With the growing popularity of luxury silk products, we often get asked about the difference between silk and satin. While the two are very similar both visually and have their significant beauty benefits, there are some very subtle discrepancies between the two.
Knowing these differences can be vital in order to make an informed decision about which you should be buying. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the secrets of satin & silk!
The first and most notable difference is that silk is natural, made from the cocoons of silk worms and woven. Satin is a synthetic material made from a combination of nylon, satin & polyester.
Appearance
To an untrained eye, silk and satin can look almost identical. However, there are some subtle differences which help to tell them apart. Silk has a shimmery look and you’ll see this on both sides of the fabric. Satin, however, can appear glossy in some lights.
You’ll notice that the back of satin is quite dull, which is the easiest giveaway of whether you’re looking at satin or silk. If you’re still having trouble telling the difference between the two, you can run your hand over the fabric – satin will feel slightly rougher than silk.
Strength
When it comes to using silk and satin for products such as cushions, throw covers and clothing, the strength and durability of the fabric is vital. Because of the way silk is made, it is much more durable than satin. This means that more care is needed when handling satin, as the fibres are more delicate than silk.
The difference between silk and satin is easy to notice when you manipulate the fabrics. If you hold silk and try to pull it, you’ll notice that there isn’t much give. However, satin will move quite easily.
Cost
Price is usually a determining factor for many people when deciding whether or not to buy something. As a luxury product, it’s no surprise that silk is significantly more costly than satin. Satin can be easily mass produced from inexpensive sources, so it is easy to keep manufacturing costs down and therefore can be sold relatively cheaply.
On the other hand, silk manufacturing is a labour intensive process, involving materials with limited availability. These factors make it a costly procedure, and therefore it holds a very large price tag.
Care
Because of the physical differences between silk and satin, the care and maintenance also varies. Silk fibres are durable enough to allow the fabric to be washed and rinsed in cold water. However, the delicate structure of satin means that it has to be dry-cleaned, making it more costly to maintain than silk.
Oxford Duck Egg Silk Pillowcase
Women’s Navy Silk Pyjamas
Despite the differences between silk and satin, they are both good for eczema and spot prone skin. They also pose benefits to hair by keeping it moisturised and smooth, which makes them perfect materials for bed linen. Ultimately, it is really down to personal preference on the maintenance and costs, to decide whether silk or satin pillowcases and blankets are right for you.
It’s no secret that we love the natural benefits and easy maintenance of silk. It also wins for us on the comfort scale. As a breathable fabric, it keeps you from overheating at night, making it the perfect fabric for bedding and pyjamas. You can browse our full range of luxurious silk bedding, clothing, nightwear and accessories on the Jasmine Silk website.
