Velour fabric

What is velour?

Velour, also pronounced velour, is a type of fabric. More precisely, velour belongs to the pile fabrics, which can be made from many different fiber raw materials. The term velour comes from French and actually translates to velvet. However, one should never confuse velour with velvet, as velour is, so to speak, the less expensive alternative to velvet.

Properties of velour fabric

The term velour refers to a specific type of fabric whose properties vary considerably due to its manufacturing process. The appearance of velour fabric also differs greatly, ranging from brushed to soft to velvety or even plush.
Generally, velour is a particularly soft fabric, the degree of which is influenced by the length of its pile. The longer the pile, the softer and plusher the fabric becomes. However, a longer pile also makes velour more delicate. A long pile can easily break, fall out, and become permanently creased. While a shorter pile makes the fabric less soft, it is more durable and considerably longer-lasting.

Manufacturing process of velour fabric

Velour is a type of pile fabric. What makes these fabrics special is their surface. A classic woven fabric consists of two basic thread systems (warp and weft), while pile fabrics have a third thread system, the so-called pile warp. During weaving, this pile warp forms loosely arranged loops of thread, which constitute the pile. The subsequent cutting of the pile creates the characteristic pile of velour. The term "pile" refers to the threads that stand out at right angles from the fabric after being cut. For a plush velour, the pile is left particularly long; the shorter the pile, the more velvety the velour fabric appears.

Suitable raw materials for the production of velour fabric

Velour fabric can be made from almost any fiber raw material. It is possible to use both natural fibers such as cotton and synthetic fibers such as polyester . Blended fibers are also suitable for producing velour fabric.

Advantages and disadvantages of velour fabrics

Velour fabrics are very warm due to their voluminous surface, and their elasticity makes them very comfortable. They have a soft drape and a subtle sheen, giving the textile a luxurious look. Unfortunately, with velour fabrics, the pile can shed over time, especially if it is very long.

Difference between velour and velvet

Velour can have a significantly longer pile than velvet (max. 3 mm) and can therefore be considerably softer. However, since velour is called velvet in French, these terms often cause confusion. Furthermore, velour can also be produced with a shorter pile, so that it looks like velvet. The two terms are therefore difficult to distinguish, as both fabrics are manufactured in the same way. They are so similar that they are frequently mistaken for one and the same fabric.

Boucle

Bouclé, also called buklee, comes from French and means something like "curl" or "loop." It refers to a fabric that, like velour, belongs to the pile fabric category. The crucial difference between the two fabrics is that in bouclé, the pile warp is also laid in loose loops, but these loops are not cut. The loops remain closed, creating a surface full of bumps and knots.