Both the warp and the weft threads are arranged alternately coarse and fine. Coarse threads are raised above coarse picks and fine threads are raise above fine picks, the rib effect being accentuated by different tensions in the warps. The group of repp fabrics are known by different names depending on the prominence of the rib. Some examples, in increasing order of prominence of the rib, are taffeta, poult, faille and grosgrain. The weft is almost completely covered, giving a very smooth warp face free from twill.
Sateen is the reverse of satin with a smooth weft face.
In both versions, the main characteristic is a lustrous and glossy sheen. A great variety of fabrics are now made in satin weave including wool, polyester, cotton and linen. The quality and weight of the cloth varies according to the number of ends. Venetian weave in cotton and wool is a modified satin weave that has been lightly milled and cropped to reveal a fine, steep twill. Silk duchesse satin is a very fine and expensive material with up to 360 ends per inch.