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
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
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.