Is satin tacky?

I'm trying to move on from some of my clothes that were once faves. These are the hardest for me to purge. This morning I finally put a red satin top in the donate pile, again, but hopefully for the last time. I got to thinking about satin as a fabric in general. Is it just poor woman's silk? Or does anyone prefer satin and if so why? I still have 2 or 3 satin items in the closet but am not looking to buy any more. I am thinking maybe it's the tight satin that is tacky but perhaps items that flow with some drape are more elegant?

14 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Fruitful

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

No answers for you, but do you remember this style from the 80's with shoulder pads and a long chain of pearls?

http://us.asos.com/countryid/2.....DttwGsvJ4w

I have two silky/satiny shirts that I am not retiring... well maybe one of them should be moving closer to the donate pile, the other is a favorite.

14 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Hi Mo! I think it depends on the occasion, but I don't think satin is tacky at all! Black satin (whether it's a skirt, dress, pants or jacket) looks quite elegant. A vibrant-coloured satin piece is definitely very attention-getting, but at night could be just the ticket if it suits your personality. I think as day-wear it can work if worn with a dress-down item like a denim jacket or opaque tights...? But definitely purge if you don't feel great wearing your top anymore!

14 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

I think you're right, Mo. I can think of some satin gowns Princess Diana wore back in the 80s that were certainly not tacky....BUT, being shiny, satin highlights whatever body part you put it on, so tight satin might look not so great.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

No. Good silk satin is so decadent and luxurious. Cheap satin, though, is the stuff of porn movies. Sometimes that look is fun, but it's not what I'd call classy.

14 years ago

Sowmya

Active Member

I'm not such a big fan because satin tends to be extremely unforgiving to even the slightest bulge or flab! And I am a thin person to start off with! But there are some nice shirts - ones that arent too fitted that I wouldn't mind wearing!

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I totally agree with IK about the silk vs. poly satin distinction! IMHO, it needs to be cut really elegantly and drape nicely for it to look luxe. It can veer into cheap-looking really quickly, I think.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I don't have any problem with satin formalwear, shorts, satin lapels on tuxedo jackets, etc. I think satin tops can sometimes look a bit 90s Buffy the Vampire Slayer to me - but no, not inherently tacky. Like velvet or sequins or leopard, there are other factors that will decide.

14 years ago

Heather

Veteran

Honestly, I think ANY fabric, no matter HOW luxurious and expensive, can be designed into a terrible mess.

14 years ago

DeniseP

Active Member

Everyone's comments are great!
I agree, satin can "fit the bill" if it's worn at the right occasion, a good quality fabric and fits appropriately.
I don't think it's tacky. My little granddaughter was recently a flower girl in my son's wedding and her dress was satin with tulle and it was lovely.
But if you don't feel good in your satin piece, by all means, let it go.

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I'm thinking a top made from cheap satin can pass, if it's modest in cut and sewn up well, but a whole dress wouldn't make it. See-through acrylic heels, plastic jewelry, and plastic flowers anywhere in the vicinity would also probably ensure the kiss of death ;>

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i think it's a combo of fabrication, fit, style and color.

red satin is a hard combo to pull off without having a pole as an accessory.

14 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

I thought real satin was made of silk?

I have a red silk satin blouse that I love and will keep in rotation until it wears out.

14 years ago

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