The key difference between velour and velvet is that velour is a knitted fabric with a cut pile, providing a soft, more casual feel and inherent stretch, while velvet is a woven fabric with a looped pile, offering a denser, more formal texture.
Velour and velvet are both luxurious fabrics. They can be made from various materials, including natural fibers like cotton and silk, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester. Both have applications in various items, including clothing, upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Velour
3. What is Velvet
4. Similarities – Velour and Velvet
5. Velour vs. Velvet in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Velour and Velvet
7. Summary – Velour vs. Velvet
What is Velour?
Velour, sometimes referred to as velours, is a plush, knitted fabric or textile similar to velvet or velveteen. Typically made from cotton, it can also be produced using synthetic materials like polyester. It also contains a percentage of elastane for added comfort and durability. Velour has diverse applications, ranging from clothing to upholstery. It seamlessly merges the stretchiness inherent in knits with the opulent appearance and tactile richness reminiscent of velvet. In dancewear, velour helps in the facilitation of unrestricted movement, while its popularity extends to warm, vibrant, and casual attire. As an upholstery choice, velour is commonly used as a substitute for velvet.
Velour initially had limited use in clothing until the mid-1960s. Embraced by fashion designers departing from conservative styles, it gained popularity in the 1970s but declined in the 1980s. A resurgence occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s when designers dressed celebrities in velour tracksuits. Presently, velour has lost mainstream popularity. But velour tracksuits are still in fashion, and velour sweaters have universal appeal, while shirts and jackets remain reasonably common.
What is Velvet?
Velvet is a tightly woven fabric with a thick, short pile on one side, offering a soft and smooth feel with an elegant drape. It can be crafted from natural fibers like cotton and silk, or synthetic materials such as nylon. Since medieval times, both men and women have favored velvet for its luxurious qualities. The production process, executed on a special loom capable of weaving two material thicknesses simultaneously, contributes to its complexity and difficulty, making it a pricier option compared to other fabrics. Historically associated with nobility and royalty, early velvets were made from silk, adding to their expense. Today, a variety of velvets made from different materials are available at various price points. Some of the varieties include crushed velvet, plain velvet, embossed velvet, panne velvet, and pile-on-pile velvet.
In the fashion industry and home décor, velvet remains a popular choice due to its upscale feel and appearance. Velvet is commonly used for evening wear and formal dresses. It also finds application in home décor for upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
What are the Similarities Between Velour and Velvet?
- Both velour and velvet are plush fabrics known for their soft and luxurious textures.
- They can be made from various materials, including natural fibers like cotton and silk, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Both velour and velvet find applications in diverse items, including clothing, upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
What is the Difference Between Velour and Velvet?
Velvet is a woven fabric characterized by a dense pile on one side, created by loops of thread. Velour, on the other hand, is a knit fabric with a pile that is created by cutting loops. The key difference between velour and velvet is that velour has a certain degree of stretch due to the nature of its knit construction, whereas velvet does not have inherent stretch. Furthermore, velour is often chosen for casual clothing and sportswear because of its softness, comfort, and stretch, whereas velvet is commonly used in formal wear, evening gowns, and high-end fashion due to its luxurious appearance. In addition, velour has an inherent flame-retardant property, whereas velvet does not.
Below is a summary of the difference between velour and velvet in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Velour and Velvet
How can you tell velour from velvet?
Velour is a knitted fabric with a soft, more casual texture and inherent stretch, while velvet is a woven fabric with a denser pile, offering a luxurious and structured feel.
Is velour more expensive than velvet?
In general, velour is often less expensive than velvet.
Which is softer, velvet or velour?
Velvet is known for its luxurious and plush feel, primarily due to its longer cut piles. Velour, on the other hand, typically has shorter cut piles, making it softer than many fabrics but not as plush as velvet.
Summary – Velour vs. Velvet
Velour is a knitted fabric with a cut pile, providing a soft, more casual feel and inherent stretch, while velvet is a woven fabric with a looped pile, offering a denser, more formal texture. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between velour and velvet.
Reference:
1. “Velour Fabric.” Fabrics Directory. Sew Port.
2. “What is Velvet?” Master Class.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Velour” By hvassaleiti – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Unrecognizable Woman Wearing a Diamond Ring” (CC0) via Pexels