Key difference: Satin is not a fiber, it is a fabric weave. Satin entails that the cloth has been weaved in a particular pattern that leave one side of the cloth dull, while the other shiny. The cloth itself can be weaved from any fibers, most commonly silk, nylon, or polyester. However, many consider that only fabric made from silk, be termed as satin. Sateen is quite similar to satin. It is the same satin fabric weave. The only difference between satin and sateen is that sateen is made from cotton.

Satin is not a fiber, it is a fabric weave. Satin entails that the cloth has been weaved in a particular pattern that leave one side of the cloth dull, while the other shiny. The cloth itself can be weaved from any fibers, most commonly silk, nylon, or polyester. However, many consider that only fabric made from silk, be termed as satin.

The website, Fabrics Manufacturers, says that satin “is a flexible weave in which the threads are interlaced so that the twill lines are indistinguishable on the face of the cloth, providing for a smooth, lustrous surface.”

Satin varies in quality depending upon whether it is made from synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester or nylon or the higher-quality natural silk fibers. Usually, satin is considered to look very similar to silk, especially if it is silk satin. Satin will always have some sheen. However, many consider polyester satin to be too shiny and slippery. Also, satin, especially the ones made from synthetic fibers, do not breathe as well as natural silk.

Satin is commercially popular. It is commonly used in apparel, including baseball jackets, athletic shorts, women's lingerie, nightgowns, blouses and evening gowns, men's boxer shorts, shirts and neckties. It is also used for production of pointe shoes for use in ballet. Due to its appearance, it is also commonly used many furnishing applications such as interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets.

Washing instructions for satin sheets will vary based on its content. Silk sheets, like silk, will require dry cleaning. Other may vary from dry cleaning to hand-washing; some may even be machine washable.

As compared to silk, satin is much cheaper. However, again the prices will vary depending on the content of the fabric. The most expensive satin will be silk satin, while the cheapest will probably be polyester satin.

Sateen is quite similar to satin. It is the same satin fabric weave. The only difference between satin and sateen is that satin can be made from many difference materials, such as silk, nylon, polyester; however, sateen is made from cotton. Typically, it is made with short-staple yarns, commonly cotton, but sometimes from rayon. In cotton, usually mercerized cotton is used, as well as carded and combed cottons. Sateen may be bleached, dyed, or printed.

Sateen is considered to have sheen and a softer feel, similar to satin, due to the same weaving process. The sateen structure is four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it extremely soft. Sateen was commonly used for Vintage dress shirts and other Vintage type clothes, but now is more popular for draperies, linings and bedding.

The advantage of sateen is that, as it is cotton, its care is quite simple. It can usually be machine washed. Some produced may recommend hand-washing for lasting quality.

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