Whether you’re hearing wedding bells, sleigh bells, or simply ringing in the New Year, one thing is certain: winter is the best time of year to explore the wonderful world of mikado and satin fabrics. Winter is the season for celebrations, and these two fabrics are the perfect choice for your festive attire, from cocktail dresses and formalwear to gorgeous bridal gowns.
What makes satin and mikado fabrics perfect for winter? It’s all about warmth and structure. Both fabrics skew heavier than typical bridal fabrics, and they tend to trap heat better than lighter, more breathable options. But what is the difference between mikado fabric and satin fabric? Consult our style guide below to learn all there is to know about our two favorite winter weaves.
Mikado Fabric vs Satin Fabric
What is Mikado? It’s a crisp, woven fabric with the perfect texture for structured pieces like winter wedding dresses, suiting, and formalwear with full-bodied skirts. The name “mikado” comes from the Japanese word for “emperor”, as it was originally developed in service to the imperial court. Mikado has a stiff yet elegant drape, with enough density to hold elaborate shapes without weighing you down.
Woven from a blend of natural (traditionally silk) and synthetic fibers, Mikado is produced by interlacing strong threads with a twill or satin base. This combination captures the subtle sheen of satin, paired with the strength and durability of twill. Mikado is perfect for everything from crisp, tailored silhouettes and bold architectural shapes to classic ballgowns and A-line dresses. This blend of elegance and strength creates weightless volume and sharp, structured folds that stay in place without feeling heavy.
Mikado feels: crisp, substantial, luxurious
- A thick, heavy fabric that firmly holds its shape.
- The handfeel is smooth and soft, with a subtle twill-like texture.
Mikado looks: tailored, structured, regal
- Reflects a muted, satiny sheen.
- Ideal for defined pleats and sharp folds.
- Adds volume without weighing you down.
What is satin? It’s a lighter woven fabric, named for its signature “satin weave”. Known for its glossy sheen and fluid drape, satin fabric is created by floating weft yarns over multiple warp yarns, forming a smooth, shiny surface with minimal interlacing. This distinctive weave results in one glassy, reflective side, with a matte backing.
Satin can be crafted from a variety of fibers, like silk, polyester, and rayon, and is known for its high shine and silky soft drape. Types of satin include charmeuse, crepe-back, and bridal, each with its own varying degrees of weight and sheen. Like mikado, satin is a popular choice for bridal gowns, formalwear, and special occasion dressing.
Satin feels: fluid, sleek, silky
- Durable and easy to work with.
- The smooth texture is especially soft against skin.
Satin looks: glossy, flattering, elegant
- Boasts a signature sheen and flowy drape.
- Its shiny surface reflects light dramatically.
Get to know the ins and outs of our favorite silky, special occasion fabrics with Zelouf’s silk vs satin fabric comparison guide.
How to Choose Between Mikado and Satin
Both Mikado and satin are perfect for composed, flattering shapes, and gorgeous wedding dresses, evening gowns, and formalwear; so how do you choose between the two?
If you’re looking for:
- Structure
- Subtle sheen
- Weightless body
- Architectural shapes
- Clean, well-defined lines
We recommend the weighty yet smooth and soft drape of Mikado.
If you’re looking for:
- Flowing shapes
- Glossy shine
- A delicate touch
- Movement
We recommend the fluid drape and sleek sheen of satin.
If you’re set on satin, you can dive even deeper into our specialized Satin vs Chiffon Wedding Dress Guide.
How to Care for Mikado and Satin
Most synthetic Mikado and satin fabrics are machine-washable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. When it’s time to wash your garments, always check for care labels first. We recommend consulting our Satin Care Guide for an in-depth look at washing and maintaining this lustrous, luxurious fabric.
For most Mikado and 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.
Your Dream Dress Awaits…
Whether you seek the glamour of a flowy evening gown, the polished tailoring of a fit-and-flare dress, or the crisp, voluminous silhouette of a full ballgown, our extensive collection of satin and Mikado fabrics is sure to inspire bold, beautifully constructed garments. 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 creative minds with satin and Mikado fabrics in hundreds of varieties. We make it simple for designers to sew both one-of-a-kind masterpieces and high volume collections. Browse our full catalog of luxury satin and Mikado fabrics to find the in-stock fabrics you need, available by the yard and ready to ship directly to you.
