Difference Between Velvet and Velour Fabric: Detailed Comparison

When it comes to luxurious, soft, and plush fabrics, velvet and velour come to mind. Here, not to get confused about the differences. By name, it sounds similar to a type of fabric, but actually not. This article presents the Difference Between Velvet and Velour Fabric, Velvet vs Velour Fabric.

What is Velvet Fabric?

Velvet is a sumptuous Woven fabric known since time immemorial for its royal treatment, glamour, and haute couture. Its velvet smooth pile establishes its mere presence, a shiny, rich fill of hues, and literally reflects light on its own. It finds preferment in evening wear, upholstery, drapes, and interiors.

The earliest form of velvet was basically woven from silk; today, mixed types of velvet aim to make the fabric less expensive by using polyester or rayon. It must be treated carefully due to its plush texture. The fabric does have its drawbacks in terms of breathability, though. It thus fits better in cool weather.

What is Velour Fabric?

A velour fabric has a plush association with luxury and comfort. It is a knit fabric created by weaving loops, followed by shearing of the loops to obtain even pile formation on one side, giving velour that soft feel with a suggestion of light reflection; perfect for fashion and home textiles.

The very remarkable sort of fabric speaks cozy warmth for claddings and, complementing its rich look, for evening sorts, or sometimes costumes. Actual velour is apt for soft furnishings, upholstering, curtains, and stage drapes, mainly because it looks expensive while being great for absorbing sound. In fashion or interior decoration, velour speaks comfort with a brush of grandeur.

Difference Between Velvet and Velour Fabric

Here is the list of differences between Velvet and Velour Fabric in the following:

Aspect	Velvet	Velour
Fabric Type	Woven fabric	Knit fabric
Origin	Ancient (traced back to Middle Ages, often associated with royalty)	Modern (developed in the 19th-20th century as a cheaper alternative)
Fiber Composition	Traditionally silk; now also made from rayon, polyester, nylon, or blends	Typically cotton or polyester blends
Surface Texture	Smooth, rich, and more lustrous	Soft, plush, but less shiny
Pile Type	Short, dense, upright pile (woven loop cut evenly)	Loop pile cut after knitting; softer and stretchier
Shine/Luster	High sheen and reflective finish	Less sheen, more matte appearance
Stretchability	Minimal to no stretch	High stretch due to knit construction
Weight	Heavier and more structured	Lighter and more flexible
Drape	Structured drape, elegant flow	Softer, more relaxed drape
Durability	Durable but delicate due to pile direction	Durable, more resistant to wear and tear
Comfort	Luxurious feel but less breathable	Very comfortable, soft, and breathable
Warmth	Offers warmth but can trap heat	Offers moderate warmth and breathability
Ease of Sewing	Difficult to sew due to slipping and pile crushing	Easier to sew because of knit structure
Uses	Evening wear, upholstery, drapes, luxury items	Tracksuits, casual wear, stage costumes, loungewear
Cost	More expensive (especially silk velvet)	Generally cheaper and more accessible
Maintenance	Often requires dry cleaning	Usually machine washable (check label)
Pile Direction Sensitivity	Direction matters for cutting and sewing	Less sensitive but still noticeable
Availability	Less common and more high-end	Widely available in ready-to-wear markets
Feel	Smooth and cool to the touch	Soft, warm, and cozy
Wrinkle Resistance	Somewhat resistant	More wrinkle-resistant due to stretch and knit
Shrinkage Risk	Lower (if synthetic)	Higher (especially cotton-based velour)
Shedding/Lint	Minimal shedding if well-made	May pill or shed over time
Stretch Recovery	Little to none	Excellent stretch recovery
Ideal For	Formal and decorative purposes	Casual and performance-based clothing
Bled With	Silk-cotton, polyester-rayon.	Cotton-polyester, polyester

Conclusion

So finally, we understand there are Differences Between Velvet and Velour Fabric. Velvet vs Velour is made clear in this article. Fabric type, physical properties, and features are different from each other.