Velour fabric brings a cozy touch of luxury to anything you make. Known for its soft, plush feel, it’s often compared to velvet, but it has its own special charm. Whether you’re lounging in a velour robe or planning a quilt, this fabric adds warmth and elegance to your creations, making it a go-to choice for both comfort and style.
Ready to see how velour can take your next quilting project to the next level? Let’s dive in and explore why this fabric is a must-have!
What Is Velour Fabric?
Velour is a fabric that comes in both knit and woven forms, and it’s known for its soft, thick pile and shiny surface. Knit velour has a terry weave that’s sheared and brushed, giving it a bit of natural stretch, while woven velour has a cut pile and a soft but firm feel. Both are often made from 100% cotton.
The History and Evolution of Velour
Velour has come a long way from being a luxury fabric to something we see in our everyday lives. Rooted in the rich tradition of velvet, velour emerged as a more affordable alternative. The name “velour” actually comes from the French word for velvet, but it took a while for it to be recognized as its own fabric.
The Origins of Velour
While we may not know exactly when velour first appeared, most agree it came about in France in the early 1800s. With velvet being so expensive, people wanted something similar but at a lower price. That’s when velour came into play—offering the same plush, luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
It wasn’t quite as smooth as velvet, but it had its own charm. Thicker and coarser, velour quickly found its place in upholstery and home décor. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a go-to material for stage curtains, prized for its rich texture and durability.
Velour Fabric in Popular Culture
Fast forward to the ’70s and ’80s, and velour was everywhere in fashion. It became synonymous with the tracksuit craze, popularized by icons like Richard Simmons and celebrities who rocked velour jogging suits. Velour’s soft, stretchy fabric made it perfect for these comfortable yet stylish outfits. But while it was all the rage back then, by the ’90s, velour had taken a backseat, becoming more of a “retro” fabric than a must-have.
But don’t count velour out just yet—it made a huge comeback in the 2000s with the rise of velour tracksuits in pop culture, especially with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. The fabric brought a nostalgic vibe, and while its trendiness faded over time, velour never truly disappeared from the fashion scene.
Today, you’ll still find velour in a variety of forms—whether it’s a cozy velour robe, a plush throw pillow, or even a stylish jacket. The fabric has evolved from its role in high-end furniture and stage curtains to a beloved choice for fashion-forward, yet comfy, loungewear. Velour is definitely here to stay in some form, giving you that perfect mix of comfort and style.
Velour Fabric Characteristics
Velour is one of those fabrics you can’t help but love once you touch it. Let’s dive into what makes this fabric so special!
Texture and Feel
Velour has that soft, plush feel that makes it feel like a luxurious hug. When you run your hand across it, you’ll notice it’s smooth yet velvety, adding to its cozy appeal. That rich texture is why velour is so loved for everything from comfy clothing to stylish home décor. It’s the type of fabric you just want to sink into.
Durability and Comfort
Velour is soft, yes, but it’s also built to last. It holds up well over time, which is why it’s used in everything from robes to upholstery. Whether you’re lounging in a velour tracksuit or curling up with a velour throw on the couch, this fabric stays soft and comfortable, even after lots of use and washing.
Stretchability and Breathability
One of the coolest things about velour is its slight stretch. This makes it ideal for form-fitting pieces like leggings or dresses that move with you. Plus, it’s breathable, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot while wearing it for long periods. Whether you’re hanging out at home or out on the go in a velour jacket, it keeps you comfy all day long.
Versatility
Velour is incredibly versatile. You’ll find it in everything from clothing and home décor to accessories. Velour pillows, curtains, loungewear, and tracksuits—this fabric adds a touch of elegance no matter where it’s used. Plus, it’s easy to dye, making it perfect for any color scheme or project.
Thermal Performance
Velour is also great for cooler weather. Its plush texture helps trap warmth, making it an ideal choice for winter fashion. Whether you’re wearing a cozy velour jacket or cuddling up in a velour blanket, it keeps you warm without weighing you down.
What is Velour Fabric Made Of?
Velour fabric is made from different materials, with cotton, polyester, and synthetic blends being the most common. Cotton velour is soft and breathable, making it ideal for clothing. Polyester adds durability and a nice shiny finish, while synthetic blends can make it more affordable and versatile. Depending on the blend, velour can have different textures and qualities, giving you lots of options for your projects!
How is Velour Fabric Made?
1. Fiber Production
The first step is choosing the right fibers. Velour can be made from natural fibers like cotton or synthetic fibers like polyester. Cotton velour is soft and breathable, while polyester adds durability and a shiny finish. Polyester, which comes from components like coal and petroleum, is often used because it’s cost-effective and easy to work with. These fibers are spun into yarns, ready to be woven or knit.
2. Knitting and Weaving Process
Velour gets its plush texture through knitting or weaving that forms small loops of fibers. These loops create the pile—the raised, velvety surface that gives velour its signature softness and luxurious look.
3. Post-Weave Treatment
After velour is woven, it undergoes some final steps to get that soft, smooth finish. The fabric is brushed to lift the fibers, making it extra plush. Sometimes, it’s dyed to get the perfect color, and in some cases, it’s steamed to set the texture. For certain uses, like stage curtains, velour can even be treated to make it flame-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety.
Different Types of Velour Fabric
1. Cotton Velour Fabric
Cotton velour is super soft and breathable, making it perfect for comfy clothes like robes, loungewear, or even kids’ pajamas. Since it’s made from natural fibers, it’s gentle on the skin and great for warmer weather. It’s also easy to care for and gives you that velvety, cozy feel everyone loves.
2. Synthetic Velour (Polyester Velour)
Polyester velour is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers that plush, velvety look. It’s not as soft as cotton velour but makes up for it with durability. This type of velour is often used in home décor like upholstery and stage curtains because it’s tough and holds up well over time. Plus, it’s colorfast, meaning it keeps its hue even after lots of washing.
3. Blended Velour
Blended velour mixes fibers like cotton and polyester to create a fabric that’s soft, durable, and affordable. These hybrids are perfect for casual clothing and home textiles since they’re easy to maintain while still feeling plush. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so you can match them to any project or color scheme!
4. Silk Velour
Silk velour is the high-end luxury fabric everyone dreams of. Made from natural silk fibers, it has a rich, soft texture and a gorgeous sheen that adds elegance to anything it touches. It’s a bit pricier and more delicate, so it’s often used for fancy fashion pieces or upscale home décor.
5. Terry Velour Fabric
Terry velour is the go-to fabric for towels, bathrobes, and beachwear. It has a looped texture that makes it super absorbent, while still giving you that soft, velvety feel. If you want to add a little luxury to your bath time, this fabric is perfect for making cozy, stylish essentials.
6. Stretch Velour
Stretch velour has a bit of elastic stretch to it, making it ideal for form-fitting clothing like leggings, dancewear, or activewear. It moves with you and adds a touch of glamour to your wardrobe. Whether you’re dancing or lounging, stretch velour keeps you comfy while looking fabulous.
7. Rayon Velour
Rayon velour is smooth and soft, like cotton velour, but with a bit more shine. It drapes beautifully, making it a great choice for dresses, skirts, and flowy garments. Just keep in mind that rayon velour can be a little more delicate, so it’s better suited for lighter wear. It’s perfect for when you want something with a glossy, luxurious finish.
Common Uses of Velour Fabric
Velour Fabric in Fashion
When it comes to clothing, velour has a special place. It’s a popular choice for sweatshirts, dresses, jackets, and loungewear. Its soft, velvety texture makes it perfect for comfy yet stylish outfits. Whether you’re relaxing at home in a velour hoodie or dressing up in a velour jacket, this fabric brings both comfort and a touch of elegance. It’s cozy enough for lounging but chic enough for a night out!
Velour in Upholstery and Home Décor
Velour isn’t just for clothes—it’s also a fabulous fabric for home décor. You’ll often find it used in cushions, curtains, and furniture coverings. Its plush texture adds a sense of luxury to any space, whether it’s a cozy throw pillow or a sleek upholstered sofa. Velour instantly elevates the look and feel of a room, making it perfect for adding warmth and sophistication to your home.
Velour Fabric for Accessories and Crafts
If you enjoy crafting, velour is a fantastic choice for making accessories. It’s perfect for creating headbands, scarves, and even decorative bags. Whether you’re making something to wear or designing unique home accessories, velour adds a beautiful, plush texture that takes your projects up a notch. Plus, it’s easy to work with, making it a great fabric for all your DIY ideas!
Velour Fabric vs Velvet: Difference Between Velour and Velvet Fabric
Velour and velvet are two fabrics that often get confused because they both have a luxurious, soft texture. But there are some key differences that set them apart. Let’s break it down!
Texture and Feel
Both velour and velvet have that smooth, plush feel, but the texture is where they really differ. Velour has a shorter pile and a soft, slightly stretchy feel that gives it a cozy vibe. It’s often described as more “casual” and “comfy.”
Velvet, on the other hand, has a longer, more rigid pile, which gives it a richer, more elegant finish. Velvet feels denser and heavier compared to velour, making it perfect for more formal applications like evening gowns or luxury furniture.
Weight
Velour is typically lighter than velvet, making it a great choice for clothing, especially loungewear, sweatshirts, and activewear. Velvet tends to be heavier and is often used in high-end fashion or décor where structure and sophistication are key. The weight difference means that velvet feels more substantial, while velour is more breathable and flexible.
Production Methods
The production of these two fabrics differs quite a bit. Velour is usually made with a knitting process that creates the soft, velvety texture, while velvet is woven using a technique that involves weaving two layers of fabric at once, then cutting the pile to create that plush effect. This makes velvet a more intricate fabric to produce, which is why it’s typically more expensive.
Typical Uses
Velour is often used for clothing like sweatshirts, loungewear, and casual dresses because of its soft, comfortable feel and stretch. It’s also found in home décor items like pillows and cushions. Velvet, however, is more commonly used in formal wear, upholstery, and luxury items like curtains or stage costumes, where its rich, sophisticated look can really shine.
Here’s a simplified table that breaks down the differences between velour and velvet:
| Feature | Velour | Velvet |
|---|---|---|
| Texture & Feel | Soft, shorter pile, slightly stretchy, cozy, casual | Longer, rigid pile, richer, more elegant |
| Weight | Lighter, breathable, flexible, great for clothing | Heavier, more substantial, used in formal wear |
| Production Methods | Made by knitting, creates soft, plush texture | Made by weaving two layers and cutting pile |
| Typical Uses | Loungewear, sweatshirts, casual dresses, home décor (pillows, cushions) | Evening gowns, luxury furniture, upholstery, stage costumes |
5 Velour Fabric Care Tips
1.Wash with Care
Always use cold water on a gentle cycle. This helps preserve the fabric’s plush, velvety texture and prevents damage to the pile. Keep it soft and cozy by treating it gently!
2. Avoid Bleach
Bleach and harsh chemicals can really mess up velour. They weaken the fibers and could ruin the fabric’s look. Stick to mild detergent to keep your velour looking its best.
3. Air Dry
Instead of tossing your velour in the dryer, let it air dry by laying it flat or hanging it up. Dryers can shrink and change the texture, so air drying helps keep that perfect softness intact.
4. Iron on Low Heat
If you must iron velour, always use the lowest heat setting or steam to avoid flattening the fabric’s pile. And always iron on the reverse side to keep the texture looking great.
5. Store Properly
When you’re not using your velour items, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent fading and damage, ensuring your fabric stays in tip-top shape.
FAQ
How to Wash Velour Fabric?
To keep your velour fabric soft and in great condition, follow these steps:
Use Cold Water: Always wash velour in cold water. This prevents shrinkage and protects the fabric’s texture.
Select a Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce agitation and maintain the fabric’s softness.
Use Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent that’s gentle on fabrics to prevent damage to the velour fibers.
Avoid Wringing: Never wring or twist velour. Gently press the fabric to remove excess water and maintain its shape.
Air Dry Only: Lay the velour flat or hang it up to air dry. Heat from a dryer can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage.
Can You Dye Velour Fabric?
Yes, you can dye velour fabric. The ease of dyeing depends on the fabric type. Natural velour, like cotton velour, accepts dye well, while synthetic velour may need special dye for polyester. Always check the fabric’s fiber content before dyeing.
How to Get Ink Out of Velour Fabric?
Ink stains happen, but you can remove them with these simple steps:
Blot the Ink: Use a clean cloth to blot the ink. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dab some rubbing alcohol on the ink stain. Work from the outside in to keep it from spreading.
Blot Again: Gently blot the area until the ink lifts. Be careful not to push it deeper into the fabric.
Rinse with Cold Water: Once the stain is gone, rinse the fabric with cold water to remove any leftover ink or alcohol.
Wash Normally: Finally, wash the fabric as usual, following its care instructions to make sure the stain is fully removed.
How to Dye Velour Fabric?
Here’s how to dye your velour fabric to a new color:
Choose the Right Dye: Select a dye suited for your velour’s fabric type, such as a cotton or polyester dye.
Prepare the Dye: Mix the dye with warm water according to the package instructions, and stir well to ensure even coloring.
Submerge the Fabric: Dip the velour fabric in the dye, stirring it constantly to ensure an even coat. Let it soak for the desired color intensity.
Rinse the Fabric: Rinse the dyed fabric with cold water until the water runs clear to remove any excess dye.
Wash and Dry: Wash the fabric in cold water to set the dye and then air dry it to preserve the color.
How to Sew Velour Fabric?
Sewing velour requires attention to its unique texture and stretch. Here’s how to do it:
Use a Ballpoint Needle: A ballpoint needle helps you sew velour without damaging or snagging the fabric.
Opt for a Stretch Stitch: A stretch or zigzag stitch allows the fabric to move with you, preventing breakage and ensuring durability.
Pin or Clip the Fabric: Velour can shift easily, so pin or clip the fabric securely before sewing to avoid slippage.
Sew Slowly: Take your time when sewing. Slow and steady stitching will help you maintain control and avoid distorting the fabric.
Finish the Edges: Use a serger or zigzag stitch to finish the edges of velour and prevent fraying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, velour fabric stands out for its plush, soft texture and versatility. Whether made from cotton, polyester, or silk, it offers a comfortable yet stylish option for everything from loungewear to home décor. Its durability and luxurious feel make it a go-to choice for many types of projects. So, whether you’re sewing a cozy robe or upgrading your furniture, velour is a fantastic fabric to consider.
Ready to explore velour for your next quilting project? Be sure to check out the stunning options available at F&A Fabric. We offer a wide variety of quilting fabrics, including velour, to help you bring your creative visions to life!
