Satin

Shop satin fabric by the metre at Super Cheap Fabrics: glossy, fluid and made to catch the light. Satin is the fabric of slip dresses that pour over the body, bridal gowns that glow under candlelight, bridesmaid dresses in every colour of the wedding palette, and linings that feel cool against the skin. Our range covers stretch satin, liquid satin, satin back crepe, matte delustered satin, premium bridal-weight satin, printed satin and metallic lamé, from feather-light 85 GSM to a structured 240 GSM, almost all at 150cm wide.

Buy online with no minimum order and free shipping on Australian orders over $119, or come and run your hand across every satin we stock at our Melbourne store, 153 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066.

What Is Satin Fabric?

Satin is a weave, not a fibre. In a satin weave, long threads float across the surface before tucking under, so light hits an unbroken plane and reflects back as that signature liquid shine. The reverse is usually matte. Satin can be woven from silk, polyester, viscose, acetate or cotton. Our satins are polyester, which holds colour brilliantly, resists creasing, washes at home and costs a fraction of silk satin, while giving the same glossy face and fluid fall.

Our Satin Fabrics at a Glance

Types of Satin Fabric

Liquid Satin

Liquid satin is the most fluid satin we stock. Light at 85 to 105 GSM, it has a mirror-bright face and a drape that literally pours, falling into soft folds and clinging gently where it touches. It is the fabric for 90s-style bias-cut slip dresses, cowl necklines, lingerie, camisoles and flowing evening skirts. If you are searching for a charmeuse-style fabric with that same glossy, slinky movement, this is where to start.

Stretch Satin Deluxe

Stretch satin deluxe is 98% polyester and 2% elastane, so it keeps satin's bright gloss while giving with the body. It is the go-to satin for fitted bridesmaid dresses, corset tops, bodycon and mermaid silhouettes, and anything that needs comfort through a long event. It comes in our widest colour range, from ivory and blush to burgundy, hot orchid and sunset gold.

Lumière Satin

Lumière satin is a premium 110 GSM satin with a luminous, high-lustre face, slightly fuller than liquid satin but just as smooth. It catches light evenly across the whole garment, which makes it beautiful for evening gowns, bridal party dresses, full skirts and luxurious linings.

Aurora Satin

Aurora satin is our heaviest glossy satin at 155 GSM, with a rich, deep sheen and real body. It holds pleats, seams and volume, so it suits bridal gowns, formal dresses, structured skirts and ball gown bodices. If you want the weight and presence associated with bridal satin, Aurora is the closest in our range.

Satin Back Crepe

Satin back crepe, also called crepe back satin, is two fabrics in one: a glossy satin face and a soft, pebbled matte crepe reverse. At 166 to 177 GSM it has a weighty, fluid drape that tailors beautifully. Use the crepe side for a refined matte garment with satin peeking through at the lapels, cuffs or lining, or the satin side for a classic sheen. It is a favourite for wide-leg trousers, blazers, blouses and elegant dresses.

Delustered Satin

Delustered satin has the smooth hand of satin with a soft, low-sheen glow instead of a high gloss. At 240 GSM it is substantial and structured, ideal for modern bridal, tailored dresses, skirts and trousers where you want quiet luxury rather than shine.

Plain Satin

Plain satin is the classic: a bright, even gloss on the face and a soft matte back at 120 to 150 GSM. It is the everyday workhorse for formal and school formal dresses, sashes, linings, costumes, cushions, table runners and event decoration, in core shades including white, black, red and brown.

Printed Satin

Printed satin carries florals, abstracts and swirls on a glossy, fluid base, so the colours stay vivid and saturated. Use it for blouses, scarves, slip skirts, kimonos, pyjamas and statement linings.

Lamé

Lamé is a metallic satin-weave fabric with a mirror-like shine in gold, silver, pink, lavender and grey. Light at around 88 GSM and 152cm wide, it is made for costumes, dance and stage wear, party outfits, photo backdrops and festive decoration.

Satin vs Silk, Sateen and Charmeuse

• Satin vs silk: silk is a fibre, satin is a weave. Silk satin is satin woven from silk. Polyester satin gives a very similar look, holds colour better, washes more easily and costs far less. For real silk, see our Silk collection.
• Satin vs sateen: sateen uses a satin-style weave with cotton, giving a softer, more subtle sheen and a breathable hand, common in bedding and shirting. Read more in our guide All About Cotton Sateen.
• Satin vs charmeuse: charmeuse is a lightweight satin weave known for its fluid drape and high shine. Our liquid satin gives the same slinky movement in an easy-care polyester.
• Satin vs crepe: crepe has a matte, pebbled surface. Satin back crepe gives you both in one fabric.

How to Choose Satin for Your Project

• Bridal gowns: Aurora satin for body and presence, delustered satin for a modern matte look, liquid satin for a minimalist slip gown.
• Bridesmaid dresses: stretch satin deluxe for fit and comfort across a full day, in a wide colour range to match the wedding palette.
• Slip dresses and lingerie: liquid satin, cut on the bias for that close, fluid fall.
• Formal and school formal dresses: stretch satin deluxe, Lumière or plain satin.
• Tailoring and trousers: satin back crepe or delustered satin.
• Linings: Lumière, plain or liquid satin for a smooth, slippery finish that glides over other layers.
• Costume, dance and stage: plain satin and lamé.
• Decor and events: plain satin for table runners, chair sashes, cushions, drapes and backdrops.

These are common examples only, so picture satin in whatever you are making.

How Much Satin Do I Need?

For 150cm wide satin (always check your pattern): a camisole or top takes 1m to 1.5m, a bias-cut slip dress 2.5m to 3m, a fitted bridesmaid dress 2.5m to 3.5m, a full-length gown 4m to 6m, wide-leg trousers 2.5m, and a lining for a lined dress about the same as the shell fabric. Cutting on the bias uses up to 30% more fabric. Buy all the metres for one garment in a single order so the shade matches across every piece.

Sewing Satin

• Use a fine, sharp needle: microtex 70/10 for liquid and lightweight satin, 80/12 for heavier satins.
• Cut in a single layer with pattern weights or fine pins inside the seam allowance, as pin holes can show.
• Satin has a nap of light. Cut all pieces in the same direction so the sheen matches across the garment.
• Finish seams with French seams on lightweight satins, or overlock straight after cutting, because satin frays.
• Press from the wrong side with a pressing cloth on a low to medium setting. Never touch the iron to the glossy face.

Caring for Satin

Our polyester satins can be machine washed on a cool, gentle cycle or hand washed, then hung to dry. Avoid tumble drying. Iron on a cool setting from the reverse. For finished gowns with beading or structure, dry cleaning is the safest choice.

Why Buy Satin From Super Cheap Fabrics

Super Cheap Fabrics has been a Melbourne fabric store for over 40 years and has served more than 115,000 online customers, with over 10,000 five-star reviews. Satin is one of our biggest ranges, with nine satin types and dozens of colours in stock, all sold by the metre with no minimum order and free shipping on Australian orders over $119. Wholesale rolls are available for anyone sewing a full bridal party or dressing an event. Visit our store at 153 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066 to compare every satin side by side.

Shop Stretch Satin Shop Liquid Satin

Satin Fabric FAQs

What is satin fabric made of?

Satin is a weave that can be made from silk, polyester, viscose, acetate or cotton. Our satin fabrics are polyester, with stretch satin blended with 2% elastane. They give satin's glossy face and fluid drape with easy care and strong, long-lasting colour.

Which satin is best for a wedding dress?

For a structured bridal gown, Aurora satin at 155 GSM gives body and a rich sheen. For a modern matte look, choose delustered satin at 240 GSM. For a minimalist slip gown, liquid satin cut on the bias gives a fluid, pouring drape.

Which satin is best for bridesmaid dresses?

Stretch satin deluxe is the go-to choice. Its 2% elastane gives comfort and fit through a long day, and it comes in a wide colour range to match any wedding palette.

What satin should I use for a slip dress?

Liquid satin is ideal. It is light, very fluid and high shine, and cut on the bias it skims and falls like a classic 90s slip dress.

What is the difference between satin and satin back crepe?

Standard satin has a glossy face and plain matte back. Satin back crepe has a glossy satin face and a textured crepe back, so either side can be used, and it is heavier at around 170 GSM, which suits tailoring.

Is satin the same as silk?

No. Silk is a natural fibre and satin is a weave. Satin can be woven from silk or synthetics. Polyester satin looks similar to silk satin but is more affordable, easier to wash and holds colour very well.

Can you wash satin fabric?

Yes. Our polyester satins can be washed on a cool, gentle machine cycle or by hand. Hang to dry, avoid the dryer and iron cool from the reverse side.

Where can I buy satin fabric in Melbourne?

Visit Super Cheap Fabrics at 153 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066, or shop online with no minimum order and free shipping on Australian orders over $119.