Satin: Lustrous and Flowing written - 1 December, 2003
The Best Shopping Tips for You!
Steve Boorstein
 Steve Boorstein spent 25 years in the clothing business, first as a buyer and boutique owner and then as a hands-on owner of one of the most exclusive drycleaners in the country. Steve is a graduate of the International Fabricare Institute and has lectured and conducted clothing care seminars at Chanel Boutique, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, to name a few. He is known as The Clothing Doctor, reminding his clients that the care of clothing starts the moment you begin to shop. From blue jeans to ball gowns … he's changing your shopping habits forever!
Garment expert Steve Boorstein—widely known in the industry as “The Clothing Doctor”—has lots of advice on keeping these luxury fabrics, well . . . luxurious. Here are a few tips from his new book, The Ultimate Guide to Shopping
Caring for Clothing: Everything You Need to Know from Blue Jeans to Ball Gowns (Boutique Books, LLC, September 2002, ISBN: 09717669-0-8)
For a free monthly report, a newsletter, and a wealth of valuable tips for all seasons, please visit http://www.clothingdoctor.com or contact her by email at info@clothingdoctor.com
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Satin
Satin is actually a type of weave. It is thick and lustrous. Well-made satin has fabulous drape and exudes an aristocratic aura. Of silks in the mainstream-clothing market, satin is most often seen in blouses and formals. Because of the lustrous nature of the weave, most satin garments have beautiful drape, regardless of price.
All silk fabric is subject to snags, color loss, and deluster, but satin, because of its rich weave, tends to show even minor damage. Watchbands, jewelry, fingernails, and zippers can catch the fabric and snag it. Color loss, from rubbing a stain ever so slightly, will permanently mar the surface. Satin should be treated only by a quality drycleaner. Ironing at home is also more challenging than it is with other types of silk.
If you iron satin, be sure to iron it from the reverse side. Steam irons are better than electric irons, but you should watch for dripping or spurting water. If you do get a water spot, be patient and allow it to dry - it may dry without a ring.
Simple Truths about Caring for Satin
What is Deluster?
Deluster is a condition that occurs from rubbing a fabric and breaking the fibers, causing a change in the sheen and possible loss of color. If you spill food or drink on satin, blot it with a dry, white cloth or nakpin. Do Not Rub. Then take the garment to a "good" drycleaner and tell the clerk exactly what occurred.
You should also be aware that satin can be easily damaged by perspiration and may experience a color change even after the first wearing. If you perspire heavily, then consider using snap-in, washable underarm shields. At minimum, have the garment cleaned within 24 hours.
Shopping
Satin, by nature, has a beautiful sheen and excellent drape, but you must still be diligent about choosing a quality satin. Stains can be more difficult to remove from poor-quality satin. Lesser-quality satin can often be identified by the drape, body, and of course, price. Poor-quality satin can still be thick, so don't be fooled.
How Can You Judge Drape?
Hang the blouse in front of you, at eye level, and place your hand under the bottom of the front hem. Then slowly lift your hand toward the top and feel how easily the fabric gives way under your hand. If the satin gently rolls into folds like waves in the ocean, then it is probably made from high-quality satin. If the fabric creases or forms "stairs," then it should be avoided. Look at a few different brands and you will feel the difference.
- Ask your drycleaner to "soft press" your satin garments so they won't shine. And be sure to point out underarm stains and other spills.
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