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What Is Satin Fabric | Choose the Best Fabric for Shalwar Kameez

Satin Fabric for Shalwaar Kameez

Bright colors, dull free materials, lightweight and easy to wear that’s often associated with luxury and sophistication? That’s satin fabric for you! A timeless favorite in the world of textiles, satin is known for its distinctive shine and soft, fluid drape. But what exactly is satin, and what sets it apart from other fabrics?

In this article, we’ll investigate the world of satin fabric. We’ll explore its unique characteristics, how it’s made, and why it’s a go-to choice for everything from wedding gowns to casual and party wear. So, if you are looking to buy satin fabric for your next shalwar kameez, then keep reading, where you’ll learn how to utilize this fabric at its fullest, and how to care for it to keep it shining for many years.  

Understanding Satin: An Overview

Famous for its luxurious feel and glossy shine, satin fabric offers a world of elegance for those who use it. Discover its unique characteristics and rich history.

Characteristics of Satin


Satin exhibits a glossy surface with a dull backdrop. This contrast results from the attribute known as a satin weave. Tiny crossings of fabric threads allow the light to reflect on the fabric, giving it the characteristic lustrous finish. But satin isn’t just about aesthetic appeal.

Prized for its loose wear, satin fabric guarantees a smooth fit, whether you’re tailoring a dress or garnishing your bedroom with new linens. It’s a resilient fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily, adding to its appeal for apparel and home décor. Besides its attractive look and smooth feel, satin stitching also makes the fabric stronger.

Different types of satin, such as poly satin fabric and polyester satin fabric, offer varying degrees of gloss and drape. For instance, poly satin fabric is lighter and more flexible, making it ideal for a flowing dress mostly worn in Balochi and Sindhi cultures. 

The History of Satin

Satin has a rich, intriguing history. Originally derived from Zaytoun, an area in China renowned for its silk production, satin owes its smooth texture to the traditional practices of Chinese weavers. Travel back in time with us to the Middle Ages when satin first made its glamorous debut in Europe.

Countries like Italy and France quickly adopted the fabric, using it to express wealth and status. Royalties and aristocrats often wore satin garments, and religious figures used it during sacred ceremonies. From robes to soft furnishings, satin was the symbol of luxury, a reputation it holds to this day.

Now widely available, you can find satin fabric online or in physical stores in Pakistan with a range of affordability. Whether you’re looking for luxury satin fabric for a grand event or for everyday use, satin offers plenty of choices, embracing everyone who appreciates its timeless beauty.

Types of Satin Fabric

Satin Fabric Picture Blue on the floor

Explore the wide variety of satin fabrics, offering many options for everyone, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional. Satin fabrics come in different types, from delicate to strong, each with its own special qualities. Knowing this helps you make a better choice when buying satin fabric online.

polyester satin fabric 

sacrifices a bit of satin’s traditional glossiness but gains in durability and affordability. This type of satin fabric offers high color retention, making it a great choice for garments that demand vivid colors. It has a strong reputation as the workhorse among satin fabric due to its resilience against wear and tear, an essential feature for frequent-use items such as a satin fabric Shalwar Kameez.

 luxury satin fabric 

Luxury satin is on the more expensive side, offering a rich and elegant feel. It’s the perfect choice for special events, adding beauty and style to any outfit with its shine and smooth drape. When you look closer at this type of satin, you’ll see it has a glossy finish, is thick, and has a good weight, which is why it’s often used in royal clothing and high-end fashion and worn in winter season. 

Poly Viscose satin fabric

It is a subset of polyester satin, focusing more on the blend of polyester with Viscose Fibers. Poly Viscose satin combines the durability of polyester with the fluidity and shine of pure satin. It delivers the perfect balance of functionality and elegance. It’s a popular option among consumers looking for an affordable alternative to pure satin fabrics while retaining their lustrous appeal. It is a better option compared to pure polyester satin fabrics. 

In Pakistan, the demand for satin fabric is significant. Our country has a strong tradition in textiles, crafts, and fashion, leading to the wide use of satin in traditional clothing like Men’s shalwar kameez, and Western clothing, like T-shirts, and shirts. Due to this demand, satin fabric has become more affordable and available, allowing more people to enjoy its luxury in everyday life.

Whether you’re looking for the durability of polyester satin, the luxury of high-end satin, or the balance of beauty and strength in poly Viscose satin, the choice depends on your needs. Look through different satin fabric, compare prices, and read user reviews to find the best option for you. The world of satin offers many choices, ready to welcome you. Buy satin fabric online from MIT Garments and enjoy the timeless elegance of this classic material.

The Manufacturing Process of Satin

Understanding the manufacture of satin fabric, you’ll appreciate its reputable traits even more. The production involves two significant phases – the weaving process and the finishing process.

The Weaving Process

Jump into the weaving process of satin fabric which takes place on a loom, a machine attributed to the evolution of fabric manufacturing. Initially, threads – the warp (longitudinal threads) and weft (lateral threads) – are arranged. The unique characteristic of satin, but, lies in its weave. Unlike traditional fabric weaves where the warp and weft threads intersect at regular intervals, the satin weave involves the warp threads crossing over multiple weft threads and vice versa. It’s the long floats or leaps between intersections of threads that lend satin its characteristic sheen. The exact process can vary for different types of satin, such as polyester satin or luxury satin fabric.

Uses of Satin Fabric

Following the exploration of satin’s history, it’s now important to understand its practical applications, particularly in clothing. Exploiting the lustrous texture and durable weave of satin fabric, industries worldwide include it in their premium products.

Satin Fabric for Shalwar Kameez

Satin Fabric worn by model in shalwaar kameez

Satin fabric can be an excellent choice for making shalwar kameez in Pakistan. Its smooth and shiny surface adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions like weddings or festivals. Satin drapes beautifully, giving the kameez a graceful flow, while also feeling comfortable against the skin. The fabric’s luxurious appearance can enhance both simple and heavily embroidered designs, allowing you to create a stylish outfit that stands out.

Satin Fabric for Shirts and T-Shirts

Shirt made of Satin fabric

Satin fabric is also a great option for making shirts and t-shirts. Its soft texture and slight sheen make it ideal for creating stylish and comfortable tops. Satin shirts can be worn for both casual and formal events, adding a touch of sophistication to your look. For t-shirts, satin provides a smooth feel and a modern appearance, making it a unique choice for those who want something different from the usual cotton. Whether for everyday wear or special outings, satin fabric can make your shirts and t-shirts look and feel special.

How to Care for Satin Fabric

Making satin fabric last involves particular care. Let’s explore how you can clean, iron, and store this exquisite material effectively.

Washing Instructions for Satin

When washing polyester satin fabric or affordable poly satin staple garments, machine washing becomes viable – set the machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Conversely, local satin fabric popular in Pakistan generally supports hand washing, albeit using lukewarm water, again with mild detergent.

The wash of Satin fabric does not require any different care than your normal fabrics, especially polyester satin and Poly Viscose satin. The stretch and quality of these fibers allow the satin cloth to keep the same shine for longer periods. 

To dry the satin fabric, avoid wringing. Instead, press out excess water, lay the satin flat on a clean towel, gently roll it up to absorb more moisture, then unroll, and leave to air dry. Indeed, maintaining satin fabric in its prime condition requires detailed attention but ensures prolonged elegance.

What is unique about satin fabric?

Satin fabric offers a luxurious shine, wrinkle-free dress, and a body drape that distinguishing it from other materials like silk or cotton. It’s available in various types and has unique maintenance care needs.

How is satin fabric made?

Satin fabric can be made from various fibers like silk, polyester, or nylon. The unique ‘satin’ sheen comes from a specific method of weaving these fibers in which floating or missed interlacings scattered over warp yarns appear less frequently than ground yarns.

How can one care for satin fabrics?

Caring for satin fabrics involves gentle machine washing or hand washing, avoidance of high heat or harsh detergents, and careful ironing to maintain their distinct sheen and prolong their lifespan.

What should one consider while buying satin fabric?

When purchasing satin fabric, consider its type (luxury silk or affordable poly satin), required maintenance care, the particular weave or texture you prefer for your clothing.