What Is Velvet Fabric? Meaning, Properties & Uses

What is velvet fabric?

Velvet is a woven or knitted fabric with a short, dense pile that gives it a soft hand and deep colour. This range includes viscose velvet, velour velvet lycra, printed, tie-dye and burnout velvet. The pile catches light differently from different angles.

Velvet fabric in Hindi

In Hindi, velvet fabric is written as वेलवेट / मखमल. In everyday Indian trade talk you will also hear it called "velvet kapda" or "velvet cloth".

Properties of velvet fabric

Property	Typical
Weight	150 to 350 GSM
Best for	Common uses are lehengas, blouses, jackets, gowns, winter kurtas and upholstery accents
Care	Velvet should be steamed rather than pressed, and the pile should never be ironed flat

GSM is grams per square metre. Convert it to weight per metre with our GSM calculator.

What is velvet fabric used for?

Common uses are lehengas, blouses, jackets, gowns, winter kurtas and upholstery accents. White dyeable velvet is available for custom shades.

How to choose velvet fabric

Decide between stretch and non-stretch velvet and check the pile length. A shorter pile suits fitted garments, while a heavier pile is better for jackets and furnishings.

How to wash and care for velvet fabric

Velvet should be steamed rather than pressed, and the pile should never be ironed flat. Dry-cleaning is the safest option for most velvets. Cut all pieces in the same pile direction.

What is the difference between velvet and velour?

Velvet is typically woven with a dense pile and a more luxurious look. Velour is a knitted fabric with a stretchy, softer pile and is easier to sew for fitted garments.

Where to see and buy velvet fabric

You can browse real velvet fabric designs, with prices per metre, in our velvet fabric collection. Trade buyers can ask for samples and bulk pricing through our contact page.