Velvet is one of the most luxurious fabrics due to its long history. Due to its cut-pile surface, it creates a sheen that reflects light at different angles. Velvet is a woven fabric.
Velvet is used in dresses, skirts, jackets, coats, curtains and even sofas. Velvet fabric gives a posh and elegant look and is a great material
How Does Velvet Feel?
Velvet has a distinctive soft plush feel due to shirt, thick and plush pile. It also feels thick warm and cozy.
How Does Velvet Look Like?
Velvet has that smooth, soft and shiny look that makes it look it look high-quality and expensive.Add glamor to an outfit
What is Velvet Made of?
Velvet is often made of two different types of materials–the ground fabric and the short pile. The ground fabric is often made of polyester or nylon and the short pile is made of a more expensive fibre such as a mix of rayon and silk to give a soft, drapey touch. Most silk velvet today is a mix of silk and rayon. Velvet made entirely of silk is rare and expensive.
Origins of Velvet
Velvet originated approximately 2000 BC in Egypt. Velvet was also found in China between 400 and 23 BC. It made its way west along the Silk Road. During the Renaissance, Velvet was popular and it reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Types of Velvet
Crushed Velvet
Crushed velvet has that distinctive crushed irregular look. It is created by pressing the pile in different directions, this results in more reflection and shine. It is generally made of polyester.
Velveteen
Velveteen has a short and dense pile with uniform distribution which makes it a strong frabic. It is considered an expensive fabric due to the complexity in manufacturing. Its short pile has more matte look and less shine and a luxurious appearance. Velveteen is generally made of 100% cotton. It is often used for skirts, dresses jackets and pants.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a fabric with raised “cord” texture that is cut to form lines along the fabric. It is versatile and typically made of 100% cotton. Corduroy comes in different wale count–the number of Wales per inch. The wale count determines its use and appearance. The more wales per inch, the finer the wale. Wide wale is commonly used for trousers and furniture whereas fine Wales are used for clothings above the waist.
8-10 wale: jackets, outerwear
16 wale: pants, skirts and vests
21-22 wale: shirt and dresses
Embossed Velvet
Embossed velvet is created via a heat stamp, pushing down some parts of piles to create a unique pattern which results in different shine and depth. It is often used in home decor designs.
Rayon and Silk Velvet
Rayon and Silke velvet are great choices for creating expensive dresses, coats and jackets. It is smooth and soft to touch and has excellent drape. The unique sheen of rayon and silk makes it look luxurious. However, it is one of the hardest fabrics to work with.
Advantages of Velvet
- Luxurious and soft touch
- Unique sheen that makes it look expensive
- Thick and keep warm
- Simple design gives aesthetic look
- Blends with different decor style
- Good accessory to use in cold seasons
- Excellent for drape
Disadvantages of Velvet
- Wear our with frequent use
- Harder to clean
- Dust absorbent
- Polonged sitting on velvet will crush the nap