What is Sateen?

If you appreciate bed linens that are soft, smooth, and luxurious, you may have heard of satin. But what exactly is satin, how does it differ from other materials, and why is it a popular choice for bedding?

Here is everything you need to know.

The Sateen Weave

Sateen is not a material but a specific weaving technique that gives the fabric its characteristic sheen and softness. Unlike percale, which has a balanced weave (one thread over, one under), sateen is woven with a technique where threads pass over one and under three or more. This creates a silky-smooth surface with a beautiful luster.

Sateen can be made from various materials, but the finest and most breathable option is cotton sateen, made from 100% cotton. It provides a soft and luxurious feel without compromising breathability.

You should choose Sateen if you

Want a silky-soft, luxurious sleep experience – The sateen texture provides an unparalleled feeling of comfort, making every night feel like a retreat in a five-star hotel.

Care about your skin and hair – Sateen reduces friction, helping to prevent hair tangling and breakage while also minimizing the formation of sleep wrinkles on your skin.

Properties of Sateen


✔ Soft and luxurious surface, gentle on the skin

✔ Beautiful sheen that adds an elegant touch to the bedroom

✔ Retains warmth in winter but feels cool in summer (if cotton satin)

✔ Less prone to wrinkles and easier to maintain

Sateen vs. Percale – Which Should You Choose?

✔ Choose Sateen for a silky-smooth, luxurious feel with a lustrous sheen. It drapes beautifully, feels cozy, and adds a touch of elegance.

✔ Choose Percale for a lightweight, soft, and breathable fabric. Juniper’s percale is airier than traditional percale, offering freshness without crispness.

Both are breathable — sateen retains warmth for year-round comfort, while percale stays cool and softens over time.

Best Ways to Care for Sateen Bedding

To preserve the luxurious feel of satin, proper care is essential. Follow these simple tips to keep your satin sheets looking and feeling exquisite:

✔ Machine wash at 40-60°C with a high-quality detergent.

✔ Avoid fabric softeners, as they can break down the delicate fibers.

✔ Stretch out and hang dry immediately after washing to maintain smoothness.

✔ Iron or lightly mist with water after making the bed to enhance sheen.

✔ Can be tumble dried, but air drying is preferable to maintain shine.

With the right care, sateen bedding will retain its beauty and softness for years to come.

Why choose Juniper's Supima Cotton Sateen?

At Juniper, we craft our cotton sateen bedding with meticulous attention to detail. Made from 100% combed Supima cotton with a high thread count of 430, our sateen sheets offer the perfect combination of elegance, durability, and breathability. The result is a sleep experience that is both indulgent and restorative.

Discover our exclusive Supima Cotton Sateen bedding here!

Customer Support

If you still have questions about Sateen or any other concerns about your Juniper bedding, feel free to reach out to us — we’re happy to help!