SATEEN
Sateen is a cotton (occasionally viscose) fabric that, thanks to the sateen weave, has a smooth, softly lustrous face resembling silk at a far more accessible price. It is important not to confuse sateen with satin: satin is a weave (often on silk), while sateen is its 'cotton cousin'. The long floats of yarn on the face give a gentle sheen and pleasant smoothness, while the dense weave makes the cloth strong and hard-wearing. Sateen is used in bed linen, dresses, shirts and linings. It is practical to care for, though the sheen can dull over time with frequent washing.
Compare “Sateen” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Both share a lustrous face produced by the same satin weave, yet differ in fibre and weight. Satin is classically woven from silk or polyester — slippery, fluid, ideal for draping evening gowns. Sateen uses mercerised cotton with long weft floats: heavier, softer-matte on the reverse, and favoured for linings, lingerie and bedding where durability matters more than shimmer.
