What Is Satin? Look, Uses and How to Style It

Satin is a fabric with a smooth, shiny surface that is created by a special weave, the satin weave. Satin is therefore not a fiber, but a way of weaving. It can be made of silk, viscose, polyester or cotton.

Satin is a common sight on pants, blouses, skirts and dresses. Many people ask what satin actually is, how it differs from silk and how to wear a shiny fabric in everyday life. Here you can read how satin is made, which pieces exist and how to style them from morning to evening.

What is satin? A simple explanation

Satin is made by the satin weave, also called the atlas weave. Long threads lie freely on the surface because the binding points are far apart. The long threads almost completely cover the binding points. That makes the surface smooth and even, and the shine shows better.

The back is usually duller than the shiny front. Depending on the fiber, satin falls softly and flowingly. That makes it a popular fabric for wide-leg pants, blouses and dresses.

What is satin made of?

Because satin is a weave, the material depends on the individual piece. Satin can be woven from silk, viscose, polyester or cotton. The word “satin” alone does not tell you the fiber. It is shown in the material details of the item.

According to the material details, the satin pants in the shop are made of 70 % viscose and 30 % silk. The fabric guide for women’s fashion gives an overview of other fabrics.

Satin or silk: what is the difference?

The two terms are often treated as the same, but they mean different things:

• Silk is a natural fiber. It is obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm.
• Satin is a weave. The material is open and can be silk, viscose, polyester or cotton.

The two can be combined: satin can be woven from silk, and then it is called silk satin. But satin also exists in other fibers.

Which pieces are made of satin?

• Pants. Satin pants often have a wide, flowing leg and an elastic waist.
• Blouse and top. Smooth and slightly shiny, a quiet counterpart to knitwear and jeans.
• Skirt. A satin skirt falls softly and shines slightly.
• Dress. A satin dress carries the shine across the whole surface.

The shop has satin pants with a paisley pattern. The satin pants in pink have a wide, flowing leg and an elastic waist with a tie.

The satin pants in beige are made in the same cut and also have a paisley pattern. You can find a selection in the satin pants.

Wearing satin in everyday life: from day to evening

Satin does not have to be kept for the evening. The shine is calmer when it meets matte pieces, and then the outfit suits everyday life too. Three rules help:

• One shiny piece per outfit. Either the pants or the top in satin, not both.
• Matte with shiny. Cotton, knit and denim are the counterpart to the shine.
• Quiet colors. Beige, khaki, cream and brown are easy to combine.

From day to evening you only change one piece. In the daytime you wear the satin pants with a simple top and a cardigan, in the evening you swap the top and add some jewelry. The pants stay the same. More ideas for smart looks are in the guide Elegant outfits for women.

Styling satin: with knitwear, jeans and a blazer

With knitwear. A cardigan over satin is the simplest mix of shiny and matte. The chunky knit takes the delicacy out of the satin and makes the outfit cozier. You can find cardigans in the cardigans.

With jeans. A satin top or satin blouse with straight jeans is an easy look. The jeans make the shiny top suitable for everyday. You can find a selection in the jeans.

With a blazer. The matte, firm fabric of a blazer is the counterpart to the shine. Satin pants, a simple shirt and a blazer make a calm outfit for the day.

With lace. Satin and lace differ in surface: smooth against openwork. What lace is and how to wear it is explained in the guide What is lace?

Three outfits with satin

Everyday with knitwear. Satin pants in beige, a white top and a brown cardigan, with flat shoes. The knit makes the pants suitable for everyday.

With a blazer. Satin pants in khaki, a simple white top and a black blazer, with ballet flats. The blazer keeps the shine in check.

Evening with lace. Satin pants in pink, a lace top in white or cream and some jewelry. Satin and lace stay in soft tones and complement each other in surface.

Also in the shop: tailored pants and more looks in the guide Smart outfits for women.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of fabric is satin?

Satin is a fabric with a smooth, shiny surface that is created by the satin weave. It is a weave and not a fiber of its own.

What is satin made of?

Of silk, viscose, polyester or cotton, depending on the piece. The exact composition is shown in the material details of the item.

What is the difference between satin and silk?

Silk is a natural fiber, satin is a weave. Satin can be woven from silk, but satin also exists in other fibers.

Is satin always shiny?

Satin shines on the front because of the weave, the back is usually duller. How strong the shine is depends on the fiber and the fabric.

Can you wear satin in everyday life?

Yes, if you combine it with matte pieces such as knitwear, jeans or cotton. One shiny piece per outfit is enough.

What goes with satin pants?

A simple, matte top such as a basic top, plus a cardigan or a blazer. That way the pants stay the center of attention.