Differences Between Silk and Satin

You've been searching for a silk pillowcase with skin and hair benefits, but you're unsure which is better: silk or satin? It’s easy to confuse them and think they are the same, but they are not. Today, we want to explore the differences between silk and satin so you can make the right choice for yourself.

The Main Difference Between Silk and Satin

Silk is a material, the "main ingredient." 

Silk fabric is a natural fiber produced from silkworms, known as mulberry silk. Silk has a triangular structure, similar to a prism, which allows the silk fabric to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors. As a result, silk is more durable and has a shinier appearance.

Satin is a weave of the fabric, not the main material or natural fiber like silk.

The fiber is the actual thread from which the material is made, and the weave is how you create it. Satin typically has a shiny side and a matte side and is made by combining other fabrics like nylon or polyester.

Other Differences Between Silk and Satin

Although these materials have some things in common, there are important differences to consider before choosing one over the other:

Artificial vs. Natural

Silk:

Silk is spun from filaments produced by the silkworm when it forms its cocoon. Each silk fiber is made from 3-5 of these silk filaments, which are then spun to create silk fabric in various weights referred to as "momme." At Herriet, we use 22 momme, grade 6A silk—the highest quality and the perfect weight for pajamas and bedding.

Satin:

Satin is an artificial fabric produced from polymers of other materials such as polyester or nylon. Satin is made from oil and has the same chemical composition as plastic bottles.

 

Thermoregulating:

Silk:

A fabric for any climate you find yourself in. Silk adapts and becomes warm during winter and cool during warmer months. Its natural properties allow for temperature regulation. In winter, if you're cold, you can use silk as a second layer of clothing that provides warmth without adding much bulk.

Satin:

Satin does not absorb moisture, which can make it uncomfortable to wear in warm climates. It lacks thermoregulating properties and is not the best choice for summer wear.

 

Price:

Silk:

One of the most noticeable differences between silk and satin is the price. Silk is considered a luxury product due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and spinning, which makes the supply more limited and increases manufacturing costs. All of this impacts the final product's price.

Satin:

As an artificial fabric, satin can be produced in large quantities at a very low cost because it can be made from petroleum and recycled plastics. This results in a much cheaper final product for the consumer compared to silk.

 

Benefits:

Silk: 

Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and has been shown to alleviate conditions such as asthma and eczema. Additionally, silk is resistant to fungi and does not contain harmful chemicals.

Another benefit of silk is that it does not absorb the skin's or hair's natural oils or moisture. It retains 30% more of your skincare products on your skin, so you'll start to notice that your creams are more effective and you can prevent acne. Lastly, with its smooth and soft surface, silk helps prevent hair frizz and breakage and reduces sleep wrinkles.

Satin:

Satin does not have hypoallergenic properties, so although it may seem silky and smooth, it is not as soft to the touch and can cause allergies. It may also irritate the skin, so we recommend checking what it is made from to ensure you do not have adverse reactions to the materials used in its production.

  

Sustainability:

Silk:

Sustainability is an important factor that we always consider when choosing materials and during the manufacturing process. That’s why our silk complies with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, an independent system that ensures no harmful materials are used in production. This provides our customers with security, ensuring that products undergo various tests. Not only are the materials analyzed, but also the company requesting the certification and the production processes, to ensure higher product quality and sustainability.

Satin:

Products made from satin are neither recyclable nor sustainable. Since they are made from petroleum, we also do not recommend them for constant contact with the skin.