Velour Vs Microfiber: Difference and Comparison

Velour and microfiber are two popular fabric choices with distinct characteristics and applications. Velour, known for its plush texture and softness, is often used for creating casual clothing and upholstery.

On the other hand, microfiber, composed of ultra-fine fibers, offers a smooth and lightweight feel, making it suitable for activewear, home furnishings, and cleaning products.

These fabrics differ in various aspects, including appearance, washability, stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and environmental impact. Understanding their differences can help make informed choices when selecting suitable fabrics for specific purposes, considering comfort, functionality, and personal preferences.

Key Differences Between Velour Vs Microfiber

Fabric Type

• Velour: Velour is a type of fabric that falls under knit fabrics. It is created using a knitting process, which results in a fabric that has a soft and plush texture. Velour resembles velvet in its appearance, providing a luxurious and velvety look. The fabric is often made from a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers.
• Microfiber: Microfiber, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric known for its ultra-fine fibers. It is created using a spinning and weaving process, where the fibers are tightly woven together. Microfiber consists of fragile fibers with diameters measuring less than 10 micrometers. These fine fibers give microfiber its characteristic softness and smooth texture.

Appearance

• Velour: Velour fabric has a luxurious appearance and closely resembles velvet. It has a soft and plush texture, with a slightly textured surface that gives it a velvety look. The fabric has a rich and elegant appearance, making it suitable for creating casual clothing and designs that require velvet aesthetics.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has a smooth and often suede-like texture. It has a finer and more uniform surface compared to velour. Microfiber fabrics can have a subtle sheen or a matte finish, depending on the type. While microfiber does not possess the same plushness as velour, it offers a sleek and modern appearance.

Cost

• Velour: Velour fabric is generally more affordable than other luxurious fabrics like velvet. It is often used as a cost-effective alternative to velvet, providing a similar look and feel at a lower price point. This makes velour a popular choice for creating more affordable clothing and accessories.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric can vary in price depending on its quality, composition, and intended use. While some microfiber products may be inexpensive, high-quality microfiber fabrics with advanced features and finishes can be more costly. The cost of microfiber is influenced by factors such as manufacturing processes, fiber technology, and brand reputation.

Durability

• Velour: Velour fabric offers moderate durability. Its knit structure provides some stretch and flexibility but may not be as resilient as other fabrics. Velour can withstand regular wear and washing, but excessive friction or rough handling may lead to pilling or loss of texture over time. Nonetheless, velour garments can maintain their appearance for an extended period with proper care.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is highly durable and known for its long-lasting performance. The tightly woven structure of microfiber enhances its strength and resistance to wear and tear. Microfiber fabrics are more resistant to fading, shrinking, and wrinkling than other fabrics. They also retain excellent color and maintain their original texture even after repeated use and washing.

Washability

• Velour: Velour fabric can be machine-washed, making it convenient for everyday wear. However, it is essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper maintenance. Some velour garments may require gentle washing or specific temperature settings to prevent potential shrinkage or damage to the fabric’s texture.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is also usually machine washable, and it often dries relatively quickly due to its moisture-wicking properties. Microfiber garments and items can withstand regular washing without losing shape or texture. However, checking the care instructions for specific guidelines is advisable, as some microfiber products may have additional recommendations or requirements.

Stretch

• Velour: Velour fabric offers good stretchability due to its knit structure. The interlocking loops of yarn allow the fabric to stretch and conform to the body, providing comfort and ease of movement. This makes velour suitable for creating form-fitting garments and designs that require a flexible and comfortable fit.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric generally has limited stretch or no stretch at all. The tightly woven fibers contribute to the fabric’s stability and structure but also restrict its ability to stretch. Microfiber garments are designed to have a more tailored and fitted appearance without relying on stretch for comfort. This can be advantageous for items where a sleek and precise fit is desired.

Purpose

• Velour: Velour is often used in fashion for more casual clothing and designs that require the velvet look but need to be more durable and washable for everyday wear. It is commonly found in loungewear, tracksuits, costumes, and upholstery. Velour’s plush texture and affordability make it a popular choice for creating comfortable and stylish garments for various occasions.
• Microfiber: Microfiber has a wide range of applications beyond fashion. It is commonly used in clothing, home furnishings, and cleaning products. In apparel, microfiber is favored for its softness, lightweight feel, and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for activewear, sportswear, and outdoor apparel. Microfiber is also used for bedding, towels, upholstery, and cleaning cloths due to its absorbency, durability, and ability to trap dust and particles.

Softness

• Velour: Velour fabric is known for its soft and plush texture. It provides a luxurious and comfortable feel against the skin. The loops of yarn in the knit structure create a slightly textured surface that enhances the softness of the fabric. Velour garments are often favored for their cozy and gentle touch.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is also recognized for its exceptional softness. The ultra-fine fibers in microfiber production contribute to its smooth and velvety touch. Microfiber garments offer a luxurious feel similar to velour, making them comfortable for extended periods.

Moisture Wicking

• Velour: Velour fabric generally has limited moisture-wicking capabilities. It may not effectively draw moisture away from the body, potentially leading to a damp or sweaty feeling during physical activities. However, specific blends or finishes applied to velour fabrics can enhance their moisture-wicking properties.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is renowned for its excellent moisture-wicking properties. The fine fibers have a high surface area, allowing them to absorb moisture and transport it away from the skin quickly. Microfiber garments help to keep the wearer dry and comfortable by efficiently wicking away sweat during workouts or in hot and humid conditions.

Breathability

• Velour: Velour fabric tends to be less breathable than other fabrics. The tightly knit structure and often thicker yarns limit the airflow through the fabric, reducing breathability. This can result in a slightly warmer and less ventilated feel when wearing velour garments.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is generally more breathable than velour. The fine fibers and woven microfiber structure allow for better air circulation, promoting ventilation and heat dissipation. Microfiber garments can provide a more breathable and comfortable wearing experience, especially during physical activities or in hot weather.

Weight

• Velour: Velour fabric tends to be heavier compared to microfiber. The thicker yarns and plush texture contribute to its weight, making it suitable for creating warmer garments or items with a certain level of drape.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is lightweight. The ultra-fine fibers used in its production produce a light and airy fabric. Microfiber garments offer a lightweight and comfortable wearing experience without compromising durability or performance.

Fiber Diameter

• Velour: Velour fabric consists of yarns with a larger fiber diameter than microfiber. The fibers used in velour production are typically thicker, contributing to the fabric’s plush texture and appearance.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is characterized by ultra-fine fibers, measuring less than 10 micrometers. The fragile fibers give microfiber its distinctive softness and smoothness. The fine fiber diameter of microfiber sets it apart as one of the world’s finest forms of textile fiber.

Applications

• Velour: Velour fabric is commonly used in the fashion industry for creating casual clothing such as tracksuits, loungewear, and costumes. It is also used in furniture upholstery and some decorative applications where a plush and luxurious look is desired.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has a wide range of applications. It is used in clothing, particularly for activewear and sportswear, due to its softness and moisture-wicking properties. Microfiber is also popular in home furnishings, including bedding, towels, and cleaning products, such as cloths and mop heads.

Stain Resistance

• Velour: Velour fabric offers moderate stain resistance. While it can repel some spills and stains to a certain extent, it may not have the same stain resistance as other fabrics. Prompt and proper cleaning is recommended to prevent stains from settling into the fabric.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is highly resistant to stains. The tightly woven microfiber structure prevents liquids from quickly penetrating the fabric, allowing for easier cleanup and stain removal. Microfiber’s stain resistance makes it a practical choice for items that may encounter spills or stains, such as clothing and household textiles.

Absorbency

• Velour: Velour fabric has average absorbency. It can somewhat absorb moisture but may not have the same level of absorbency as certain other fabrics. The absorbency of velour can vary depending on the specific blend of fibers used in its construction.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric exhibits high absorbency. The fine fibers in microfiber are designed to absorb and retain moisture effectively. Microfiber garments and textiles can quickly absorb sweat, water, or other liquids, helping to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. This absorbent property is particularly beneficial in activewear and towels.

Static Control

• Velour: Velour fabric may generate static electricity to some extent. The nature of the fabric, particularly in dry conditions, can lead to static buildup. Taking measures such as using anti-static sprays or dryer sheets can help mitigate static electricity in velour garments.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has good static control properties: the tightly woven fibers and microfiber’s low friction surface help reduce static buildup. Microfiber garments are less likely to cling or produce static electricity, making them preferable for individuals seeking fabrics with static control capabilities.

Allergies

• Velour: Velour fabric can cause allergies in individuals sensitive to certain fibers. It is essential to consider the specific composition of the velour fabric, as some synthetic fibers used in its production may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is generally hypoallergenic and less likely to trigger allergies. The ultra-fine fibers in microfiber are smoother and less prone to causing skin irritation. Microfiber garments are often recommended for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, as they are less likely to cause adverse reactions.

Color Retention

• Velour: Velour fabric may experience some fading or color loss over time, especially with frequent washing or exposure to sunlight. Following the manufacturer’s care instructions is essential to help maintain the fabric’s color vibrancy. Using mild detergents and avoiding direct sunlight can help prolong the color retention of velour.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is known for its excellent color retention. The synthetic fibers in microfiber production are less prone to fading or discoloration. Microfiber garments and textiles retain their original color even after repeated washing and exposure to sunlight, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting color vibrancy.

Environmental

• Velour: The environmental impact of velour fabric can vary depending on the specific fibers used in its composition. While natural fiber blends, such as cotton velour, may have a lower environmental impact, synthetic fiber blends can contribute to resource consumption and waste generation issues.
• Microfiber: The production of microfiber fabric involves using synthetic materials, such as polyester. The environmental impact of microfiber production includes concerns about using non-renewable resources and releasing microplastic particles during washing. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable alternatives and improve the recyclability of microfiber materials.

Manufacturing

• Velour: Velour fabric is typically produced using a knitting process. The knitting machines interlock yarns to create the fabric’s distinctive looped structure. The manufacturing process may involve various steps, including dyeing, finishing, and quality control, to achieve the desired softness and appearance of the velour fabric.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is manufactured through a spinning and weaving process. The synthetic fibers used in microfiber production are spun into fine threads and then woven to create the fabric. Additional treatments, such as brushing or sanding, may be applied to enhance the softness and texture of the microfiber fabric.

Versatility

• Velour: Velour fabric is versatile and can be used in various applications. It is commonly used in clothing, upholstery, and decorative items. Velour’s softness and plush texture make it suitable for creating comfortable garments and adding a touch of luxury to various products.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric is highly versatile and finds application in various industries. It is used in clothing, home furnishings, automotive interiors, and cleaning products. Microfiber’s softness, moisture-wicking properties, and durability make it well-suited for activewear, towels, upholstery, and high-performance cleaning materials.

Texture

• Velour: Velour fabric has a plush and velvety texture. The loops of yarn create a slightly raised surface that is soft and luxurious. The velour texture adds depth and dimension to garments and upholstery, providing a cozy and tactile experience.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has a smooth and silky texture. The ultra-fine fibers give microfiber a soft and sleek feel. The microfiber texture is often described as lightweight and comfortable, with a subtle sheen that adds a touch of elegance to garments and home textiles.

Luster

• Velour: Velour fabric has a subtle luster that enhances its luxurious appearance. The plush texture of velour reflects light in a way that creates a soft and gentle sheen. The luster of velour adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive choice for garments and decorative items.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has a low luster or matte appearance. The fine fibers of microfiber do not reflect light as much as other fabrics, giving it a more understated and sophisticated look. Microfiber’s lack of luster makes it versatile for various applications, from athletic apparel to home furnishings.

Drying Time

• Velour: Velour fabric tends to dry longer than other fabrics. The plush texture and denser velour structure can retain moisture, requiring more time to air dry or longer cycles in a dryer. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper drying is essential to maintain the fabric’s integrity.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has a relatively quick drying time. The ultra-fine fibers have high moisture-wicking properties, allowing them to absorb and release moisture efficiently. Microfiber garments and textiles often dry faster than thicker and more absorbent fabrics, making them convenient for active individuals or quick turnaround in laundry.

Static Buildup

• Velour: Velour fabric can be prone to static buildup, especially in dry environments or colder seasons. The nature of the fabric’s composition and texture can generate friction, resulting in static electricity. Anti-static sprays or remedies can minimize static cling in velour garments.
• Microfiber: Microfiber fabric has excellent static control properties. The smooth and tightly woven fibers reduce the friction that leads to static buildup. Microfiber garments are less likely to generate static electricity or cling to the body, providing a more comfortable and static-free wearing experience.

Velour Vs. Microfiber: Comparison Table

Differences	Velour	Microfiber
Fabric Type	Knit fabric	Synthetic fabric
Appearance	Resembles velvet	Smooth and often suede-like texture
Cost	Generally more affordable	It can vary in the price range
Durability	Relatively durable	Highly durable and long-lasting
Washability	Can vary in the price range	Usually machine washable
Stretch	Offers good stretch	Limited stretch or no stretch at all
Purpose	Casual clothing and everyday wear	Clothing, home furnishings, cleaning
Softness	Soft and plush	Very soft and smooth
Moisture Wicking	Limited moisture-wicking capabilities	Excellent moisture-wicking properties
Breathability	Less breathable	More breathable
Weight	Heavier	Lighter
Fiber Diameter	Can be machine-washed	Ultra-fine fibers
Applications	Casual wear, costumes, upholstery	Clothing, bedding, towels, cleaning
Stain Resistance	Moderate stain resistance	High stain resistance
Absorbency	Average absorbency	High absorbency
Static Control	Moderate static control	Good static control
Allergies	Not as delicate as microfiber	Generally hypoallergenic
Color Retention	Colors may fade over time	Colors tend to retain their vibrancy
Environmental	It may cause allergies in some individuals	It may contain natural or synthetic fibers
Manufacturing	Knitting process	Spinning and weaving processes
Versatility	Synthetic fibers can be recycled	Widely used in various applications
Texture	Plush and velvety	Smooth and often suede-like
Luster	Mainly used for casual and leisure wear	Generally has a soft and matte finish
Drying Time	Longer drying time after washing	Faster drying time after washing
Static Buildup	It can have a soft sheen or matte finish	Resists static buildup

Note: The information in the table is based on general characteristics and may vary depending on specific products and manufacturing techniques used for velour and microfiber fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Velour and microfiber are two distinct fabric options that cater to different needs and preferences. Velour provides a luxurious and cozy texture, making it ideal for casual clothing and upholstery applications.

On the other hand, microfiber offers a smooth, lightweight, and versatile fabric choice suitable for activewear, home furnishings, and cleaning products.

Each fabric possesses unique properties, such as washability, stretch, moisture-wicking, and environmental impact, which should be considered when making fabric decisions.

By understanding the differences between velour and microfiber, individuals can make informed choices to meet their desired comfort, functionality, and aesthetic requirements.