What Is The Difference Between Silk, Satin, and Cotton?
What Is The Difference Between Silk, Satin, and Cotton
SILK
Silk fabric is made from a natural fiber produced from silkworms, popularly mulberry silk. High-quality silk is a fabric that has been manufactured for thousands of years and has maintained its reputation as a symbol of luxury.
SATIN
Satin, on the other hand, is an artificial material made up of a mixture of satin, nylon, and polyester. Satin is more delicate than silk, so it needs more careful handling. It does not shimmer, but it does have a glossy appearance.
COTTON
Cotton is a strong fiber, but its strength is primarily affected by moisture, as its wet strength is 20% (much higher than dry strength). Cotton has better breathing capability.
Cotton can often be more substantial than silk in some cases, as silk does require extra due care and special attention to ensure it retains its durable properties to make it last. But silk has a natural thermometer that helps cool you down in the hotter weather, then amping up the insulation when the temperatures drop. To get that effect from cotton, you have to add or remove layers.
Silk is the same on both sides, while the manufacturing process leaves satin with a dull, flat back. Satin is shrunk or Stretch whenever we wash in hot water. So be more careful when you just washed your satin fabric. You always checked and watched the washing instructions label which is coming on that fabric.
Silk is called the queen of fabrics due to the many benefits given by nature. The material can balance temperature and moisture - which helps create an ideal sleep environment at night. Silk is ultra-durable and long-lasting. Genuine Silk is naturally anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and an excellent aid for those with allergies.
How to tell: Satin vs Silk?If you read through the whole article, you probably already know what the difference between Satin and Silk is. So let us see how to distinguish a genuine Silk from a synthetic Satin fabric.
Silk has a quite multi-coloured sheen. Just think of mother of pearl rather than a vinyl like mono-toned solid shine. If Satin shines too much, it might either be polyester, a polyester blend or the Silk is soaked in layers of silicone finishes. In either way - too much shine is an indicator for synthetic fabrics.
Another way to tell the difference is to rub the fabric between your fingers. Real Silk will become warm, whereas fake one won’t change temperature.
The fastest and most effective way is to burn a thread of the fabric in question. Real Silk will slowly burn when exposed to the flame, stops burning once the flame is removed and smells like burnt hair. Fake Silk will melt, smell like plastic and even continue to melt once the flame is removed.
Another factor is the price. The production costs of Silk are multiple times higher compared to the price of polyester production. If a Satin pillowcase is too cheap, it might not be the real deal.
Quality has its price, but a genuine Silk pillowcase might be worth the invest, when it lasts longer and helps us sleep, look and feel better.