Satin is made from long filaments, while sateen comes from short-staple fibers. Both fabrics have that luxurious shiny look and are also wrinkle-resistant, but the similarities often end there. Because satin is usually made from synthetic fibers for affordability, it's not particularly breathable.
But this brilliance does come at a cost, as satin is much less durable than its sateen counterparts. Since most modern satin is made from synthetic fibers, satin clothing and sheets are much more prone to wear and tear, and often cannot be machine washed, meaning everything has to be cleaned by hand.
Satin is not only a type of fabric, but it's also a weave pattern. In fact, it's the name of the weave pattern shared by both satin and sateen. While satin and sateen both share a luxurious softness and shine, their distinction comes down to the use of different fibers.
Individuals who like a silky feel and finish might find sateen sheets more comfortable. Since sateen sheets tend to be heavier and warmer, they could also be ideal for people who often sleep cold. Budget shoppers may prefer sateen sheets to Egyptian cotton sheets because they are often available at a lower price point.
There are some fabrics that are seasonal, and if you want to be comfortable year-round, you need to have sheets for both summer and winter. There are a lot of good sheets for winter to keep you warm, but when looking for something that will keep you cool during those warm summer nights, satin is the way to go.
The Disadvantages of Satin
Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.
Coolest Temperature
Crisp, percale cotton sheets are the best sheets for hot sleepers. They're a common choice for hotels and guesthouses, thanks to their fresh feel and cooling properties. And you, too, can enjoy a hotel quality of sleep with these cool, white percale cotton sheet sets.
Hotel buyers in the know most often choose percale sheets over sateen or other weaves. Hotels want white. White sheets are bright, clean-looking, and give a feeling of newness, even though they may have been laundered multiple times. Hotels don't want patterns, colors, or designs that may fade or stain easily.
Sateen sheets stand out for their smooth feel and slight sheen, with some fabrics having a slippery or silky texture. Sateen bedding is ideal for those who prefer softness over crispness.
Customers often like sateen sheets for their silky texture, excellent draping, resistance to wrinkles, and stylish sheen.
Choose a detergent for delicate fabrics to wash silk and satin sheets. A gentle setting in cold water works best. Take care not to use any harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate fabric such as bleach, or fabric softener. Silk and satin sheets should not be put in the dryer, as heat may cause damage to them.
Its unique weave—four-over-one-under—gives the material the sheen and drape of satin with the comfort and durability of world-class cotton. Ultra smooth to the touch, sateen fabric feels luxurious against your skin and comfortable any time of the year.
Sateen sheets are fairly wrinkle-resistant and tend to drape nicely on the bed. However, some people find them too slippery. Compared to some other weaves, sateen sheets are not especially breathable and tend to retain heat.
Silk is a moisture-wicking fibre that keeps you dry at night, while discharging sweat and oils. Satin is admired for its soft luxury and exceptional quality, but it doesn't quite match silk in terms of breathability and comfort.
Yes. New sateen sheets do have a gentle shine but that will disappear after washing. However, the fabric will actually become softer and more supple with use. To return some of the luster, remove from dryer while still slightly damp and iron on cotton setting.
How to Dry Sateen Sheets. Once your sateen sheets are washed, immediately transfer them to the dryer to prevent wrinkles or mold. Never dry bed sheets at the highest setting. Hot air can damage the cotton fibers, making them prone to tearing.
Using too much detergent causes a build up to accumulate, contributing to that unwelcome stiffness in the fabric. It may help to put your sheets through an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue. Take your brand new sheets and pop them in the machine before use.
Egyptian cotton sateen is a delicate, coveted piece of fabric that excites you with its polished appearance. In simpler terms, it is an Egyptian grown extra-long-staple fabric used in luxury bed linen. It boasts of a lustrous appearance and a soft touch that makes it particularly durable.
Although top sheets prevent your comforter from getting dirty, the widespread use of duvet covers has made them somewhat obsolete. Either way you choose to go, make sure your bedding is soft, comfortable, customized to your liking — and regularly washed.
They're also usually made of higher-quality materials, such as 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton. As a result, they're softer and more durable than your average bed sheet. So next time you're wondering what makes hotel sheets so special, remember it's not just the thread count: it's the quality of the craftsmanship.
The main difference between pima cotton and cotton sateen is that pima cotton refers to a fabric material, whereas cotton sateen refers to a weave pattern. Cotton sateen textiles use pima cotton or another form of long/extra-long staple cotton as their weave material.
Natural fabrics, especially cotton, are a safe choice for people with moderate sweating. Some synthetic fabrics are better for people with heavy sweating. Bamboo sheets are also a good choice, despite the hype.
Linen and cotton are both great options for hot, sweaty sleepers. Both fabrics are breathable (and therefore, cooling). "Fabrics like bamboo are breathable and cool, even in warmer seasons," Holliday-Bell explains.
For hot sleepers, we narrowed down the best materials to cotton, linen, satin, and silk. Dr. Peters says these materials work well because they allow heat to dissipate and feel airy and breathable. They're also durable and long-lasting.