Sateen is a fabric made using a satin weave structure but with spun yarns, typically cotton, instead of filament yarns like silk
. This weave involves floating the weft yarns over multiple warp yarns (e.g., three or four over one), which creates a smooth, lustrous surface with a soft, silk-like feel and a glossy sheen
. Key characteristics of sateen include:
- It is usually made from cotton or other non-silk fibers, making it less expensive than silk satin
- The weave is weft-faced, meaning the weft threads float over the warp threads, giving the fabric its sheen and smoothness
- The fabric is softer and has a denser, heavier feel compared to plain cotton weaves
- Mercerization, a chemical treatment of the cotton fibers, is often applied to sateen to make it smoother, stronger, and more reflective
Sateen is commonly used for bed linens, such as sheets and pillowcases, as well as clothing like dresses, skirts, and jackets, and home decor items including curtains and drapery linings
. It is easy to care for, machine washable, and can be ironed to remove wrinkles
. In summary, sateen combines the smoothness and shine of satin with the durability and affordability of cotton, making it a popular choice for both textiles and apparel.