VELOUR
Velour is a knitted or woven pile fabric with a short, dense, soft nap resembling velvet, but more elastic and simpler to produce. Its pile covers the surface evenly, giving a pleasant velvety hand and a deep, slightly muted sheen that shifts with the direction of the light. It is made from cotton, wool or synthetics. Velour returns to fashion in waves — from tracksuits to evening dresses and accessories — each time bringing a sense of comfortable luxury. It should be protected from crushing and abrasion, which leave worn, shiny patches.
Compare “Velour” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Velvet is a woven pile fabric traditionally made on a double loom from silk, cotton or viscose, with a short, dense nap that shifts colour depending on direction. Velour is more often a knitted or stretch construction in cotton or synthetics, so it is springier, cheaper and has a longer, softer pile. Velvet reads as formal and structured, whereas velour feels casual, plush and elastic, favoured in loungewear and tracksuits.
