Fabric 101: Velour 

Velour is a plush fabric similar to velvet, but it’s a knit material rather than woven. Unlike velvet, which is traditionally made with silk, velour is generally made from synthetics (usually polyester or rayon), making it more affordable without compromising too much on the opulent texture velvet is known for.

You might have come across velour in various garments, from tracksuits and evening wear to the plush fabric of your car seats. Velour’s stretching capability lends it a comfortable fit, which is why it’s actually pretty comfortable wear. Its pile nature gives it insulating properties too, which makes velour attire snug and warm.

• Learn more about the difference between velveteen, velour, and velvet

Fabric	Velour
Texture?	Soft with a dense, fuzzy texture
Stretch?	Significant stretch, especially crosswise
Weight?	Medium to heavy weight (200-300  GSM)
Stiff or flowy drape?	Heavy, flowy drape
Nap?	Napped fabric with a medium pile
Typical fiber content?	Usually synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon, spandex)
Opaque or sheer?	Opaque
Shiny?	It has a definite sheen, but is usually not as shiny as velvet
Fraying?	Does not fray because it’s a knit fabric, but it can shed fuzz
Pilling?	Velour is often prone to pilling
Other identifying properties?	Velour has a fairly dense pile compared to most velvet
Cool or warm weather?	Better for cooler weather
What to make?	Tracksuits, sweatpants, hoodies, loungewear, some casual dresses or skirts, dancewear, costumes
What needle to use?	Use a jersey or stretch needle with velour

What kind of fabric is velour?

Velour is a knit fabric known for its pile and texture that closely mimics velvet. But unlike velvet, which is traditionally woven, velour is knit and has a stretchy quality that makes it much more comfortable.

Velour is most often made from synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon (often including a percentage of spandex for added stretch). It also tends to be denser and a little less shiny than velvet fabric. 

Overall, velour is also a surprisingly durable fabric that can stand up to everyday wear and tear. Plus, it’s quite forgiving with a nice, heavy drape that won’t cling to every curve but also doesn’t make you look like a box. This allows velour to be more useful in casual clothes, such as athleisure, while also mimicing velvet in more formal attire.

What can you make with velour fabric?

The soft texture of velour makes it ideal for comfortable loungewear like tracksuits and hoodies. It can also be used for dresses and blouses, as its elegant drape makes for stunning dresses and gowns. In addition, velour is frequently used for dancewear (especially for performances), and costumes (especially in the cosplay world). Velour is also often used for winter clothing, and some other upholstery uses (such as car interiors).

Properties of velour fabric

• Texture: Velour is a soft plush material, similar to velvet, that gives it that comfortable, cozy feel. It has a shorter pile than velvet, which means the texture is not quite as shifty (as in, it doesn’t shift under your fingers as much), but still maintains a soft feel to it.
• Stretch: Since velour is a knit fabric, it naturally has a small amount of elasticity. Typically it’s a low stretch knit fabric, but it depends on the composition of the material. Velour that contains a small percentage of spandex fiber will have higher elasticity.
• Weight: Velour typically ranges from medium weight to moderately heavy, but it can be significantly heavier if the velour is meant to be used for more decorative purposes.
• Drape: Velour boasts a heavy, yet somewhat flowy drape. It’s not an airy flow, but has more of a liquid-like appearance that allows it to fall smoothly and gracefully.
• Fiber composition: While the fiber composition can vary, almost all velour is made from synthetic fibers (mostly polyester and spandex, but it can also include rayon). This means that it tends to be a durable type of fabric that doesn’t wrinkle much, but also limits the breathability and eco-friendly qualities.
• Pile: Velour’s pile is shorter than velvet, so it’s also not as easily crushed.
• Opacity: Velour is opaque due to the napped texture that adds substantial thickness.
• Shine: Velour has a low-key luster that largely depends on lighting and the angle at which you view it. It has a bit of a gleam but doesn’t typically shine the same way velvet does.
• Fraying: Thanks to the structure of the knit backing, velour fabric doesn’t fray. However, you should expect a lot of shedding when working with velour fabric. This is because the small yarns that make up the pile can dislodge and shed fairly easily when you cut the fabric or run it through the sewing machine feeds. It’s not a problem, per say, but you’ll probably need to clean out the inside of your sewing machine occasionally.
• Wrinkling: Velour is relatively resistant to creasing and wrinkling due to it’s knitted structure and synthetic fibers.
• Breathability: Velour also isn’t the most breathable fabric. Its plush texture and knit construction tends to trap air making it better suited for cold weather.

How difficult is velour to sew?

Velour is not the easiest fabric to sew with. Not only do you have to deal with the napped texture of the fabric, but you also have to take the stretch qualities of the fabric into consideration. 

• Velour has a nap, which means the fabric fibers lie in one direction. Always cut your pattern pieces in the same direction, or the final garment will have mismatched shading.
• Velour is typically stretchy, so you’ll need to use a stretch needle or jersey needle, and a may need to use a walking foot too. This helps prevent skipped stitches and wavy seams, ensuring the fabric feeds evenly.
• Opt for longer stitches to accommodate the fabric’s thickness.
• Use tissue paper as a stabilizer when sewing seams to prevent the fabric from getting caught in the feed dogs or getting stretched out.
• Avoid touching the fabric directly with the iron. Use a velour or velvet remnant as a press cloth.

More tips on how to sew with pile fabrics (like velour)

How to care for velour fabric

Velour is much easier to care for than velvet. It isn’t crushed as easily and doesn’t tend to wrinkle unless it’s stored in suboptimal conditions. It’s also fairly easy to wash, since the synthetic fibers should have no trouble going through a standard washing machine cycle.

Ironing is a no-go for velour. The heat and pressure can crush or melt the pile and ruin the soft texture. If you must get rid of wrinkles, use a steamer at a safe distance or hang the garment in your bathroom while you take a steamy shower.

Keep velour garments hanging or folded gently. Avoid crushing the garments or overcrowding them to prevent creases or ruining the pile.