Are you looking for a satin dress for a special occasion?
Before you go any further in choosing between satin dresses, we should clear up a few things…
Satin itself isn’t a fabric! While this may surprise you, because you hear most people categorise satin with cotton or silk, satin refers to the weave and not the material.
The details can become very technical but the important thing you need to know is that there are three main weaves: plain, twill, and satin.
You need to understand that satin can be woven from different types of fabric such as polyester and silk. Regardless of the type of fabric, the satin weave will produce a lot of benefits such as soft texture, lustrous sheen, and drapable fabric. The weave can fall and drape and give satin its gorgeous and dramatic look.
Whilst satin can be woven from different fabrics, the most common types of satin are polyester and silk. Both fabrics can make nice summer dresses. The material choice comes down to your preferences and lifestyle.
- Silk is a natural product and it is spun by worms. Satin made from silk is great for warm weather and this is all thanks to its breathability. It is an incredibly soft yet strong fabric. It is also hypoallergenic, and this makes it great for people with sensitive skin.
- On the other hand, polyester is more common and widely used than silk. This is mainly because polyester is synthetic (man-made) and that is why satin dresses made of polyester are very easy to find. Since it is faster and less labour-intensive to produce polyester than silk, it is also more affordable.
The second most popular fabric in the world, after cotton, is polyester because it has a lot of benefits. However, it has some drawbacks because it is derived from plastic – so it is a great idea to look for polyester clothing that is recyclable or buy second-hand clothing or fabric to lower its carbon footprint.
Silk dresses vs. satin dresses
Now that you know silk dresses aren’t necessarily satin, and satin is not necessarily made of silk, it is important to know that satin can come in different types of fabrics with a wide range of properties. These have a unique shine and softness due to their unique weave.
Choosing organic clothing is a great way to protect farmers who grow the materials and this also supports biodiversity. Satin can therefore be made from organic materials such as organic cotton and silk. Satin woven from cotton is known as sateen.
Other types of satin dresses are made of organic silk, which is usually made from the cocoons of silkworms. Most silk production occurs in China. Mulberry trees where silkworms are found require heavy use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Choosing organic silk prevents a lot of pesticides from leaking into water and soil. It is therefore better for the health of the farmers and the environment.
Consider the type of fabric you’re getting when choosing a satin dress!
