What is Silk?
Thousands of years ago, China began domesticating silkworms to produce—you guessed it—silk. By weaving several threads together, they could use the material to make everything from clothes to screens to banners. Given time and improved silk-working techniques, trade routes sprouted and spread across the globe.
No matter where it spread, real silk was considered high-end for both the skill it took to work with and its incomparably smooth feel. Indeed, “silky smooth” products went for a pretty penny — and still do, despite no longer being reserved for the upper echelons of society.
What is Satin?
Unlike silk, satin isn’t a material that’s woven into a fabric: it’s the weaving itself! Though there are multiple styles, you can tell it apart from the two other main textile weaves — plain and twill — by its one-sided sheen.
Once woven exclusively with silk, modern satin mixes and matches a number of materials, most of which are synthetic.
Sans the intensive process needed to produce silk, satin is cheaper to make and buy. It’s also easier to imitate, with close cousin sateen (woven with shorter fibers) having carved out its own sector in the textile industry.
Is silk or Satin Better for Robe?
Whether silk or satin is better for a robe depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Both fabrics have distinct characteristics:
Silk:
- Luxurious feel: Silk is known for its smooth, soft texture and luxurious feel against the skin.
- Natural fiber: Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms, making it breathable and comfortable to wear.
- Temperature regulation: Silk has natural temperature-regulating properties, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Expensive: Silk robes tend to be more expensive due to the high cost of silk fabric.
Satin:
- Smooth texture: Satin has a smooth, glossy surface that gives it a luxurious appearance.
- Synthetic or silk: Satin can be made from silk, polyester, or a blend of synthetic fibers. Synthetic satin is often more affordable than silk satin.
- Less breathable: Satin is generally less breathable than silk, which may not be ideal for warm climates or people who tend to overheat.
- Easier to care for: Satin is typically easier to care for and may be more durable than silk, especially synthetic satin.
Why are Silk Robes So Expensive?
Firstly, the production of silk is a highly labor-intensive process. Silk is made from the cocoons of the silk moth, which are carefully harvested by hand. The cocoons are then boiled to kill the pupae inside and loosen the fibers, which are then spun into silk threads. This process requires a great deal of skill and expertise, and it can take up to 40 cocoons to produce just one yard of silk fabric.
Additionally, the quality of silk is directly related to the type of silk moth used in the production process. The most prized silk is made from the cocoons of the mulberry silk moth, which produces long, fine fibers that are stronger and more lustrous than other types of silk. However, the mulberry silk moth is also very delicate and requires specific environmental conditions to thrive, which adds to the cost of production.
