In this article we will explore the nuances around silk and satin while also answering the question: What is better satin or silk pajamas?
Satin or Silk Pajamas?
Silk Satin Pajamas are incredibly luxurious, and have always been regarded as a somewhat extravagant piece of clothing. Silk satin is a soft, smooth, durable fabric that makes for wonderfully comfortable pajamas for both men and women.
Although silk and satin are known to go together like thunder and lightening, we will see in this article that there are also other types of satin fabric made from alternative fibers such as cotton and polyester.
Let's clear the air and answer the question: Satin or Silk Pajamas?
What Is Satin?
Satin is a type of fabric weave, and is regarded as one of the most basic and essential weaves. Other types of weaves include:
- Plain weave
- Rib Weave
- Waffle Weave
- Sateen Weave
- Herringbone Weave
- Jacquard Weave
- Twill Weave
- and more
Each weave produces a finished product that is unique and different from one another, while the satin weave in particular produces a smooth and polished material. A satin weave typically produces a fabric that has a glistening top side, while having a flat or matte colored back side. Satin, together with the plain and twill weaves, are considered the three basic types of weaves.
Weaving is a technical and repetitive process that takes threads and fibers and turns them into fabrics. Each type of weave has specific and distinct methods that are applied to the warp threads and the weft threads.
In weaving, the warp thread will be consistent with every vertical row of boxes, while the weft thread will be consistent with every horizontal row of boxes. These words may sound confusing but simply put, threads are weaved together in a consistent horizontal/vertical pattern which takes loose threads and makes them into a useable fabric.
When it comes to satin in particular, the weave is represented by:
- Four or more fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn
- Four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn.
Simple, right? Take a look at the pattern of a satin weave, below.
When we compare the satin weave to twill and plain weave, we can begin to notice the difference in patterns between various methods.
Different Types of Satin
There are several types of fabrics that can be satin, but not all of them are silk.
The majority of people mistakenly assume that a fabric is silk just because they hear the word satin. Silk and satin may be a famous pair, but it is wrong to assume a garment is silk just because it is also satin.
As we just learned, the word "satin" only indicates the type of weave that was used when producing the fabric. A satin weave can be used on a range of fibers both natural and synthetic such as:
- Silk (Silk Satin)
- Cotton (Cotton Satin)
- Spandex (Spandex Satin)
- Nylon (Nylon Satin)
- Polyester (Polyester Satin)
Sometimes clothing retailers misuse the word satin because they know buyers will associate satin with silk, however, if we look in the fine print of the product details we will find that the product may actually be polyester satin or a nylon satin. Here's a real example of "Silk Satin Pajamas" from Amazon:
While this product can correctly be considered satin, it is actually a polyester satin, and not a silk satin. Even before we observe the product details we can take a look at the price ($19.99) which should immediately indicate to us that the pajamas are not silk, as they are far too cheap to be silk.
We can see that in the headline this seller has described the product as "Silk Satin", despite the fact that the garment is clearly made from "100% polyester," as we can see in the product details.
I assume sellers can get away with this sort of misleading advertising because silk is not only a noun (silk fabric), but also a descriptive adjective (silky smooth).
What we as consumers must be aware of is that a satin weave can be used on a range of different textiles, and seeing a product labelled as"satin" does not necessarily mean that the product is made from silk.
Silk Satin
Silk is the most treasured and valuable type of satin, and historically all satin was actually made from silk. Some satin lovers will not consider a fabric to be satin, unless it is indeed made from silk.
Silk Satin is far superior than other satin fabrics for a broad range of reasons:
- Silk Satin offers a much high comfort level than other type of satin
- Silk Satin is incredibly breathable, not clingy and sticky like polyester satin
- Silk Satin feels cool and breezy, while synthetic satins feel hot and muggy on your skin
- Silk Satin doesn't hold static electricity like synthetic satins tend to do
- The bright and vibrant colors on silk satin shine far greater than the colors on other types of satin
- Silk Satin's surface is perfectly smooth and seamless
Silk Satin looks as sensational as it feels and is a highly sought after fabric because of its strength, comfort, breathability, and beauty.
So, Satin or Silk Pajamas?
If you've made it this far and read the whole article, you will surely know by now that:
Satin can be made from silk, but it can also be made from cotton, nylon, polyester, and more.
If you are looking for a cheaper satin pajama set that still offers a satisfactory level of comfort and style, then you may want to look for polyester satin pajamas.
If however you are looking for loungewear that provides the absolute highest levels of luxury, comfort, style, and durability, you will undoubtedly want to look for a good pair of 100% silk satin pajamas.
Pajamas made from 100% silk (especially Mulberry silk) provide consistent delight to their owner. Putting on a high quality silk satin pajama set gives you an immediate sense of peace and relaxation.
If you've never bought yourself a set of high quality Silk Satin Pajamas, this might be the time to try. This ancient textile provides a feeling of luxury and satisfaction that is unmatched by any other fabrics.