thumb|Satin weave. The warp yarns are shown running top to bottom, weft running sideways folding at each side. In this case, each warp thread floats over 15 weft threads, then passes under one weft thread, then floats for 15 more threads.
thumb|Purple satin fabric
alt=satin cloth|thumb|376x376px|A dress made from satin.
A satin weave is a type of fabric weave that produces a characteristically glossy, smooth or lustrous material, typically with a glossy top surface and a dull back; it is not durable, as it tends to snag. It is one of three fundamental types of textile weaves alongside plain weave and twill weave.
The satin weave is characterised by four or more fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn, and four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. Floats are missed interfacings, for example where the warp yarn lies on top of the weft in a warp-faced satin. These floats explain the high lustre and even sheen, as unlike in other weaves, light is not scattered as much when hitting the fibres, resulting in a stronger reflection. Satin is usually a warp-faced weaving technique in which warp yarns are "floated" over weft yarns, although there are also weft-faced satins. If a fabric is formed with a satin weave using filament fibres such as silk, polyester or nylon, the corresponding fabric is termed a 'satin', although some definitions insist that a satin fabric is only made from silk. If the yarns used are short-staple yarns such as cotton, the fabric formed is considered a sateen.
Many variations can be made of the basic satin weave, including a granite weave and a check weave.
Satin is commonly used in clothing, for items such as lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but is also used for boxer shorts, shirts and neckties. It is also used in the production of pointe shoes for ballet. Other uses include interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bedding.
History
thumb|upright|Satin robe. English,
Origin
Satin originated in China and was originally made solely of silk. Various forms of satin fabrics existed, which came under several names, such as (), (), (), (), () and (). Chinese satin, in its original form, was supposed to be a five- or six-end warp satin. During that period, Quanzhou was visited by Arab merchants and by Europeans. The Arabs referred to silk satin imported from Quanzhou as .
- 4-harness satin weave (4HS), also called crowfoot satin, in which the fill yarn passes over three warp yarns and under one warp yarn. It is more pliable than a plain weave.
- 5-harness satin weave (5HS); the fill yarn passes over four warp yarns and then under one warp yarn.
- 8-harness satin weave (8HS), in which the fill yarn passes over seven warp yarns and then under one warp yarn, is the most pliable satin weave.
Types of satin
- Antique satin – is a type of satin-back shantung, woven with slubbed or unevenly spun weft yarns.
- Baronet or baronette – has a cotton back and a rayon or silk front, similar to georgette.
- Charmeuse – is a lightweight, draping satin-weave fabric with a dull reverse.
- Cuttanee – fine heavy and stout silk and cotton satin
- Double face(d) – satin is woven with a glossy surface on both sides. It is possible for both sides to have a different pattern, albeit using the same colours.
- Duchesse satin – is a particularly luxurious, heavy, stiff satin.
- Faconne – is jacquard woven satin.
- Farmer's satin or Venetian cloth – is made from mercerised cotton.
- Messaline – is lightweight and loosely woven.
- Polysatin or poly-satin – is an abbreviated term for polyester satin.
- Slipper satin – is stiff and medium- to heavy-weight fabric.
- Sultan – is a worsted fabric with a satin face.