THE KAVEYRA GUIDES / MATERIALS

Silk, satin, chiffon and georgette: reading fabric descriptions

A fabric name usually tells you less than it seems. Silk names a fibre; satin, chiffon and georgette describe how a fabric is made and how it behaves. To know what you are buying, ask for fibre composition, fabric type and lining separately, and confirm each rather than inferring one from another.

Updated 4 October 2026 · 3 min read

What does the name actually tell you?

Fibre and fabric are different layers of description. A fibre is the raw material. A fabric term describes structure and drape, which can be produced from different fibres. That means a listing saying 'georgette' or 'satin' has not told you what it is made from, and a listing must state composition for you to know it.

Reference: Seamwork: The Ultimate Guide to Sewing with Silk

A small fabric vocabulary

Usage varies between sellers and regions, so treat these as broad descriptions rather than strict definitions.

TermWhat it usually describesWhat it does not confirm
SilkA natural fibreWeave, weight or finish
SatinA fabric with a smooth, often lustrous faceFibre content
ChiffonA sheer, light, floaty fabricFibre content or opacity once lined
GeorgetteA sheer fabric, often with a slightly grainy textureFibre content or weight

What else determines the wearing experience?

How a garment feels on the day depends on several things beyond its name:

  • Lining: whether there is one, what it is made of, and how much of the garment it covers.
  • Weight: heavier fabric and dense decoration affect drape and how the garment feels over hours.
  • Layers: a flared skirt may involve several panels or layers.
  • Decoration: embroidery adds stiffness and weight in specific areas.
  • Care requirements: composition and decoration together shape how a garment can be cleaned.

For the KAVEYRA Royal Blue Anarkali, fibre and lining are not yet confirmed. Any details that are published will appear on the product page; until then, they remain open questions.

Reference: KAVEYRA: Royal Blue Anarkali

Questions before choosing fabric

  • What is the fibre composition, ideally with percentages?
  • What fabric type is the outer layer, and what is the lining?
  • Is the garment lined throughout, or only in parts?
  • Is the fabric sheer anywhere once worn?
  • What does the care label say?
  • Is there a swatch or close photograph showing texture?

A note you can copy: 'Before I decide, could you confirm the fibre composition of the outer fabric and lining, the fabric type, whether it is fully lined, and the care label instructions?'

Compare complete descriptions, not prestige words

Make a simple note for each option: outer fibre, outer fabric type, lining, included pieces and confirmed care. Mark a blank as unknown. Two outfits called silk Anarkalis can still differ in construction and wearing experience, so the shared word is not a complete comparison. Nor does a higher price, by itself, settle those unanswered questions.

A sample or swatch can help you discuss colour and surface texture, if the seller can provide one. Ask whether it represents the finished garment’s actual fabric and colour. A loose swatch still cannot show how a lined, decorated skirt will feel as a complete outfit. Use each piece of evidence for the question it can answer.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Copy the question note above and send it to any seller you are considering; compare their written answers before relying on a fabric name in a listing.