VELVET
Velvet is a luxurious fabric with a dense short pile on the face side, which gives it a characteristic softness, depth of colour and inimitable play of light: the surface of velvet now darkens, now lightens depending on the direction of the pile and the fall of the rays. Historically velvet was a symbol of power, wealth and aristocracy — only the nobility and the church could afford it, and from it were made ceremonial dress, robes and the trimmings of palaces. The fabric creates a feeling of warmth, depth and ceremony, and so is still associated with evening, festive and dramatic style. Velvet comes in silk, cotton, synthetic, and also textured (embossed, devoré) forms. It adds noble luxury and tactile pleasure to a look. It is a material of special occasions, in which colour and texture sound royally rich.
Compare “Velvet” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Pile fabrics that are easily confused. Velvet is the classic warp-pile textile, historically silk, deep and lustrous, catching light with a shifting sheen and a luxurious drape. Velveteen is a cotton imitation with a shorter, denser weft-pile: more matte, cheaper and hard-wearing, without velvet's directional shimmer. Velvet belongs to evening and ceremony; velveteen to everyday, practical wear.
