Satin neckties have become an increasingly popular alternative to silk neckties. They feature a similar lustrous appearance as their silk counterparts, and you can find them in many of the same colors and styles. Satin, however, is a different material. When shopping for a necktie with which to accessorize your suit, you may want to go with satin. But there are several things you should know before investing in a satin necktie.
What Is Satin?
Contrary to common belief, satin isn't necessarily a material. Rather, it's a weave type. There are three primary weave types in which textiles are available. They include plain, twill and satin.
Satin is made by passing four or more weft threads over a warp thread, followed by four warp threads over a weft thread. The end result is a grid-like, interlaced pattern of threads. Satin features horizontal and vertical threads. The threads go over and under each other to create an interlaced pattern.
Satin is used to create dozens of different products, some of which include the following:
- Socks
- Nightgowns
- Scarves
- Bed linens
- Pocket squares
- Neckties
What Are the Different Types of Satin
There are several different types of satin. While they all share some common characteristics regarding their weave pattern, there are nuances between them.
One of the most common types of satin is four harness. Also known as crowfoot satin, it involves the weft thread going over three or more warp threads, after which the weft thread goes under a warp thread.
There's also five-harness satin. Five-harness satin involves the weft thread going over four or more warp threads, after which the weft thread goes under a warp thread.
Finally, there's eight-harness satin. Eight-harness satin involves the weft thread going over seven warp threads, after which the weft thread goes under a warp thread. Eight-harness satin is the most flexible, pliable type of satin. Nonetheless, you can't go wrong with either of these three types of satin. Whether four-harness, five-harness or eight-harness, satin is a lustrous material that works extremely well for neckties and other accessories.
An Introduction to Satin Neckties
You may discover that some neckties are made of satin. Like all other satin products, they are characterized by their weave type. Satin neckties feature the same weave type as all other satin products.
Upon seeing the word "satin," many people assume it's a specific material. As previously mentioned, though, satin is a weave type; it's not a textile-based material. Therefore, satin neckties still require one or more materials in their construction.
Most satin neckties are made of cotton. You can find them in 100% cotton. The Turkish Blue Satin Necktie sold here at StudioSuits, for instance, is a premium satin necktie that's constructed entirely of cotton. With its cotton construction, it's soft and easy to maintain. At the same time, The Turkish Blue Satin Necktie offers all of the same benefits as other satin products.
In addition to cotton, some satin neckties are made of a synthetic material. Synthetic materials are manmade materials. They aren't made of plants or fibers that grow naturally in the ground. Instead, synthetic materials are manmade materials, such as polyester and nylon.
Why Choose a Satin Necktie Instead of Silk
In the past, silk was the primary material in which men's neckties were made. You can still find silk neckties available for sale, but satin has become an increasingly popular alternative. Why should you choose a satin necktie instead of silk exactly?
Satin neckties are oftentimes stronger than silk neckties. You don't have to worry about them ripping, fraying or otherwise sustaining damage. As long as you maintain them according to the manufacturer's recommendations, satin neckties can last a lifetime. Silk neckties, on the other hand, may have a shorter lifespan. Many silk neckties lack the strength and durability of satin neckties, resulting in premature wear and tear that shortens their lifespan.
Both satin and silk neckties are stylish. They feature a similar lustrous appearance that distinguishes them from neckties made of other materials. With that said, many men prefer satin neckties over silk neckties. Satin neckties offer a more modern style that's easy to integrate into suit outfits.
How to Choose a Satin Necktie
If you're going to buy a satin necktie, you should consider the color. You can find satin neckties in countless colors. Like with other neckties, you should choose a color that matches the suit with which you intend to wear it.
Neckties are suit accessories. You can wear a satin necktie -- or any other necktie -- with a two-piece or three-suit piece. But you should choose an appropriate color to ensure a cohesive, attractive appearance.
Some satin neckties feature a single color, but others feature multiple color. Satin neckties with a pattern, for example, feature multiple colors. All patterns consist of multiple colors. If you're tired of wearing neckties in a single and solid color, you may want to choose a satin necktie in a pattern. Just remember to choose a pattern that matches the suit with which you intend to wear it.
You should also consider the width when choosing a satin necktie. Some of them are wider than others. If a satin necktie is too wide, it may create an unflattering appearance when worn. What's the best width for a satin necktie? You can experiment by testing satin neckties in different widths, but a width of 2.25 to 3.5 inches is the preferred choice by most men.
Don't forget to check the material when choosing a satin necktie. As previously mentioned, satin isn't a specific material. The term "satin" refers to a weave type. It's one of the three types of weave. And because it's a weave type, satin requires one or more traditional materials.
Most satin neckties are made of cotton. Cotton-based satin neckties are more popular than nylon, polyester and other materials. They essentially offer the best of both worlds. With a cotton-based satin necktie, you'll experience the softness of cotton combined with the stylish and lustrous appearance of satin.
