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.

17 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.

The Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics and Materials

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Ballgown:

Justin Alexander Style 44276 Plunging V-Neck Satin Ballgown at Justinalexander.com

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Best Shawl Detail:

WToo Caprice Dress at Watters.com

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Best One-Shoulder:

Sachin & Babi Aubrey Gown in Off White at Sachinandbabi.com

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Best Short Sleeve Option:

Jenny Yoo Beale Gown at Jennyyoo.com

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Best Mini Dress:

Carolina Herrera Contrast Panel Satin Mini Dress at Modaoperandi.com

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Best Champagne:

Fame and Partners Strappy Draped Gown at Fameandpartners.com

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For the Contemporary Bride:

Grace Loves Lace Valentina Gown at Graceloveslace.com

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Justin Alexander Helena Dress at Justinalexander.com

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Best High Low:

WTOO Chica Gown at Watters.com

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Most Chic:

Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Justin Alexander

View On Justinalexander.com

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.

Watters

View On Watters.com

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.

Sachin & Babi

View On Sachinandbabi.com

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.

Jenny by Jenny Yoo Style #62125596 Beale Gown

Anthropologie

View On Jennyyoo.com

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.

Carolina Herrera Contrast Panel Satin Mini Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

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.

Fame and Partners

View On Fameandpartners.com

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.

Grace Loves Lace

View On Graceloveslace.com

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.

Justin Alexander

View On Justinalexander.com

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.

Watters

View On Watters.com

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.

Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter View On Lyst.com

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.

Watters Orlie

View On Anthropologie

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.

Grace Loves Lace

View On Graceloveslace.com

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.

Karen Willis Holmes

View On Karenwillisholmes.com

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.

Net-A-Porter

View On 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.

strapless asymmetric duchesse-satin gown

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

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.

Anne Barge

View On Annebarge.com

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.

Justin Alexander

View On Justinalexander.com

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.

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.