Satin fabric is characterized by its glossy, lustrous sheen and fluid drape. It looks gorgeous in photographs and feels like luxury personified. Available in a variety of styles, like bridal, charmeuse, and crepe-back, the satin weave has been crafted into glamorous evening gowns, flattering bridesmaid dresses, and stunning party dresses for centuries. It exudes elegance, feels smooth and soft, and looks beautiful in everything from home decor to holiday formalwear; but how breathable is satin? The answer: not very.
Why Do We Love Satin?
Satin fabric is a must-have for special occasions. Its shiny finish feels soft against the skin, and looks beautiful both in-person and on-camera. This signature sheen comes from the “satin weave”, which floats weft yarns over multiple warp yarns to form a smooth surface with little-to-no interlacing. The resulting fabric is smooth and lustrous on one side, and matte on the reverse.
Traditionally woven from pure silk, today’s satin varieties can also be made from polyester, nylon, rayon, and cotton (sateen). Consult our comprehensive silk vs satin fabric comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of our favorite silky soft fabrics for holidays, weddings, and other special occasions.
Is Satin Breathable?
On a scale of linen to leather, satin fabric skews closer to the latter. Its tight weave is better suited for warmth than weightlessness, though it still feels lighter than heavy materials like velvet or fleece. Satin's breathability can vary, however, depending on your chosen fiber. Silk satin fabrics are the most breathable variety, thanks to silk’s natural moisture-wicking and temperature regulating properties. If your heart is set on satin for your summer soiree, then the natural silk variety is your best choice; just be sure to factor the added cost into your budget.
Another, more cost effective, satin alternative is cotton sateen. A popular choice for luxury bedding and home decor, this natural fiber is much more breathable than traditional satin fabrics, though its luster is much more subtle than silk or synthetics.
Your Choice for Winter Weddings and Holiday Parties
Satin may not be your first choice for the hottest summer days, but its lack of breathability makes it absolutely perfect for events in colder climates. From winter weddings and holiday parties to New Year’s Eve festivities, satin makes a showstopping statement while keeping you warm and cozy. Looking for those picture-perfect wedding shots in the snow? Just add a fur cape, stole, or shrug to your satin bridal gown and step into the most glamorous version of yourself.
Luxury Satin at Home
A staple of high-end bedding, satin sheets and pillowcases are the simplest way to add a touch of decadence to your home decor. Silky soft and wrinkle-resistant, satin fabric feels soft and gentle against your skin, and keeps you warm throughout the night. Because it isn’t particularly breathable, satin sheets are an excellent alternative to flannel when the winter temperatures turn cold. And unlike flannel, satin sheets are easy to wash and not prone to pilling.
The best fabrics for bedding also make for the coziest sleepwear. Satin pajamas, robes, and lingerie channel all of that silky softness into the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, so you can feel a little fancy, even when you’re lounging on the couch all night long.
Satin’s extensive varieties offer a wealth of options at home, from the lush look and feel of pure silk satin sheets to the more casual comfort of cotton sateen. With hundreds of satin styles in-stock and available by the yard, Zelouf Fabrics makes it easy to find the perfect fabric for your next project.
How to Care for Satin Fabric
The majority of synthetic satin fabrics are low-maintenance and machine-washable. Among its many benefits, satin is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for. Always check for care labels first, and consult our Satin Care Guide for an in-depth look at washing your satin pieces.
For most satin fabrics: Machine wash cold. Choose a gentle detergent and avoid wringing, rubbing, or twisting. Tumble dry using low heat and remove immediately, or lay flat to dry.
Selecting Your Satin
Whether you seek the timeless glamour of a silky evening gown, the easy elegance of a satin blouse, or the once-in-a-lifetime look of the perfect satin wedding dress, we make it easy to shop our vast collection of in-stock and ready-to-ship satin fabrics. Our filters make it easy to shop by weight, fiber, or finish, and our FREE swatches (plus shipping) help you preview the color, texture, and drape of our materials before you commit to your next project.
For more than 35 years, Zelouf Fabrics has been supplying fashion houses and hobbyists alike with satin fabrics in hundreds of varieties. We make it simple for designers to create both one-of-a-kind masterpieces and dozens of identical bridesmaid dresses. Our signature satin charmeuse fabric alone is available in over six dozen rich and vibrant hues, plus hundreds of bold satin prints and patterns to choose from. Browse our full catalog of luxury fabrics to find all of the satin your heart desires, available by the yard and ready to ship directly to you.
