Velvet vs Velour: What's the Difference?

When it comes to luxurious fabrics used in fashion, upholstery, and interior design, the terms “velvet” and “velour” are often mentioned interchangeably. However, despite their similar appearances and tactile qualities, these two materials have distinct differences rooted in their construction, history, and typical applications. Understanding these differences is essential for consumers, designers, and manufacturers to make informed decisions about which fabric best suits their needs.

What Are Velvet and Velour?

Velvet and velour are both plush, soft fabrics characterized by their dense pile, which gives them a rich texture and sheen. Yet, they originate from different weaving and knitting techniques and have unique properties that influence their appearance, durability, and uses.

Key Differences Between Velvet and Velour

To comprehend how velvet and velour differ, it’s helpful to examine their construction, appearance, and typical applications:

Fabric Construction:
- Velvet: Traditionally woven from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers, velvet is made through a weaving process that creates two layers of fabric interconnected by a pile. The resulting fabric has a dense, uniform pile on both sides, often with a smooth, shiny surface.
- Velour: Velour is a knit fabric, similar to velvety terry cloth. It is typically made from cotton, polyester, or blends, and its pile is created by cutting loops on a knitted base, giving it a softer, more flexible feel.
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Appearance and Texture:
- Velvet: Exhibits a smooth, luxurious sheen with a dense pile that reflects light evenly, often appearing more lustrous and elegant. The pile height is usually uniform.
- Velour: Has a softer, more matte finish with a plush, velvety surface. Its pile may be slightly uneven due to the knitting process, giving it a more casual or sporty look.
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Durability and Maintenance:
- Velvet: Generally more delicate, especially silk or antique varieties, requiring careful cleaning and maintenance. It can be prone to crushing or matting if mishandled.
- Velour: More resilient and easier to care for, often machine washable, making it suitable for upholstery and activewear.
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Common Uses:
- Velvet: Frequently used in high-end fashion (evening gowns, jackets), luxury upholstery, drapery, and theatrical costumes due to its elegant appearance.
- Velour: Popular in casual clothing (tracksuits, T-shirts), upholstery for furniture, and children’s costumes because of its comfort and durability.
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Real-World Examples and Applications

Understanding real-world applications can clarify the practical differences between velvet and velour:

Velvet Examples:
- Royalty and aristocratic fashion often feature velvet garments and accessories, such as velvet capes or gowns.
- High-end furniture, like plush armchairs and curtains, frequently use velvet due to its luxurious look.
- Theatrical costumes, especially for period dramas, often incorporate velvet for authenticity and visual richness.
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Velour Examples:
- Popular sportswear brands use velour in tracksuits and hoodies, combining comfort with style.
- Upholstery in casual or contemporary furniture often employs velour for its softness and ease of maintenance.
- Costumes for performances or children’s dress-up often use velour because it is inexpensive, durable, and easy to sew.
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Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

A frequent misconception is that velour and velvet are interchangeable or identical. While they share visual similarities, their differences in construction and use are significant. Velvet’s woven, plush structure makes it more luxurious but also more delicate, whereas velour’s knitted, softer texture offers practicality and durability. It’s also worth noting that the term “velour” is sometimes used loosely in marketing to describe fabrics that are not technically velour, so checking fabric specifications is advisable.

Practical Takeaway for Consumers

Choosing between velvet and velour depends largely on your intended application, budget, and maintenance preferences:

For Formal, Elegant Settings: Opt for velvet if you desire a high-end, luxurious appearance, and are prepared for careful handling and cleaning. Ideal for evening wear, upscale furniture, and decorative drapes.

For Casual, Durable, or Active Use: Velour is better suited for everyday clothing, casual upholstery, or costume design, offering comfort, ease of care, and affordability.
Consider Maintenance: Velvet often requires dry cleaning and gentle handling, while velour can usually be machine washed and is more forgiving of everyday wear.
Evaluate Aesthetic Goals: Velvet provides a reflective sheen and a more polished look; velour offers a matte, plush appearance with a softer touch.

Understanding these distinctions ensures that you select the fabric that best fits your style, function, and lifestyle, avoiding common pitfalls of choosing a fabric based solely on appearance or name.

Velvet vs Velour: What’s the Difference?