Have you always considered velour the same fabric as velvet or velveteen?
Well, that is about to change today!
Yes, velour is quite similar to these two fabrics, but it has its unique characteristics, pros, and cons.
In this article, you’ll learn about the exciting areas where velour appears and finds use and its unique, soft, cozy, and cuddly feeling.
When I think of velour, I imagine luxury, royal red cinema chairs and curtains. Are you having trouble picturing it? Just read to the end of the article, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of this fabric’s importance and characteristics!
So let’s hop in!
What is velour fabric?
As we said, the first thought you might have is: Isn’t this fabric the same as velvet and velveteen?
Well, the answer to that is no. Velour is a fabric made as a cheaper and more affordable alternative to velvet. It’s a cut-pile knit fabric, usually made from a cotton blend. It’s durable, highly luxurious, and easy to manufacture. The common place where we can meet velour is the cinema!
Usually used for theatrical productions, cinema curtains, and upholstery (which we’ll talk about later), you should know that velour is much more than just a cheaper alternative to velvet. It’s a fabric with massive importance in fashion and other artistic worlds.
So, keep reading as you’ll learn more about this magical cotton fabric.
History
Let’s start with the origin of the name. This fabric got its name from the French word for “velvet .”With many speculations about where this fabric originated, many agree that it was first created somewhere in the Far East and eventually traveled to Europe.
How did the mass manufacturing of velour begin?
Back then, velvet was hard and expensive to manufacture, so there was a need for cheaper and more accessible alternatives.
In the 1840s, velour started to be massively producing, and very soon, it was popularized as the better alternative (economically wise) for velvet. First, people used it for upholstery, and the use of velour remained popular till today.
In the 1960s and late 1970s, velour fabric came through in fashion besides upholstery and household items. This movie had different opinions, as the material was diverse and colorful, unlike the classic fashion trends until then.
Some popular bands like Bee Gees helped spread the popularity, as they were seen wearing velour garments. The big sports brand Adidas made the popular velour tracksuits, which were a big boom then.
During the 1980s, velour slightly lost the popularity gained from the years earlier. Until the late 90s and early 00s, when Jennifer Lopez started to create some unique velour fits, like flared pants, and just like that, velour was back on track in the fashion world.
Characteristics + How does it feel?
You might wonder what characteristics this fabric has when it finds use in so many different areas. Don’t worry, as you’re about to find out!
- Luxurious look
- Soft
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
- Stretchy
- You can print on it
Velour is a soft, warm, cuddly, and cozy fabric. So you won’t make a mistake including it in your comfortable sleeping and “stay at home” clothes.
Organic velour fabric
- Are you the type of person who cares about the planet? Cares about getting the best products, considering fabrics as well?
- Then, I have good news for you!
- 100% organic cotton velour is not only soft and eco-friendly. It’s made without harmful chemicals and synthetic, making it the perfect choice for you and your loved ones.
- Considering we’re surrounded with harmful chemicals daily in food, gas, and even fabrics, choosing organic velour for your clothes and blankets will be a much better choice for your health and our planet!
How is the velour made?
- The first step in velour manufacturing is picking a suitable cotton textile that can be made from polyester.
- The famous texture of velour, known as “pile,” is made by cutting across looped threads with a unique weaving process.
- The last step of velour manufacturing is adding the final touches, like color. It’s possible to dye the fabric during or after the weaving.
- Also, there are other additional treatments, like exposing the velour fabric to flame-retardant treatments, preventing this fabric from becoming flame-accelerant in the event of a theater fire.
Uses
- By now, you know that we see velour in the fashion world, household items, upholstery, and many other areas. But why won’t we have a closer and more detailed look at the uses of velour fabric?
- Stage curtains
- Upholstery
- Clothing (tracksuits, pants, jackets, sweaters, shirts, blouses, and skirts)
- Jewelry boxes (attached to the inside of jewelry boxes)
- Pillows and blankets
- Scenery costumes (the famous Santa suits)
- Hats and gloves
- Toys
- The popular theatrical curtains, scenery costumes, and other scenery items are usually made from velour.
- An essential use of the velour is upholstery, giving the items an antique and royal look.
How to take care
Washing
- When it comes to clothes, the easiest and most efficient way is to use the washing machine. Although, you should check the care tag to see if the fabric has unique needs for washing.
- You should also put your velour fabric in a mesh laundry bag. This way, you protect it from zippers and buttons from other garments in the washing machine. You can use a cotton pillowcase as a replacement for the laundry bag.
- Use mild or gentle detergent, and avoid pouring the detergent directly into the velour as it can cause detergent marks.
- Regarding upholstery, you can use dry shampoo or a vacuum cleaner to clean off the dust.
Drying
- When it comes to drying, it’s best to lay the items flat in their natural form and let them air dry.
- You can also tumble dry at a medium temperature. It would be best if you considered that this fabric is sturdier than other similar fabrics so that the drying time may be longer.
Ironing
The ironing process may be a bit harder due to the texture of the fabric. It would be best to place a towel under your garment and set your iron on a low heat setting. Place your velour clothing with the right side down, and start ironing with the lower ground on. If you don’t see any damage, you can change the slightly higher setting until there are no more wrinkles.
Different types of velour fabric
- There are several types of velour fabric based on the different kinds of manufacturing or the fibers used.
- Cotton velour – this type of velour has similar characteristics as the velvet, which was supposed to imitate when it was first produced.
- Velour leather – because of the soft top surface, it’s usually used for making shoes and watches.
- Synthetic velour – this fabric is cheaper to make and buy than cotton velour. This type of fabric can be used in theater scenery.
FAQ
What is cotton velour?
As we mentioned previously, cotton velour is a soft and warm fabric that was first made as a cheaper option for velvet.
Is cotton velour absorbent?
Cotton velour is not an absorbent fabric compared to other cotton fabrics.
What is the difference between velvet & velour?
Velour is cheaper than velvet, made from cotton, while velvet is silk. Velvet is not as stretchy as velour, and both are soft and luxurious. The uses are the same for both fabrics.
Is velour a warm fabric?
Velour is a warm fabric, ideal for the winter and spring seasons.
Is velour breathable?
The fabric would have some breathability regarding cotton velour, unlike synthetic materials that don’t breathe.
How do you wash velour?
First, check the care tag on your velour garment to see which way of washing is the safest. If you want a detailed guide on how to wash your velour fabric, you can find it in the paragraph “How to take care.”
Does velour last long?
Regarding cotton, velour is not as durable as synthetic velour. But with the proper precautions and care treatments, this fabric can be long-lasting.
Velour fabric by the yard
- Need velour in different colors, price ranges, and quality? We’ve got you covered!
- The best places to buy this fabric are online and ready to deliver high-quality for you!
- Starting with Etsy and Amazon, Nature’s Fabrics, Mood Fabrics, and many other online stores, the Internet is a perfect choice for you. You can find anything you like for the most suitable price for you!
Need a more significant amount of the fabric? You can always buy it with the bolt! From the websites we mentioned, you can always order a more substantial amount and maybe get a discount!
From now on, you’ll better understand the differences between these similar fabrics: velour and velvet. First made as just a cheaper alternative, but now being used in so many areas. Now, you see the importance of this material.
It came out that it has much more qualities than we all expected.
Want to know more stories about other intriguing fabrics? Stay tuned cause in the following article; we’re talking about another exciting cotton fabric!