What does satinette mean?
Satinette is a lightweight textile with a smooth, lustrous surface produced by a satin weave. It is commonly made from cotton or a cotton blend and is valued for giving garments and household items an appearance similar to satin at a lower cost. Because satinette can imitate the sheen of true satin, it is frequently used for linings, dresses, blouses, curtains, and other decorative fabric projects. The word chiefly occurs in textile, sewing, and retail contexts. Its principal defining feature is the satin weave: unlike the related word satin, which traditionally refers to a lustrous fabric often made from silk, satinette more specifically denotes a lighter and usually less expensive imitation. The term is understood in both British and American English.
nounA thin fabric made with a satin weave, usually from cotton or a cotton blend, that resembles satin but is generally less expensive.
- A thin, usually cotton fabric with a shiny satin weave, used for linings, garments, and other textile work.
"She chose a soft blue satinette for the lining of the jacket."
"The designer lined the coat in pale green satinette."
"Cotton satinette is often used when a garment needs the appearance of satin without the price of silk."
Used when referring to multiple fabrics or distinct types of satinette.
"The shop sells satinettes in several colours."
Satinette delivers satin's lustrous look without the full cost of silk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satinette come from?
Satinette was formed in English from satin with the diminutive suffix -ette, a pattern common in the names of fabrics and other manufactured goods. Its development reflects the long-standing practice of naming lightweight or imitation versions of a luxury material by adding a suffix to the original fabric name. It shares its root with satin and related forms such as satiny.
How satinette is actually used
The term is chiefly used in textiles and sewing. It commonly denotes an imitation of satin, although the defining feature is the weave rather than a strict fiber composition.
Easily confused with satinette
Satin traditionally has a smooth lustrous surface and may be made from silk, whereas satinette is a lighter fabric that imitates the appearance of satin and is often made from cotton.