Satin vs silk
Silk is a fibre, satin a weave. Silk satin is both; polyester satin only looks like silk – it doesn't breathe or regulate temperature.
Choose satin
Affordable evening dresses, pillowcases
Choose silk
Luxury, skin and hair, warm weather
Satin
- Luxurious shine
- Gentle on hair and skin (pillowcases)
- Snags easily and shows every crease
Silk
- Luxurious sheen and drape
- The strongest natural fibre
- Water and sweat marks
- Sun yellows it
| Satin | Silk | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Weave or knit | Natural animal fibre |
| Made from | A weave, not a fibre: it can be silk, polyester, acetate or viscose. | The filament of the silkworm's cocoon. |
| Feel | Slippery, shiny, with a liquid drape. | Smooth, lustrous, cool in summer and warm in winter. |
| Shrinks? | A little: satin can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash. | A little: silk can shrink 1–2%, mostly in the first wash. |
| Used for | Evening dresses, slip skirts, blouses, pyjamas. | Blouses, dresses, scarves, lingerie. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, satin or silk?
Silk is a fibre, satin a weave. Silk satin is both; polyester satin only looks like silk – it doesn't breathe or regulate temperature.
02Which is more breathable?
Silk breathes better.
03Which creases less?
About the same.