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What is a satin dress?

Satin dresses get their liquid shine from a weave, not a single fiber. Satin is a way of interlacing threads so most of them sit on the surface, which is what gives the fabric its smooth, light catching face and soft drape. That means a satin dress can be woven from polyester, a poly blend or silk and still share the same fluid hand. The result is a piece that looks quietly expensive and moves beautifully, whether it is cut as a slip, a shift or a full occasion gown.

Satin vs silk vs sateen

The names get mixed up constantly, so here is the plain difference.

• Satin vs silk: satin is a weave and silk is a fiber, so a dress can be silk satin, or satin woven from polyester.
• Satin vs sateen: satin uses filament threads for a glossy face, sateen uses spun cotton for a softer, more matte sheen.
• Satin vs slip: satin is the fabric and a slip is a cut; many slip dresses are simply made in satin.
• Charmeuse vs crepe back: charmeuse is shiny on one side, crepe back satin adds a textured reverse with less shine.

From casual to occasion

Satin is no longer reserved for black tie. A loose satin shift with a straight neckline throws on as easily as a jersey dress and reads as an everyday piece with flat sandals. Dial it up and the same fabric becomes an evening statement: a bias slip dress for a cocktail party, or a floor sweeping formal gown for a wedding. A subtle print or polka dot keeps a satin dress feeling modern rather than fussy.

How to style a satin dress

Satin takes cues from what you put with it, moving from relaxed to dressed up in one swap.

• Daytime: a loose satin midi with flat sandals and a canvas tote keeps the shine casual.
• Evening: a bias slip with heels and fine jewelry for dinner or a party.
• Weekend: layer a fine knit over a satin slip and add ankle boots for a daytime edge.

Getting the fit and care right

Satin skims close to the body and shows every line, so the fit matters. A bias cut clings where it touches, which is flattering when the size is right and unforgiving when it is snug, so go true to size and size up if you are between sizes in a fitted slip. Check your measurements against the size guide on each page. To keep the shine, wash cool or by hand, skip the tumble dryer, and press on the reverse at a low heat. Our plus size satin styles are cut with the same fluid drape.

Shop the full satin edit

Browse the full satin dresses edit, from easy midi lengths to floor sweeping maxi gowns, within our wider dresses collection. New styles arrive weekly, and US orders over $75 ship free.