Silk vs. Satin Nightgowns

Woman in a silk nightgown.

Silk and satin are two soft mediums that make great options for sleepwear, such as nightgowns. Depending on your preference, you may like satin nightgowns over silk, or vice versa. Learn a little about the difference between silk and satin nightgowns to help you find the most comfortable sleepwear for a good night's rest.

Production

A major difference between silk and satin is how they are made. Silk is an all-natural fabric named for the silkworms that produce the fibers used to weave it. Satin, on the other hand, is made by man from nylon and polyester being woven together. If you prefer natural products, then a silk nightgown is the better option.

Appearance

Appearance also plays a role in the issue of silk versus satin nightgowns, and depending on your preference, this may be the deciding factor for you. Silk has a light shimmer and shine and flows very fluidly. Satin has more of a rich, thicker look with a slight shine on one side, and a lackluster flat appearance on the other side; of course, this side will be on the inside of your nightgown.

Function

Another thing to pay attention to is the breathability of satin and silk nightgowns. While both generally don't differ greatly on this, satin is slightly thicker and heavier, so it will breathe a little less. It's also important to note that silk absorbs humidity and moisture very well, so this will absorb any sweat you may produce in your sleep. Silk is also universally hypoallergenic, so if you have sensitivities to certain fabrics, you may want to stick with a silk nightgown.

Cost

The cost of a silk or satin nightgown may also vary depending on where you buy your gown. Typically, since silk is much more difficult to make, silk nightgowns will run slightly more expensive than satin ones. Again, this may depend on the store, but you can usually find nice satin or silk nightgowns at most lingerie shops or department stores.

Care

In deciding between silk or satin nightgowns, you also need to consider care for each.

Silk should be hand washed and hung out to dry. Satin on the other hand can vary. Cheaper satin can take machine washing, while more expensive satin may need to be hand washed, and in some cases dry cleaned. Most of the time, satin will say on the label care instructions. If you must use a washer for either fabric, always have it on the gentle cycle, with gentle detergent.

References

• Difference Between Silk and Satin