Shopping for pajamas online, you’ll see the words satin, silk and silky used almost interchangeably. They’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference helps you buy the set you’ll actually love wearing.
Satin is a weave, not a fiber
This is the part most people never get told. Satin describes how threads are woven, not what they’re made of. In a satin weave, the threads float over several others before tucking under. That creates the smooth, glossy face satin is known for, with a duller back side.
Satin can be woven from silk, polyester, nylon or blends. So “satin pajamas” tells you about the surface and the shine, while the fiber content on the label tells you about care and price.
Silk is a natural fiber
Silk comes from silkworm cocoons. It’s lightweight, naturally lustrous and very luxurious. It also needs more careful handling. Many silk garments call for hand washing or dry cleaning, and silk can show water spots and lose its luster over time if it isn’t treated gently. It is also usually the most expensive option.
Polyester satin: the easy-going everyday option
Our pajamas are made from satin woven from 95% polyester and 5% spandex. Here’s what that means in real life:
- Smooth and glossy, with that silky slide when you pull it on
- A little stretch from the spandex, for easier movement while you sleep
- Easy care: machine wash cold and hang to dry
- Holds bright prints well, which is why our playful designs stay crisp
- Budget-friendly, so you can own more than one set (or gift one)
Cotton: soft, matte and familiar
Cotton is the classic pajama fiber. It’s matte, soft and absorbent, and it gets softer with washing. It also tends to wrinkle, can feel heavy when damp and doesn’t have the smooth glide many people love about satin.
Side-by-side comparison
| Polyester satin | Silk | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Smooth, glossy, light stretch | Smooth, lustrous, very light | Soft, matte |
| Care | Machine wash cold | Often hand wash or dry clean | Machine wash |
| Wrinkles | Resists them fairly well | Can wrinkle | Wrinkles easily |
| Print clarity | Bright and crisp | Good | Good, softer colors |
| Price | $ | $$$ | $–$$ |
So which one should you choose?
- Choose polyester satin if you want the silky look and feel, fun prints and easy washing at an approachable price.
- Choose silk if you love natural fibers and don’t mind delicate care.
- Choose cotton if you prefer a matte, broken-in feel.
A lot of people end up with one of each for different moods and seasons. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Feel the difference: browse our short sleeve and long sleeve satin sets.
