Charmeuse and satin are two types of fabrics that are made from different fibers such as silk, polyester, and nylon. It is sometimes very difficult to identify these two fabrics apart since both of them have many similar qualities. The key difference between charmeuse and satin is that charmeuse is slightly softer and lighter than satin.
What is Charmeuse?
Charmeuse is a soft, smooth lightweight fabric woven with a satin weave. It can be made of silk or a synthetic fabric such as polyester. Silk charmeuse can be made from different types of silk including mulberry silk. Silk charmeuse is expensive, but it softer and more delicate. Polyester charmeuse is cheap, but it does not breathe as well as the former. Charmeuse fabric has the same drape and luster as satin, but it is bit softer and lighter; the sheen is also bit muted. However, dresses made from this fabric might cling and hang against the body.
Charmeuse is actually a type of weaving where the warp threads cross over three or more of the backing threads. This weaving makes the front of the fabric smooth, lustrous and reflective whereas the back of the fabric has a dull finish. Therefore, it is used for products where both sides are not showcased. Pillow cases, dresses, duvet covers, are some examples of products made using charmeuse. Dresses made from charmeuse are best for formal occasions, especially at evenings or night.
What is Satin?
Satin is also a type of weave that has a lustrous front and a dull back although many people think it is a type of fabric. This weave has four or more fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn or vice versa. Floats are missed interfacings, where the warp yarn is on top of the weft in a warp-faced satin and where the weft yarn is on top of the warp yarns in weft-faced satins. This weave can be formed using different fibers such as silk, polyester or nylon. The resultant fabric is also termed satin.
Satin fabrics are light, smooth and soft to the touch. It also has a good drape which makes it ideal for form-fitting dress patterns. It is used to make formal dresses, blouses, lingerie, nightgowns, shirts, neckties, etc. It is also used to make pointed shoes used for ballet dances. Satin is ideal for formal wear and is also good for nighttime functions. It should not be worn in very warm climates since it shows sweat easily.
What is the difference between Charmeuse and Satin?
Definition:
Charmeuse: Charmeuse is a soft, smooth lightweight fabric woven with a satin weave.
Satin: Satin is a smooth, lustrous fabric produced by a weave where the threads of the warp are caught and looped by the weft only at certain intervals.
Softness and Lightness:
Charmeuse: Charmeuse is softer and lighter than satin.
Satin: Satin is not as soft or light as charmeuse.
Sheen:
Charmeuse: Charmeuse has a bit dull sheen compared to satin.
Satin: Satin has a high sheen.
Drape:
Charmeuse: The drape of this fabric is bit liquid; the fabric may cling and hang against the body.
Satin: Satin is not quite clingy as charmeuse; it gives room for movement.
Image Courtesy:
“Italian Satin wedding dress” By Violet.tif: Milanikoderivative work: Andrzej 22 (talk) – Violet.tif (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“mermaid sweetheart chapel train charmeuse strapless wedding dresses” by Mathilda Samuelsson (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr