The material is rightly (though only partially) equated with velvet, but eeriling simple definitions – so we explain what velour is and how it differs from velvet and velour. Velour is a fabric commonly used in the interior design industry, but it is ideal as a material for evening dresses or elegant jackets. However, before we move on to practical tips on how to care for velvet in house conditions, we will answer the question of what is velour and what are the differences between different fabrics, which a less seasoned eye may not see.

What is velvet?

Before you know what velour is, we need to unravelthe mystery of velvet, which is a thick material covered with a soft-touch bowor with a length usually not exceeding 3 millimeters. For centuries, velvet has been a symbol of tailoring luxury (especially at a time when it was entirely made of silk). The noble appearance is the result of a characteristic braiding technique that allows the reflection of light at different angles, which is responsible for the impression of warm glow, which further emphasizes the royalty of the material.

How is velvet created? Between the thread and the warp are weaved loops made of cut or uncut threads, thanks to which the fleece forms six threads – this is a different solution than with standard materials made of two threads, which further affects the luxury of velvet.

Types of velvet

It is hardly surprising that the question of what velvet is so often arises – synonymous terms such as velour or velour can raise doubts about what is what. Meanwhile, velvet, like the other two fabrics, is a cotton material with a short, characteristically fluffy top hair cover (called a mesca). Velvets are divided into smooth and patterned velvets, withpatterns created, among other things, by contrasting the height of the bristles. However, above all, velvet is distinguished by the type of strands used for the fleece:

• - natural velvet – made of cotton, silk or woolen threads,
• - artificial velvet – produced from polyester fibres or strecz.

Velvets belong to fabrics knownas plush - a material with a fibre cover - the main differences between the different varieties are the way the cover is obtained and its length, as well as the type of fibres used in production.

What is velour?

The difference between velvet and velour is mainly due to the length of the hair cover – velour is made from short,usually silk bristles , which gives an effect in the form of a thinner material than velvet. Moreover, velour at the same time is characterized by greater elasticity and a less glossy surface than with velvet. Invariably, however, both terms are used synonymously – velvet and velour are so similar that few people remember that both materials belong to plushs. The case is further complicated by the fact that velour in the fashion industry also means woolen material used for the manufacture of coats (flauch) and a skin type that looks like a chamomile.

Daily velvet care

Both velvet and velourare among the fabrics that give back their beautiful appearance , if properly nurtured – the greatest concern is usually the faded color or flattening of the characteristic mesmerity of these materials. Therefore, furniture covered with velvet should be set in such a place where there is moderate sunlight – intense contact with the sun promotes the loss of its original color and shine.

So how to take care of velvet and velour? It is necessary to regularly vacuum with a soft tip from a vacuum cleaner or a brush with soft bristles, because plush materials easily accumulate nagging dust and dirt. In this way, you will not only refresh the fabric, but above all help maintain the characteristic texture of the fleece.

Effective velvet cleaning

Everyday life is merciless, so sooner or later it will be necessary to clean velvet or veluru – in such a situation it is worth knowing what will avoid the final destruction of the material. In the case of stained or flooded velour fabric, it is necessary to check the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them. Washing at home will only make sense if you do not exceed the maximum temperature indicated on the label (from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius depending on the manufacturer) and use gentle laundry agents. The material should be dried flat to avoid creases of the surface and then brushed. The second solution is to transfer the veil to a dry cleaner or under the care of a professional cleaning company.

Velour every day

Velvet for centuries belonged to precious fabrics, which the average bread eater could not afford – today this situation has changed, so it is worth introducing velour into your wardrobe and interior. A little luxury is what each of us deserves.