Satin, Silk and Velvet: How to Choose and How to Care

Fabric decides more than colour does: how a dress falls, how it photographs, how warm it is, and how much attention it needs afterwards.

Satin

Satin is a weave, not a fibre — it can be silk or synthetic. It reflects light along the drape, which is why it looks expensive in photographs and why it shows every line underneath. It suits slip midis and corseted bodices, and it is the house fabric for a reason. See satin pieces.

Care: dry clean or cold hand wash, never wring. Iron on the reverse, low heat.

White satin skirt — Clipse — Satin catches light along the fall of the fabric — White satin skirt

Silk

Lighter and more breathable than satin weave in synthetic, and more temperamental: it marks with water and fades in direct sun. Worth it for warm-weather events, where synthetic fabric would be uncomfortable.

Care: dry clean. Store away from light.

Satin skirt godet black — Clipse — A satin skirt gives movement without bulk — Satin skirt godet black

Velvet

Reads formal on its own, holds warmth, and photographs deep rather than shiny — the opposite of satin under a flash. Best from autumn through winter, and a natural choice for black tie.

Care: never iron the pile directly; steam from the reverse and hang to let creases drop.

Top Love — Clipse — A structured piece in a fabric that holds its shape — Top Love

Which to choose for what

Summer wedding: silk or a light print, not velvet.
Winter formal: velvet, or satin with sleeves.
Photographed event: matte satin flares less under flash than high-shine.
Long day: anything with a little structure will hold shape better by hour six.

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