What Are Velvet Fabrics? Unlock the Luxurious Secret

Since ancient times, velvet has been a fabric of nobility and emperors. Still to this day, velvet fabrics are in the top-tier category of high-fashion runways. 

Designers and clothing manufacturers all rank velvet among the finest fabrics. But what is the reason behind it? Also, why should you choose velvet fabrics for your new clothing line? 

Well, our experts have answered these questions in this guidebook. It covers every aspect that you should know to choose velvet fabrics for your brand. Trends and styles help you to decide which one suits your collection. 

Keep moving to explore different velvet fabrics characteristics that matter to you! 

What are Velvet Fabrics? 

If I have to define velvet fabrics in simple terms, then I would say: 

Velvet is a woven fabric with equally distributed threads. It has a short, dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft, smooth, plush texture. This pile is formed by extra warp yarns being woven in and cut to make an upright, dense surface of fibers. 

The material is slick and warm to the touch. The velvet fabric has a luminous pile direction sheen finish. It has medium to heavy weight, depending on the fibers in the rug. Silk, cotton, polyester, rayon fabric, or viscose are typical fibers. 

Manufacturing velvet is more complex than that of other woven or knitted fabrics. It has a technique of two layers simultaneously. During weaving, it forms loops between two layers. These loops create the nap of the velvet. 

A blade cuts the loops between the two layers of fabric. It breaks each into two equal lengths of velvet. This creates the soft, raised surface of velvet. The cloth is next dyed, washed, cut, and brushed to give it luster and an even pile. The manufacturer can go for special finishes like embossing, crushing, or devore. 

Velvet Fabrics Properties That Matter to Clothing Brands

Adding velvet to your lineup isn’t just a style choice; it’s a brand announcement. The velvet features make it the best option for the top-of-the-line collections. 

Here is what you should know before incorporating velvet fabrics into your collections. 

Luxurious Texture and Visual Appeal

The plush pile of this velvet ideally complements the shining finish. The way the material catches and reflects light adds a high-end, lavish feel to clothing. 

Right off the bat, VELVET already raises the perceived value of a set. The tactile elegance of clothing helps the brand capture more attention from customers. 

Drape and Structure

Velvet fabrics have medium to medium-heavy-weight drapes. However, it also depends on fiber content and pile height. Silk or rayon velvet has fall-like waves, but cotton velvet is more structured and has more body.

Such flexibility allows you to create both softer garments and more tailored pieces. You only need to understand which one to choose for each garment type. The material itself is customizable to conform to the brand’s design strategy, which is why leading Jacket Manufacturers USA often include velvet options in their premium collections.

Pro Tip: Create dresses, gowns, and blouses with silk or rayon velvet. Use the structured body type velvet for jackets, pants, and corseted styles. 

Fabric Weight and Warmth

Velvet is a more weighty woven fabric and is an excellent insulator. Velvet adds depth to seasonal collections. Thermal properties make it suitable for cozy, fashion-forward silhouettes. 

You can wear it with long coats and winter tracksuits. I have found velvet used in both fall and winter fashion lines. 

Fibre Versatility and Sustainability Options

Natural fibers used for making velvet include silk, cotton, wool, and mohair. Fibers such as linen, mohair, and wool may also be used during the weaving process. 

If you are focused on both luxury and sustainability, then it is best for you. This versatility enables you to maintain your identity, from eco-friendly to high-fashion.

Color Depth and Dye Affinity

The pile of velvet accepts dye with a great holding capacity. You would have noticed how saturated colors look. The nap of this fabric shines from different directions. It creates a two-tone or iridescence effect. 

You can use a broad and expressive color range. I recommend using special custom dying to make it a signature piece in a brand’s collection.

Print, Emboss, and Embellishment Compatibility

Velvet works well with surface treatments such as embossing and burnout. You can also utilize foil printing and custom embroidery for design adaptation. 

Velvet enables private label brands to experiment with customization. It is ideal for achieving distinctive textures and patterns. Embroidery and personalized emblems make collections distinctive.

Stretch Options for Fit-Focused Fashion

Lycra and spandex fabric contain flexibility and recovery features. Brands often use their blend for high stretchability with a soft texture. 

Stretch velvet is sumptuous for body-hugging shapes, such as bodycon dresses. You can also use it on clothing pieces that need comfort and ease of wear.

Durability and Pile Recovery

Some types of velvet can be crushed or bruised depending on pile height and density. It will leave temporary marks in the pile when crushed. Your chosen cut-and-sew manufacturer should press it gently to safeguard the piles. 

For apparel like pants and outerwear, choose harder blends with nice pile recovery.  Further, your chosen manufacturer can advise on velvet types with better pile recovery. When selecting fabric for jackets specifically, consulting with specialized jacket manufacturers can provide valuable insights on velvet varieties that combine both luxury appearance and practical durability for everyday wear.

Range of Velvet Fabrics Types & Garment Applications 

There are various types of velvet fabric depending on construction, texture, and fiber. Don’t need to be confused between them. I have broken down the best velvet types to assist in your fashion brand sourcing. 

Here they are: 

1. Silk Velvet

Silk velvet is made of natural silk fibers- very Soft, breathable, and Luxurious with a Sheen. You can use it in high-end clothing like haute couture gowns or red carpet dresses. There is also good use in luxury blouses, scarves, and high-end lingerie. Keep in mind it is expensive, so only use it for high-end collections. 

2. Rayon / Viscose Velvet

A semi-synthetic suede-like fabric that has a silky drape and hand. Also, the best thing is that it is less expensive than silk. Rayon/Viscose has a nice sheen and can be crushed if not treated carefully. You can use it in eveningwear, cocktail dresses, drape-heavy skirts, and tops. 

3. Cotton Velvet

Cotton velvet does not have as much drape as rayon or silk, but it still has quite a bit. It is tighter and denser but has a similar finish and less sheen. However, cotton velvet is sturdy and more breathable, making it more versatile. You can use it in structured jackets, trousers, Skirts, overalls, and casual blazers. Perfect for both fall and winter lines. Cotton blends support the screen printing technique, too.

4. Stretch Velvet

Stretch velvet has flexibility as it has spandex or Lycra blends. It offers better stretch, tight fit styles, and comfort with good shape retention. Such features make it perfect for bodycon dresses, jumpsuits, and fitted blazers. Many sportswear manufacturers have also begun incorporating this luxurious fabric into their premium athletic lines, recognizing its unique combination of elegance and functionality.

You can use stretch velvet for other costumes like dancewear and active-inspired luxe. You can utilize sublimation printing if the velvet has polyester content. If you are interested in Spandex vs Lycra, read here.

5. Crushed Velvet

Crushed velvet is known for its visual interest with a textured surface. It has a crinkled, crushed effect that multi-reflects the light in all four directions. Practically, no styling is required because the texture takes care of everything. You can use it in statement tops, dresses, youth fashion, and retro-inspired pieces. 

6. Velveteen

Velveteen is a cheaper version or type of velvet fabric. It does not have the sheen of real velvet, but it is easier to stitch and care for. It has a shorter pile, is stiffer, and less shiny than silk velvet. Brands usually use it in lightweight jackets, everyday skirts, trousers, and shirts. It usually has a hard finish, but is low-cost, so you can use it in inexpensive collections. 

7. Embossed Velvet

Embossed Velvet has raised designs formed by either heat pressing or laser etching. It is excellent for more unique branding or telling a story through the fabric. You can later add your own custom logo for artistic or boutique capsule collections. Use embossed velvet in patterned occasionwear like floral, geometric, and baroque. 

8. Burnout Velvet (Devoré Velvet)

Burnout velvet is perfect for lifted looks with definition and depth. The pile is chemically removed in certain areas to form transparent patterns. You can use it in see-through shirts, evening wraps, overcoats, and sarongs. Also perfect for luxury lingerie and bohemian wraps. 

9. Panne Velvet

Panne velvet is very glossy and bold. The surface is crushed under pressure in one direction to make it highly reflective. Shiny or reflective fabric is perfect for clubwear, stage costumes, and glam dresses. It is also one of the affordable versions of velvet, but the quality also depends on what you pay. 

10. Velvet Velour

Velour is a knitted fabric that is slightly different from the main velvet fabric. The main difference is that fiber used as velour has a plush pile. The fabric is soft, stretchy, and machine washable. Brands use it often in sportswear, sweaters, tops, and sleepwear.

Many hoodie manufacturers particularly favor velvet velour for premium loungewear collections, as it provides both the luxurious appearance of velvet and the practical comfort needed for everyday wear. It is ideal for collections that prioritize comfort. 

Trends & Styles in Modern Velvet Apparel

Velvet has captivated us with its unrivaled sheen and feel. The first velvets were woven in the East, possibly in China and the Middle East. The fabric spread to Europe along the Silk Road in the 14th century. 

In contrast, velvet was out of reach for most of the public for centuries. It became more widely available with the arrival of industrial looms in the 19th century. Now you can use it for everything from fashion and home textiles to accessories.

Velvet has transcended the red carpet and now it’s in your typical closet. It’s since become a statement fabric fusing high fashion elements with urban functionality.

Many trendy styles of velvet are incorporated into our fashion world. Some of the streetwear examples are:  

• Oversized velvet hoodies and joggers
• Velvet jackets with embroidered logos
• Crushed velvet snapback caps and bucket hats
• Tees and Crop Tops in stretch velvet 
• Mini skirts and flared pants 

Not only this, but there is a buzz around the revival of 90s and 2000s fashion. Velvet offers a nostalgic feel to that audience. 

Branding Tip: You could aim at younger customers with velvet’s soft sheen and ease. Incorporate body-hugging styles and playful cuts to attract kids. 

However, velvet is also one of the premium materials. Velvet is the height of sophistication; it adds depth and drama. It’s ideal for bold looks that make you feel glamorous and powerful. 

Minimalist brands are recasting velvet in clean silhouettes and tonal palettes. They utilize custom embroidery to experiment with design. 

You can utilize this power to create sophisticated pieces such as: 

• Velvet Empire Gown
• Tube Dresses 
• Backless Velvet Slip Dress
• Off-Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Gown
• Slim-Fit Velvet Waistcoat Set
• Boxy Velvet Suit

Possibilities and ideas are endless. You just need to turn your head around the creativity and explore these ideas. Velvet is big, bold, versatile, and very creative. Whether your brand’s word is luxe, culture, or sophistication, velvet would complement it. 

Sustainability & Certification in Fashion Velvet

Sustainability holds a place as a non-negotiable element in modern fashion. Velvet (especially when woven of synthetic fibers) poses sustainability challenges. Common challenges are high water use, chemicals, and non-biodegradable fibers. 

However, there are now sustainable velvet options available. Thanks to creative solutions and a commitment to responsible sourcing. 

Some of them are: 

• Organic Cotton Velvet
• Recycled Polyester Velvet
• Bamboo-Based Rayon Velvet
• Low-Impact Dyed Velvet

You should pay attention to a few important certifications. They would help you to fulfill your eco-friendliness dreams. Those certifications are 

• GOTS (Organic fiber, sustainable milling, fair labor) 
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (Tests for harmful substances) 
• GRS (Verifies the recycled content)
• FSC (Suitable for rayon or viscose velvet from wood ) 
• Bluesign® (Emphasizes responsible use of chemicals)
• Fair Trade Certified™ (Guarantees a living wage for workers) 

Sustainable velvet caters to a conscious consumer. Plus, all of these certifications are marketing and clothing packaging tools for credibility. 

People Also Ask About Velvet Fabrics

What’s Next

Velvet is one of the most expensive fabrics. You can’t afford to have mistakes in production and high material wastage. To save yourself, partner with an experienced clothing manufacturer. 

JaceApparel has over a decade of experience with various types of fabrics. We possess advanced capabilities in cutting, sewing, and dyeing. Forget costly errors or mistakes in your production with our supervised production lines. 

Drop us a message to receive your velvet clothing sample within 5-7 days! 

Sources: 

1. sewport.com – Velvet Fabrics Overview 
2. alnassaj.com– Velvet Fabric Characteristics