What’s the difference between velvet, velveteen, and velour?
Velvet, velveteen, and velour are all textured fabrics with a pile (meaning they’re made from cut loops). Velvet has a high pile and luxurious shine. It’s drapey. It has no stretch. Velveteen has a short pile, no shine, no stretch, and no drape. Velour has a medium pile and a dull sheen. It’s very stretchy and has some drape.
Which is better? Velvet, velveteen, or velour?
Velour is soft and stretchy, so it’s better for form-fitting clothes and comfy loungewear. It’s also normally machine-washable. Velvet has a high pile and glossy shine, making it better for luxurious evening wear and upholstery. Velveteen has a short pile, it’s stiff and structured, and it has no drape or shine. It’s best used for upholstery and soft furnishings like decorative throw pillows.
Below, I’ve got example photos of these fabrics made into real items. And videos that show you how they drape and move…
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What is velvet fabric?
Characteristics:
It’s a textured fabric with a thick, plush, high pile. Pile means the fabric is made from cut loops. Velvet has a shine to it. It doesn’t stretch.
Velvets today are normally made from fibers like cotton, silk, viscose, polyester, etc. Silk velvet is the most expensive and luxurious option.
What weight is velvet fabric?
You can buy velvet in many weights, from light to heavy.
Construction:
Velvet is a pile fabric. The warp yarns are woven oven rods. The rods are removed and the loops that are left behind are cut to create the pile.
Velveteen is made in a similar way, except this process is done to the weft yarns.
What does velvet feel like?
You can get velvets with a smooth texture (like silk), and some with a stiffer feel (like cotton). The front (with the pile) has a smooth feel when you’re moving your hand in a downward direction. When you move your hand up, it pushes the pile up and feels a bit rougher/more textured.
Is velvet a drapey fabric?
Yes.
Is velvet see-through?
No.
What can velvet be used for?
Light to medium weight velvets suit clothes like dresses. Silk velvet is beautiful for drapey evening dresses, skirts, and tops. Medium to heavy weight velvet is good for trousers, suits, and hats. Heavy weight velvet is used for upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
How does velvet drape and move?
What is velveteen fabric?
Characteristics:
It’s a textured fabric with a short pile. Pile means the fabric is made from cut loops. It feels stiff and structured. It has no stretch. And it’s not shiny like velvet and (to a lesser extent) velour. It has a matte finish. It looks quite similar to suede.
What weight is velveteen fabric?
It’s typically medium to heavy weight.
Construction:
Velveteen is a pile fabric. The weft yarns are woven oven rods. The rods are removed and the loops that are left behind are cut to create the pile.
Velvet is made in a similar way, except this process is done to the warp yarns.
What does velveteen feel like?
Quite stiff and structured. The pile gives it a texture.
Is velveteen a drapey fabric?
No.
Is velveteen see-through?
No.
What can velveteen be used for?
It’s normally used for upholstery and soft furnishings like throw pillows or headboards. I have seen medium weight versions used for structured clothes, like suiting or skirts that are meant to “stick out” at the hem.
What is velour fabric?
Characteristics:
It’s a stretchy knit fabric. It has a medium pile, meaning it’s made from cut loops. This gives it texture. Velour has a dull sheen. It’s often machine-washable, making it practical for everyday fashion.
In terms of fiber, velour is commonly made from polyester or polyester-cotton blends.
What weight is velour fabric?
It’s normally medium to heavy weight.
Construction:
It’s a knitted fabric (ie. stretchy) with a textured pile.
What does velour feel like?
Soft and stretchy. When you move your hand in a downward direction, it feels smooth. When you move your hand up, it pushes the pile up and feels a bit rougher/more textured.
Is velour a drapey fabric?
Yes, it has some drape, but not as much as dressmaking velvet.
Is velour see-through?
No.
What can velour be used for?
Soft and warm loungewear sets, hoodies, robes, and tracksuits. Trendy clothes like figure-hugging dresses and jumpsuits. Plus homeware like pillows and blankets.
How does velour drape and move?
Note: this fabric is 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
Sources
C. Hallett and A. Johnston (2014). ‘Fabric for fashion: the swatch book’ 2016 edition. Laurence King Publishing, London.