Sateen is a cotton (occasionally viscose) fabric that, thanks to the sateen weave, has a smooth, softly lustrous face resembling silk at a far more accessible price. It is important not to confuse sateen with satin: satin is a weave (often on silk), while sateen is its 'cotton cousin'. The long floats of yarn on the face give a gentle sheen and pleasant smoothness, while the dense weave makes the cloth strong and hard-wearing. Sateen is used in bed linen, dresses, shirts and linings. It is practical to care for, though the sheen can dull over time with frequent washing.
