Understanding fabric qualities helps women make smarter purchasing decisions. This guide compares three of the most commonly encountered luxe-feeling fabrics.
Silk
Natural protein fiber produced by silkworms. The gold standard for lustrous, temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic fabric. Genuine silk improves with age and is biodegradable.
Downsides: Requires hand washing or dry cleaning. Expensive. Can crease easily.
Satin
Satin is a weave construction, not a fiber. Polyester satin offers the glossy appearance of silk at a fraction of the cost. However, it does not breathe as well and can feel sticky in heat.
Downsides: Made from petroleum-based polyester. Can snag easily.
Viscose (Rayon)
Semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Viscose offers excellent draping, a soft hand feel, and good breathability at mid-range price points. It is often called artificial silk.
Downsides: Weakened when wet. Requires gentle washing.
Making the Choice
For luxury occasion wear, invest in silk. For everyday special pieces, quality viscose offers excellent value.