Differences between Silk and Satin - Everything You Need to Know

With the growing popularity of luxury silk products, we often get asked about the difference between silk and satin. But many people don't know the differences between silk and satin. While they are both shiny but the fact is that pure mulberry silk and satin are two totally different fabrics.

Knowing the differences between silk and satin can be important in order to buy the appropriate products. So, let us discover their secrets now!

ORIGIN

Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms. Thus undyed and unprocessed silk is a completely natural and biodegradable fiber.

Whereas satin is sythetic, made from polyester and nylon which are derived from petroleum or oil. Therefore, satin is not environmentally friendly to produce.

COST

Silk is a more time-consuming fiber to produce, involving raw materials of limited availability. Thus it is more expensive and luxurious.

Satin is slightly cheaper than silk because it can be easily mass-produced from inexpensive materials.

APPEARANCE

Silk and satin are like two peas for untrained people. However, some subtle differences can help distinguish them. Silk has a shimmery appearance on both sides of the fabric. While satin produces sheen on one side of the fabric, the back of the satin is quite dull.

DURABILITY

When silk and satin are used to produce clothes, the strength and durability of fabrics are vital. Because the strength and toughness of silk thread are better than synthetic fiber, silk products are more durable than those made of satin.

When you examine the strand, it is easy to find the difference between silk and satin. For example, if you pull silk, you will find that it is not easy to break compared with satin.

SOFTNESS

When you feel a polyester satin fabric, it has an obvious feel of smoothness under your fingertips. But, while it is slippery, it isn’t soft enough. Whilst silk fabric provides both a smooth and soft feel that manufactured textiles have not replicated.

SILK VS SATIN

Natural Fiber

Made from Natural Silkworms

Made from Polyester or Nylon

Environmentally Friendly

Not Sustainable

Safe and Healthy

Contain Chemicals or Fossil Fuels

Shiny and Luxurious

Shiny and Silky

Expensive

Slightly Cheaper

Delicate Wash Care

HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN REAL SILK AND FAKE SILK

CHECK THE LUSTER

Silk is especially known for its luster, which cannot be replicated. The color on the surface appears to change with the angle of the light. However, Fake silks only show a white sheen no matter the angle of light falling on it.

HAND TOUCH

When rubbing silk, real silk sounds like walking on fresh snow. Besides, you can identify it from the temperature. Fake silk will leave a cold sensation on your skin while real silk will make you feel warm when rubbing it.

A BURN TEST

A piece of silk comes with each LALORAS silk sleepwear for your test. When burnt, real silk will smell similar to burning hair. Once the flame is removed, it'll stop burning. Its ash is black and brittle. While burnt fake silk produces no ash and it smells like burning plastic.