compared to other luxury fabrics. Choosing a polyester satin, nylon satin, or rayon satin makes it easy to stay within budget while producing elaborate, elegant pieces. Though, if your collection calls for a splurge, silk satin is as glamorous as it gets. The softest of all varieties, silk satin’s supple sheen is visible on both sides of the fabric, unlike synthetic versions which are slightly dull in the back.
How Do I Wash Satin Fabrics?
First things first, check for a care label and follow the written instructions. The table below can help you decode any laundry symbols that look unfamiliar:
The majority of satin fabrics, especially those made from synthetic fibers, are machine washable and relatively durable. Fortunately, our most popular varieties, including bridal satin, charmeuse satin, stretch satin, crepe back satin, and hammered satin, are all machine washable.
How to machine wash satin fabrics:
-
Pretreat stains using a mild detergent or enzyme-based stain remover.
-
We recommend washing your satin garments and bedding on the delicate setting, using a gentle detergent and cold water. Do not use bleach.
-
To dry, set your machine to tumble dry on low heat. Avoid wringing the fabric as it may damage the fibers.
In the absence of a care label, or if you’re cleaning delicate items like silk, gowns, or intimates, then hand washing is preferred.
How to hand wash satin fabrics:
-
Pretreat stains using a mild detergent or enzyme-based stain remover.
-
Fill a clean basin or sink with cold water (hot water can damage delicate fabrics).
-
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and mix until bubbles form.
-
Submerge your satin in the soapy water and gently swirl for several minutes, allowing the detergent to penetrate the fibers. Avoid scrubbing or wringing.
-
When it’s time to rinse, drain the soapy water and refill your basin with clean, cold water. Gently submerge the newly clean item and gently agitate until all detergent residue is removed. Again, do not scrub or wring the fabric.
-
After thoroughly rinsing, carefully press the satin between your hands to remove excess water, taking care to avoid wringing or twisting.
-
Lay your item onto a clean, absorbent towel and roll across a flat surface, gently pressing out the moisture. Unroll and repeat with a dry towel, if necessary.
-
To dry, you may either hang the item from a padded hanger or lay it flat on a drying rack. Leave the item to air dry with proper ventilation, in a spot away from direct sunlight.
How to store satin bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses
Now that your satin garments are freshly laundered, preserve your hard work by storing them properly. While satin bed sheets, drapery, and intimates can be folded and tucked into a shelf or drawer, more detailed items like gowns and dresses will fare better on the hanger. Choose padded or wooden hangers, and for the best long-term results, opt for a breathable cotton storage bag to protect your satin formalwear from dust, light, and pests.
Select Your Next Satin With Free Swatches
Satin fabric comes in so many varieties, and with Zelouf’s selection of over 300 colors, fibers, and styles, narrowing down your choices can feel like quite the task. That’s why we love our swatches! Before you commit to yardage for your next project, order our FREE satin swatches to evaluate the color, hand, and drape for yourself. Feel the fabric, then fall in love. All you pay is shipping.
