Sateen Fabric

Sateen is a fabric which is very much like satin but is constructed by weaving cotton yarns together instead of silk. The fabric has a soft feel and a sheen finish to give the sateen fabric a shiny look. The look of the sateen fabric is not a cheap shine, but one of luxury and the fact that it doesn’t crease as easily as other natural cotton fabrics makes it one of our more popular fabrics. Sateen fabric is often used in home decorating including bed sheets and clothing due to its sturdiness whilst maintaining its ability to drape well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sateen Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Sateen Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Sateen is a fabric made using the satin weave structure but woven from cotton or other staple fibres rather than filament fibres such as silk. The weave creates floats on the surface that catch light, while the cotton base keeps the fabric breathable and absorbent.

  • Satin is warp-faced and traditionally made from filament fibres such as silk or polyester, giving a high-gloss finish. Sateen is weft-faced and made from cotton or other staple fibres, producing a softer, more subtle lustre and a more relaxed handle.

  • Cotton sateen is most associated with bedding, where its smooth surface and soft handle suit sheets and pillowcases. It’s also used in shirting, dresses, and lighter-weight curtains where a hint of sheen is wanted without the slipperiness of true satin.

  • Sateen does soften with washing and the surface lustre can become slightly more muted. The shine is built into the weave rather than a surface finish, so it doesn’t disappear, but high temperatures and aggressive detergents dull it more quickly.

    See our Satin fabric product range