Definition of Sateen Sheets
Often confused with satin sheets, sateen sheets are made using a special weaving process, which creates smooth, silky sheets. Sateen sheets are typically made of cotton. These sheets have the shiny, silk-like appearance of satin sheets on one side, however, sateen sheets don't feel as slick. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Facts
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According to author and linen specialist Cheryl Mendelson, sateen sheets have taken over the linen department as the traditional American bed sheet, replacing the flat cotton weave. Sateen sheets have "more or less replaced hardy plain-weave and twill in upscale stores."
While sateen fabric is primarily used for creating luxurious sheets, it is also used to make drapes and apparel.
Although most sateen sheets are made of cotton, some are made of polyester or polyester blends.
Weaving Process
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The weaving process used to create sateen is considered one of the longest used weaves in textiles. According to textile author E. Grant Gilligan, "Their main feature is the single interlacing on every end and pick, distributed in such a way that they are all more or less completely hidden."
Higher quality sateen sheets are mercerized, (a process in which a sodium hydroxide chemical treatment is applied to cotton), after the weaving process, which gives the material a better, more silky sheen.
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Sateen Versus Satin
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Despite sateen's satin-like feel, sateen and satin are not the same. While satin is weaved from silk, sateen is typically weaved from cotton. Both fabrics feel silky and smooth to the touch, and feature one shiny side and flat texture on the other.
Sateen sheets are the middle-road of sheets. While they are more lavish than plain cotton weave linens, satin is a higher quality material.
Disadvantages
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Unfortunately, because of the weaving process used to create them, sateen sheets are not nearly as durable as other sheets. Although they feel great against the skin, sateen sheets have several shortcomings. Mendelson adds, "They are less durable than plain or twill weaves because they use looser twists and floats in the weave, and they are very light and thin." Because of the fabric's thinness, sateen sheets wear out quickly and develop holes.
Varieties of Sateen
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One of the most obvious varieties of sateen involve thread count. As with any other linen material, a higher thread count equals more luxurious sheets. They are also available in different fiber varieties, such as polyester blends and rayon, and in different prints.
Varieties are also based on the weaving and chemical treatment process. Sateen sheets that are mercerized are of higher quality.
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References
- Photo Credit double bed with white sheets and pillows image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
