Introduction

There are a lot of controversies about velvet vs velour and how they are both identical fabrics. However, it has been discovered that both velvet and velour are different materials and offer distinct finishes. Furthermore, both fabrics have a rich and complex history and continue to be confusing for the public. Do you want to learn more about these fabrics, whether you are a fashionista or just a fan of exotic fabrics?

Even though these materials are extremely similar, it is difficult to tell them apart. However, there are some key distinctions between them to quickly determine which fabric works best for you. Therefore, we will explain the differences between velvet and velour in this guide. To find out what the differences are between velvet and velour, please continue reading.

Definitions

What is Velvet?

The traditional fabric velvet is made from silk. It has a shiny and soft texture because it is densely woven and short-pile. Modern velvet is made from wool, linen, and synthetic fibers including polyester. Since silk is quite expensive, manufacturers mixed fibers with rayon in order to make a cheaper alternative. Velvet can also be produced from cotton, however, this is less common.

Because velvet was originally popular in the Middle East and was reserved for royalty, the wealthy, and the nobility, it became synonymous with luxury and decadence. As silk was an extremely expensive fiber, velvet became extremely costly. Velvet is a luxurious and soft fabric with a beautiful drape and a unique soft and shiny appearance. This sheen or shiny appearance is due to the characteristics of short pile fibers.

Currently, velvet is available worldwide, and the majority of the velvet is produced in China and India. As velvet fabrics were originally made from silk, they are popular for special occasion dresses and evening gowns. Synthetic velvet has significantly reduced the price, and it is now available to many people. Also, velvet fabric is a popular choice for home décor items such as curtains, blankets, pillows, and other items requiring a soft, stylish fiber.

What is Velour?

Velour is, on the other hand, a knitted fabric with a cut pile that is derived from a few fibers. The fabric’s primary fiber is usually 100% cotton, however, modern velour is usually a combination of cotton and polycotton. Furthermore, you can manufacture velour from complete artificial fibers such as polyester.

It is difficult to distinguish between velvet and cotton because they have virtually identical characteristics and properties. Velour is knitted to form looped threads and then cut at the loops to create a cut pile. Similarly to velvet, velour has a unique nap that gives it a distinctive texture and slight distinction from velvet. Velour is a fabric originally from the Middle East and was a popular fabric for the wealthy. As a result, people seeking a less expensive alternative to velvet purchased velour to achieve luxury and decadence at a more affordable cost.

Due to its softness and comfort, velvet is a preferred fabric for sportswear companies. These companies used polyester and cotton fabric to make tracksuits and sports clothing because of their lightweight. As a common fabric in lounge suits, slippers, blankets, and dressing gowns, the fabric is perfect for any project requiring a soft feel. Velour is relatively affordable and widely used in comparison to velvet. Now let us take a look at the differences between velvet and velour.

Velvet Vs. Velour

Our understanding of velvet and velour makes it easy to see why these fabrics are confusing for most people. Considering the definition, it would appear that the only difference between velvet and velour lies in the type of fiber and the cost. Here are a few key differences between velvet and velour. By exploring these differences, we should be able to gain a better understanding of these two materials.

Velvet Vs Velour: Texture

In addition to their unique manufacturing methods, velvet and velour have almost identical textures because they are both soft fabrics with one-way naps created by tiny loops of fiber. If you run your hand upward, beginning at the base of the fabric and moving toward the top, you will notice a color change.

The colors become darker or duller as the fabric ages. This is important to know before making anything with either fabric. To ensure that the difference is not obvious, you will need to cut the fabric from top to bottom.   

A velvet’s shine comes from the tiny loops created by the fibers. Velour fabrics, on the other hand, have cut-out loops, which reduce the amount of shine.

Velvet Vs Velour: Breathability

It is solely a matter of fabric fiber content that determines this characteristic. Velour, for example, tends to be synthetic, and most synthetic fabrics are not breathable. Conversely, cotton velour fabrics would typically exhibit the characteristics of cotton materials, which is why cotton velour fabrics would be breathable.

Alternatively, velvet’s breathability is dependent on whether it is made of linen. Due to its popularity as a summer fabric, linen makes velvet breathable and light. As a result, this type of velvet will definitely possess the breathability characteristics of linen fibers.

Additionally, velvet and velour fabrics are not suitable for warm weather or hot climates. Rather, they are ideal for keeping your body warm in cold temperatures.

Velvet Vs Velour: Stretch

In spite of the fact that there is a stretchy velvet available, the fabric is not widely known for its flexibility. The stretchy velvet fabric contains an added percentage of spandex, providing added flexibility. This stretch version is ideal for close-fitting clothing and has around 50% stretch. In essence, velvet fabrics are commonly used in the manufacture of clothes that require drape rather than form-fitting. This stretch percentage allows for sufficient movement. Furthermore, the fabric is frequently used for the production of upholstery and curtains, due to its large and luxuriant appearance.

In contrast, velour fabrics are more stretchy than velvet fabrics. Velour is a knit fabric, which gives the velour fabric more flexibility. First of all, velour is made of synthetic fibers, which makes it perfect for stretchy garments.

Velvet Vs Velour: Softness

In general, both velvet and velour fabrics are pretty soft. The loops on both fabrics impart a super soft feel regardless of whether the fabric has been knitted or woven. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine which fabric is softer than the other.

However, the softness of the fabric can be altered by the thickness of the knit or weave. For example, fabrics for the interior need more durability than the clothing fabric so that it might feel less soft to the touch.

Velvet Vs Velour: Maintenance

When maintaining either velvet or velour fabrics, there is not so much to choose between them. Since both fabrics are easily cleanable and do not require rough handling, there is a common misconception that velvet requires high maintenance. The truth is that velvet is not that delicate and can be kept for decades only with proper maintenance.

Taking proper care of velvet fabrics will ensure a beautiful interior for years to come. Typically, velvet has been treated with stain repellents, so you only need to dab the liquid with a damp towel gently to remove any stains. The easiest way to maintain velvet fabric is to incorporate it into your regular cleaning routine.

However, velour is more delicate, and requires special care to keep it looking luxurious and beautiful. It loses its soft feel as it gets exposed to dust and dirt, and it becomes stiff. In addition, velour requires the touch of a professional cleaner.

Velvet Vs Velour: Flammability

Furthermore, velour fabric has the characteristic of being fire-resistant due to the synthetic content. The velour fabric’s artificial fiber makes it completely fireproof, though it must be treated for fireproof properties. Due to the fire retardant qualities contained in this fabric, it is a safer alternative to natural fiber velvet.

There are several types of velvet, including polyester, wool, silk, and linen. While wool and silk are fairly difficult to burn, linen is the easiest fabric to burn. In order to ensure fire-retardant characteristics, the fiber content of the fabrics is very important. Therefore, you should ensure that your interior fabrics are fire-resistant in order to maintain your safety and confidence. You should also ensure that the fabrics are treated with special fire protection treatment.

Velvet Vs Velour: Affordability

Since velvet was first woven with silk fiber, it has always been more expensive than the other fabrics. Because of its elegance, velvet has always been more expensive than the other fabrics. As a result, velvet fabrics were exclusive and reserved for nobles and royalties only. Velour, on the other hand, was a cheaper alternative for those who could not afford velvet fabrics. Due to the fabric’s cotton composition, it was less expensive, but it gradually surpassed velvet in the luxury category.

However, velvet is still relatively more expensive than velour fabrics, even with the introduction of polyester. Even though their prices are closer, velvet is still more expensive. This is likely due to its name, links to opulence, or simply the sheen of the fabric.

Conclusion

It is evident that both velvet and velvet velour have many similarities, which can lead to confusion when deciding which material to choose. They are both soft, luxurious fabrics that are suitable for making the same garments. However, they are not better than each other. The choice depends on your personal preference. What are you trying to accomplish? How much are you willing to spend? Prior to choosing either velvet or velour, you should consider these questions. However, both velvet and velour fabrics are excellent choices.