Fabric constructed by the satin weaving method, one of the three basic textile weaves. Satin weave superficially resembles twill but does not have the regular step in each successive weft that characterizes twills. Thus, there is no strong diagonal line, and the fabric is smooth-faced, with an unbroken surface made up of long floating warp yarns. Because satins are susceptible to the wear caused by rubbing and snagging, they are considered luxury fabrics. Satin is made in different weights for various uses, including dresses (particularly evening wear), linings, bedspreads, and upholstery. Though originally of silk, it may be made of yarns of other fibres.

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Satin weave is one of the three important textile weaves. (The other two are Plain weave and Twill weave.) The satin weave is distinguished by its lustrous appearance, its 'silkiness' or its 'satin' feel. Satin itself is not a type of fabric, and may be made from many fabrics, such as silk and polyester, among others. Fabrics so-called are distinguished by the Satin weave.

The satin weave is characterized by four or more cool fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn or vice versa, four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. This explains the 'floatiness' of the appearance.

The fabric is a satin if the fabric is warp faced (the fabric predominantly shows warp threads). The fabric is a sateen if it is weft faced meaning only the weft threads show. The float is in the warp or vertical direction for satin and with sateen the float is in the horizontal or filling direction.