Mikado Satin

Mikado is a staple fabric in formal dresses. More specifically, Mikado is ideal for fall or winter evening and bridal gowns. Its finish and weight lend Mikado to glamorous, structured silhouettes including A-line, fit-and-flare, mermaid, strapless, and trumpet designs.

What is Mikado satin? Mikado satin is a soft polyester fabric made from a high-sheen, almost metallic twill. Its ample thickness is a great foundation for structured shapes in garments. Mikado satin’s striking finish gives it an almost pearlescent gleam.

Is Mikado a good fabric? Our Mikado fabric by the yard is a semi-metallic twill — a go-to fabric for evening wear and suiting. Its density is most appropriate as a winter fabric, though it’s versatile enough for year-round use. Adding to the lavish effect of mikado satin, it’s super-comfortable, with a smooth, soft feel against the skin.

Which Satin Is Best for a Wedding Dress?

There are countless types of satin, most of which work beautifully in crafting wedding dresses. Our satin Mikado fabric by the yard can be an ideal material for creating winter wedding dresses and architectural gowns that hold a more structured shape.

In some constructions, thin, flowy satin may be too droopy to support a strong shape. On the other hand, satin Mikado or Mikado silk fabric will accommodate structure, fitted silhouettes, and multi-seaming while casting an eye-catching glow.

Even though mikado satin is relatively heavy to suit occasions during the cooler seasons, it can be worn year-round.

Steaming and Caring for Your Mikado Satin Fabric

When transporting and short-term storing Mikado satin fabric, keep it in a garment bag. For long gowns that are too long to hang without crumpling, lay them as flat as possible within the garment bag to minimize wrinkling or losing shape.

For long-term storage, don’t use plastic bags or vacuum-sealed plastic containers. This can result in yellowing and mildew from trapped moisture. Instead, find a professional cleaning and preservation service for your Mikado satin dress. Over long periods of time, store your gown in a spot with regulated humidity and temperature. Minimize sun exposure so the fabric doesn’t discolor.

On a wedding day or a formal occasion, use all hair spray, perfume, makeup, and other cosmetics before carefully putting on the Mikado satin dress. If you must touch up, cover the fabric with a towel to rule out accidental stains. Try not to let the hem or train of a Mikado satin gown touch asphalt or pavement, since it damages fabric fibers and tar will leave permanent stains.

Use the recommended methods to spot-treat any stains:

Water marks: Use a clean towel to blot dry.
Oil-based products: Oily stains from lipstick or other makeup products may come out with cornstarch or baby powder applied to absorb oils. Leave the powder to set for 15 minutes and remove the excess.
Beverages: Resist the temptation to place water or liquid on a stain from wine or another drink. Instead, either blot-dry and apply powder day-of or, treat large stains with club soda before dabbing with cool water and ammonia then blotting dry.

When preparing your garments, you might wonder: Can you steam Mikado fabric?

Mikado can only handle medium heat, so you should steam with caution, and only steam a Mikado satin wedding dress when absolutely necessary. Use a medium heat setting and place a white sheet between the fabric and the iron for protection. Instead of pressing, ironing, or using a steamer, you can steam your Mikado silk garment less directly by simply hanging it in a steamy bathroom with hot water running.

Mikado Fabric is a dressy and luxurious fabric that is thicker and heavier compared to chiffon or satin. It provides a silky aesthetic with a structured fit that holds its shape. Mikado is soft to the touch and we offer it with and without stretch. This one of our top selling fabrics and is commonly used for cocktail dresses, evening garments, and bridal and wedding dresses. Although typically an evening fabric, Mikado can also be used for daytime occasions and suiting.