Can you tell the difference between silk and satin? Expert shares tips to identify both fabrics

Silk has always been regarded a luxurious choice of fabric. For regular use, people often opt for satin as an alternative, under the impression that it is a cheaper, more affordable solution for the same. But satin and silk are vastly different fabrics and that is well reflected in the storage, washing directions as well as precautions kept in mind when it comes to them.

Indianexpress.com spoke to Nida Merchant, founder of Nemah, an India-based modest swimwear and sportswear brand to understand the key differences between silk and satin so that you have a better idea next time you pick out either of these two fabrics.

Silk vs Satin

“Silk is a natural fiber which is retrieved from silkworms whereas satin is a type of weaving technique which results in that distinctive glossy finish that the fabric has.  Satin weave can be achieved using any of the following yarns:

Silk, Cotton, Nylon, Polyester, Viscose,” shared Merchant.

According to her, silk has a very luxurious feel whereas a satin’s feel & touch depends on which fibre has been used to produce it.

“Silk fabric has to be handwashed or machine-washed on a delicate cycle whereas Satin’s washing instructions will depend on which fibre has been used. A satin depends upon the fibre used to weave that fabric. For example: Silk Satin, Cotton Satin, Polyester Satin, Modal Satin,” she explained.

When it comes to popularity, Merchant shared that polyester satin is often used to replace silk satin because of its affordability and durability. However, qualities like breathability, temperature regulation, and hypoallergenic that a silk satin provides get lost.

The touch and feel can help you identify the richer fabric (Source: Freepik)

How can you identify both?

“You can distinguish silk satin from polyester satin by seeing the wrinkles after crumpling the fabric, the pure silk fabric will form more wrinkles since it’s a natural fabric,” said Merchant.

She also shared that you can do a burn test, since natural fabrics when burnt leave a hairy residue whereas polyester fabrics when burnt will leave shiny, hard plastic bead.

Besides these common hacks, the touch and feel can help you identify the richer fabric, she added.

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