What is the difference between silk and satin?

Satin and silk are sometimes easily confused, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. However, silk is a natural fabric, while satin is a weave. Another difference is that silk is shiny on both sides, while satin has a glossy surface and a dull back.

Is satin high-maintenance?

Satin doesn't wrinkle as easily as some other types of fabric, which makes it less high-maintenance than most materials. However, it's important to note that satin does snag very easily, so be sure to wear jewelry that won't snag on your dress.

22 Best Satin Wedding Dresses 2023

satin wedding gown — Photo by Adriana Rivera

Satin is one of the most common wedding dress fabrics for a reason. Thick, smooth, and shiny, satin has a luxurious look to it that feels just right—especially for one of the most special nights of your life.

Satin refers to a type of weave (as opposed to a textile) and there are several different options to choose from. Popular choices include baronet satin, which is very luxurious and used on high-end dresses; charmeuse satin, which is more lightweight with a lot of draping; crepe back satin, which is reversible and has a satin finish on one side and a crepe finish on the other; duchess satin, which is heavy and stiff; and messaline satin, which is lightweight and soft.

Wedding Dress Fabric and Material Guide

The material is also versatile and used with many different styles of wedding gowns, so there are plenty of options to choose from when searching for "the one". The best part is that satin is a fairly durable fabric, and when designed in white or ivory, it gives off a quintessential bridal vibe.

To help ease your search, keep scrolling ahead for a collection of beautiful satin wedding dresses you can find now.

Best Ballgown: Justin Alexander Plunging V-Neck Satin Ballgown

Size: Custom | Materials: Beading, embroidery, lace, satin, tulle | Length: Floor-length

For a really classic bridal look, you can't go wrong with a satin ballgown. This one feels even more special thanks to its intricately beaded bodice and plunging V-neck.

Most Sultry: White & Lace by Milla Nova Larisa Gown

Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Satin, crepe | Length: Floor-length

The high front slit, short train, and elegant ruching of this gown make it appear sultry and sexy. The cowl neck is a beautiful touch, and we love how it can be worn slightly off one shoulder if you want.

Best Shawl Detail: WToo Caprice Dress

Size: 00-32 | Materials: Shuler satin Organza, matte organza, poly lining | Length: Floor-length

Made with satin organza, this gown has a beautiful long train and a unique shawl that is removable for two looks in one.

Price at time of publish: starting at $1,782

Best One-Shoulder: Sachin & Babi Aubrey Gown

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Satin crepe | Length: Floor-length

The epitome of elegance, Sachin & Babi's Aubrey gown is a beautiful sleek column style. The one-shoulder design features a hand-tucked collapsed bow, with a sparkling crystal jewel detail at the knot.

Price at time of publish: $795

Best Short Sleeve Option: Jenny Yoo Beale Gown

Size: 0-18 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

It can be a bit of a challenge to find wedding dresses with short sleeves. This one features beautiful flutter sleeves that feel airy and look chic, along with a plunging V-neck in both the back and front.

Price at time of publish: $1,195

Best Mini Dress: Carolina Herrera Contrast Panel Satin Mini Dress

black and white satin mini dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Size: 0-24 | Materials: Satin | Length: Mini

If you're looking for something unexpected, this mini dress is a great choice. Made of luxe satin, featuring pin-thin straps and black and white paneling, it feels dramatic in the best way.

Price at time of publish: $1,990

Best Champagne: Fame and Partners Strappy Draped Gown

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Matte satin | Length: Floor-length

This budget-friendly option features a chic draped neckline, skinny straps, and a low back. It's a beautiful and sleek gown, and we love the off-white champagne shade.

Price at time of publish: $299

For the Contemporary Bride: Grace Loves Lace Valentina Gown

Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

This luxurious double-layer satin dress falls like liquid over the body. With a bias cut and a thigh-high slit, this is effortlessly chic, contemporary, and sleek.

Price at time of publish: $2,400

Best Off-the-Shoulder: Justin Alexander Helena Dress

This classic satin, fit and flare gown looks traditional from the front with soft off-the-shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. However, the back has unexpected illusion netting, with exposed boning, for an interesting detail.

Best Ruffle Detail: White & Lace by Milla Nova Villanelle Dress

Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

This sleeveless sheath dress brings the drama due to its large ruffle detail on the front. What's more, the structured ruffle and belt are removable for two completely different looks in one.

Best High Low: WToo Chica Gown

Size: 00-32 | Materials: Satin organza | Length: Floor-length

There's so much to love about this soft and flowing satin organza gown. From the unique high low length to the handmade floral bouquet brooch, this gown really has it all.

Price at time of publish: starting at $1,558

Most Chic: Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown

empire waist satin wedding gown — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size: UK6-UK16 | Materials: Duchesse-satin | Length: Floor-length

This gown is simple and chic in the best possible way. Thick straps, a sweetheart neckline, and an empire waist make this dress elegant, regal, and romantic.

Price at time of publish: $5,775

Best Strapless: Watters Orlie Gown

Size: 0-15 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

This unique strapless gown is a bit more structured with a subtle cowl neckline. The chapel-length train adds some drama, and we love the side slit that is accented with special pearl beading.

Price at time of publish: $1,895

Most Romantic: Grace Loves Lace Aura Dress

Size: S-XL | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

This subtly textured dress has a beautiful cowl neckline and romantic back tie detail. The fit and flare silhouette is classic, but the slinkiness makes it sexy.

Price at time of publish: $2,100

Best for a Winter Wedding: DB Studio Low Back Mid-Sleeve Satin Plus Size Wedding Dress

Size: 16-30 | Materials: Stretch crepe and satin | Length: Floor-length

The long sleeves, dramatic ballgown skirt, and thick crepe and satin fabrics of this gown make it perfect for a chilly winter wedding. The belt detail and boat neck are also nice touches.

Most Elegant: Pronovias Darby Gown

Size: Custom | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

An asymmetrical neckline and gentle draping along the bodice make this sleek and elegant gown really stand out. The fluid satin material really gives this gown a very luxe look.

Most Customizable: Karen Willis Holmes Blake Prea Gown

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

This beautiful gown can be worn as an elegant strapless dress, or with statement sleeves and a long train. The back can also be laced up or buttoned down for a versatile look.

Price at time of publish: $3,490

Best for the Minimalist Bride: Galvan Hampshire Satin Crepe Gown

satin crepe square neckline gown — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size: FR34-FR44 | Materials: Satin crepe | Length: Floor-length

Made of thick and luxurious satin crepe, this gown has a wonderful stretch to it and is a minimalist bride's dream. With a flattering chapel-length train, this is simplicity perfected.

Price at time of publish: $2,495

Best Twist on a Classic: Halfpenny London Jackson Gown

Size: 0-16 UK | Materials: Duchesse satin | Length: Floor-length

Made of ivory Duchesse satin, this gown feels and looks luxurious. The high-low hem adds a playful and modern twist to your classic strapless ballgown.

Price at time of publish: $1,860

Best for the Traditional Bride: Anne Barge Pei Dress

Size: 0-22 | Materials: Matte satin | Length: Floor-length

What could be more traditionally bridal than a white satin ballgown? This one is simple but the construction is gorgeous.

Price at time of publish: $2,300

Most Glamorous: Justin Alexander Satin Ball Gown

Size: Custom | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

A folded collar sweetheart neckline makes this satin ballgown even more glamorous than it already is. Plus, the flowing skirt and fitted bodice are a perfect match.

Best for a Princess Vibe: Oleg Cassini Off Shoulder Beaded Satin Gown

Size: 16-30 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length

With over 200,000 beads on the bodice, this extravagant gown will have you feeling like royalty. The satin skirt only makes it more special.

What to Look for in a Satin Wedding Dress

As with all materials, search for the type of satin that matches the look you'd like to wear. If you want something heavier, opt for baronet satin or crepe back satin. For a lightweight gown, find a dress made from charmeuse satin or messaline satin. In particular, when searching for a satin wedding gown, you want to shop for pieces that are durable and not too delicate. Otherwise, satin is pretty breathable and versatile, and you'll be able to find a variety of styles.

FAQ

What is the difference between silk and satin?

Satin and silk are sometimes easily confused, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. However, silk is a natural fabric, while satin is a weave. Another difference is that silk is shiny on both sides, while satin has a glossy surface and a dull back.
Is satin high-maintenance?

Satin doesn't wrinkle as easily as some other types of fabric, which makes it less high-maintenance than most materials. However, it's important to note that satin does snag very easily, so be sure to wear jewelry that won't snag on your dress.

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride

Why Trust Us

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.