Definition
Velour is a soft, plush knit fabric with a short raised pile that feels like velvet but stretches. The pile gives it a warm hand and a slight sheen, while the knit base lets it move with the body.
Definition
Velour is made by knitting loops that are then cut or brushed to stand up as a soft pile. Unlike woven velvet, velour is knitted, so it stretches and drapes more easily. That makes it comfortable for relaxed apparel rather than stiff formalwear.
A clear example: a branded zip hoodie in deep navy velour for a wellness brand. It feels premium to the touch, photographs with a rich depth of color, and stretches enough to stay comfortable over long wear.
How velour works
The pile is the defining feature. During knitting, extra yarn forms loops on the surface, then those loops are sheared to an even height. The cut fibers catch light, which gives velour its soft sheen and deep color. Brushing the surface afterward can make it even plusher.
Velour comes in cotton, polyester, and blends. Cotton velour is breathable and soft against the skin, while polyester velour holds color and shape better and resists crushing. The trade-off is comfort against durability, so loungewear often uses cotton-rich velour and performance pieces lean on polyester. Stretch usually comes from a small percentage of elastane in the knit.
In merch, velour signals comfort and a higher price point. It costs more than a standard fleece because of the pile finishing, but it elevates how a garment feels in the hand. Use it where touch matters, such as gifting and premium apparel ranges.
Velour in branded merch
- Premium loungewear sets. Build a matching velour hoodie and joggers set in brand colors for a high-value gift or staff kit that people actually keep and wear.
- Retail and lifestyle apparel. Velour tracksuits and zip tops give a fashion-forward line a soft, recognizable feel that stands apart from basic fleece.
- Comfort-focused gifting. A velour blanket or pullover makes a warm, tactile gift that reinforces a caring brand tone.
Velour is a stretchy knitted fabric with a short, dense pile that combines the look of velvet with the comfort and flexibility of a jersey knit.
5 tips to elevate your Velour strategy
| Tip | Steps |
|---|---|
| Match fiber to use | Pick cotton velour for next-to-skin comfort and polyester velour for color and crush resistance. |
| Mind the pile direction | Keep the pile running the same way across panels so the color looks even under light. |
| Choose decoration carefully | Use embroidery or heat transfer that sits on the pile cleanly, and test first so the texture does not swallow fine detail. |
| Pick rich, deep colors | Velour shows depth best in saturated tones, so dark and jewel shades make the pile look premium. |
| Wash inside out | Recommend a cool, inside-out wash to protect the pile and keep the sheen over time. |
Key Terminologies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is velour the same as velvet?
No. Velvet is woven and more formal, while velour is knitted, which gives it stretch and a more relaxed, comfortable feel.
What is velour made from?
Velour is made from cotton, polyester, or a blend, often with a small amount of elastane added for stretch.
Does velour keep its shape?
Polyester velour resists crushing and holds its shape well, while cotton velour is softer but can flatten over time if not cared for.
Can you print or embroider on velour?
Yes, but the pile can hide fine detail, so test embroidery or heat transfer first and keep designs bold and clean.
Is velour good for loungewear?
Yes. Its softness, stretch, and warmth make velour a strong choice for hoodies, joggers, and other relaxed apparel.