What Is the Difference Between Terry Cloth and Velvet?

Terry cloth and velvet are distinct fabrics with unique characteristics and different purposes. Terry cloth, known for its practicality and moisture-wicking properties, is commonly used in towels, bathrobes, and washcloths.

On the other hand, velvet is renowned for its luxurious texture, lustrous appearance, and historical significance in fashion and home decor. While terry cloth excels in absorbency and functionality, velvet exudes elegance and comfort.

These fabrics differ in texture, weight, care requirements, applications, and historical significance. Understanding their differences allows informed choices when selecting the most suitable fabric for various needs.

Key Differences Between Terry Cloth Vs Velvet

Texture

• Terry Cloth Texture: Terry cloth is known for its looped, absorbent pile surface. The loops give it a coarse texture and a slightly rougher feel compared to velvet. The looped construction increases the fabric’s surface area, providing excellent absorbency and moisture-wicking properties.
  This texture is desirable for items that require efficient drying, such as towels, bathrobes, and washcloths.
• Velvet Texture: Velvet, on the other hand, boasts a dense, plush pile that creates a luxurious texture. Its surface is soft and smooth, offering a velvety feel. The thick pile gives velvet a more compact and refined texture than terry cloth.
  It also contributes to its characteristic sheen, adding an extra dimension of visual appeal. The softness and elegance of velvet make it ideal for upholstery, clothing, drapery, and accessories.

Material

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is predominantly made of cotton. Its natural fibers make it soft, breathable, and highly absorbent. Cotton terry cloth is known for its durability and comfort, making it ideal for products that come into contact with moisture.
• Velvet: Velvet can be made from various materials, including silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers like polyester. The choice of material affects the velvet fabric’s texture, luster, and drape. Silk velvet is highly prized for its luxurious feel, while synthetic velvet may offer more affordability and durability.

Weaving Technique

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is constructed using two sets of warp yarns that create uncut loops on the pile surface. This weaving technique enhances the fabric’s ability to absorb and hold moisture effectively. Terry cloth can be produced using different looms, such as shuttle or rapier looms.
• Velvet: Velvet can be created using different weaving techniques, including plain or satin weave construction. These techniques involve a double-layered fabric with the pile standing upright. The specific weaving method affects the velvet fabric’s pile density, texture, and overall appearance.

Absorbency

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is renowned for its high absorbency. The looped pile structure lets it absorb moisture quickly, making it ideal for towels and washcloths. It efficiently wicks away water from the skin, providing a comfortable and practical drying experience.
• Velvet: Velvet is not primarily designed for absorbency. While it may have some ability to absorb moisture, it is less efficient than terry cloth. Velvet focuses more on its visual appeal, texture, and luxurious feel than its moisture-absorbing properties.

Appearance

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth has a distinctive appearance with its looped pile surface. It typically has a textured, slightly coarse feel due to the loops. Terry cloth comes in various colors and designs, but its functional and practical nature is its main aesthetic characteristic.
• Velvet: Velvet is known for its luxurious and elegant appearance. It has a dense, plush pile that creates a smooth and soft surface. Velvet often exhibits a subtle sheen, giving it a visually appealing and sophisticated look. Its appearance adds a touch of luxury to items such as clothing, upholstery, and drapery.

Common Uses

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is commonly used in products that require moisture absorption and quick drying. It is widely used for towels, bathrobes, washcloths, spa accessories, and other personal care and hygiene items. Its absorbency and soft texture make it ideal for these applications.
• Velvet: Velvet is often utilized in applications that prioritize aesthetics and luxury. It is commonly used for upholstery, such as sofas, chairs, and decorative cushions, to add a touch of elegance to furniture pieces.
  Velvet is also popular in the fashion industry, including evening wear, dresses, suits, and accessories like handbags and shoes. Its rich texture and visual appeal make it a favored choice for decorative purposes.

Functionality

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is highly functional and primarily designed for its moisture absorption properties. The looped pile structure allows it to absorb and hold moisture efficiently, making it ideal for towels, bathrobes, and washcloths. Its primary purpose is to aid in drying and cleaning.
• Velvet: Velvet is less focused on functionality and more on aesthetics. While it may offer some absorption, its primary function is adding a luxurious and elegant touch to various items like clothing, upholstery, and drapery.
  Velvet is often chosen for its softness, texture, and visual appeal rather than its functional properties.

Drying Speed

• Terry Cloth: Due to its looped pile surface and absorbent nature, terry cloth tends to dry relatively quickly. The loops provide ample surface area for moisture to evaporate, facilitating efficient drying times. This makes terry cloth ideal for items that need to be dried promptly, such as towels and washcloths.
• Velvet: with its dense pile structure, Velvet takes longer to dry than terry cloth. The tightly packed fibers create a surface that retains moisture more effectively. Therefore, velvet items require more time to air dry or may need special care during the drying process to prevent damage to the fabric.

Manufacturing

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is manufactured using specialized looms incorporating two warp yarns to create the looped pile. The specific weaving technique and yarn selection contribute to its absorbent and textured properties. Depending on the desired application, Terry cloth can be produced in different weights and densities.
• Velvet: Velvet can be manufactured using various weaving techniques, including plain or satin weave construction. The choice of technique and materials used, such as silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers, determines the velvet fabric’s texture, luster, and overall quality.
  Velvet production often involves intricate and specialized processes to achieve its desired plushness and luxurious appearance.

Softness

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is known for its softness and comfort against the skin. The cotton fibers used in its construction contribute to its soft and gentle texture. This softness makes terry cloth particularly suitable for items that come into direct contact with the body, providing a cozy and pleasant feel.
• Velvet: Velvet is renowned for its luxurious and velvety softness. The dense pile and high-quality materials like silk contribute to its sumptuous texture. Velvet’s softness adds a touch of indulgence to clothing, upholstery, and other items, creating a comfortable and luxurious experience.

Weight

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is generally lighter in weight compared to velvet. The looped pile construction and the use of cotton fibers contribute to its lighter and more breathable nature. This makes terry cloth items more suitable for activities where lightweight and moisture-wicking properties are desired.
• Velvet: Velvet tends to be heavier and denser compared to terry cloth. The densely packed pile and the materials used in its construction contribute to its weightier feel. This characteristic gives velvet a sense of substance and luxury, making it well-suited for items that require a more affluent and opulent appearance.

Moisture-wicking

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth excels in moisture-wicking capabilities. The looped pile structure of terry cloth allows it to effectively absorb moisture from the surface and wick it away from the body. This makes it a practical choice for towels, bathrobes, and washcloths that need to quickly and efficiently remove moisture.
• Velvet: While velvet may have some absorption properties, it is not primarily designed for moisture-wicking. Velvet fabrics tend to retain moisture rather than actively wick it away. Therefore, velvet is less suitable for applications that require moisture management and quick drying.

Cost

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is generally more affordable than velvet. Using cotton as the primary material and its relatively simple manufacturing process contributes to its cost-effectiveness. Terry cloth products are widely available at various prices, making them accessible for different budgets.
• Velvet: Velvet is often associated with luxury and elegance, resulting in a higher price point than terry cloth.
  The cost of velvet can vary depending on the material used, such as silk or synthetic fibers, and the overall quality of the fabric. Velvet is considered a higher-end option, typically commanding a higher price tag.

Care Instructions

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is relatively easy to care for. It is often machine washable and can withstand frequent laundering. Washing terry cloth items with similar colors and using gentle or low heat settings in the dryer are recommended to maintain their softness and absorbency. Overall, terry cloth is a low-maintenance fabric in terms of care instructions.
• Velvet: Velvet fabrics usually require more delicate care compared to terry cloth. Depending on the material used, velvet may require dry cleaning or gentle hand washing to avoid damaging the pile or altering its texture.
  Special care is needed to prevent crushing or flattening of the pile during cleaning or storage. Velvet may also require steaming or brushing to maintain its luster and plushness.

Durability

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is known for its durability. The cotton fibers used in terry cloth construction provide strength and resilience, allowing it to withstand frequent use and laundering. Well-maintained Terry cloth products can last a long time without significant wear or loss of absorbency.
• Velvet: The durability of velvet can vary depending on the specific material and construction. Silk velvet, for example, may require more delicate handling and be more prone to damage than synthetic or blended velvet fabrics.
  Velvet’s dense pile structure can be more susceptible to crushing or matting over time if not correctly cared for. Regular maintenance and appropriate usage can help extend the lifespan of velvet items.

Versatility

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is primarily associated with items requiring moisture absorption and practicality. Its versatility lies in its functionality for towels, bathrobes, spa accessories, and washcloths. It is well-suited for use in bathrooms, spas, sports activities, and other situations where moisture management is essential.
• Velvet: Velvet is highly versatile in terms of decorative and fashion-forward applications. It can be used for upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to furniture pieces, as well as for clothing, evening wear, accessories, and drapery. Velvet’s plush texture, rich appearance, and lustrous sheen make it a versatile choice for creating visually striking and elegant items.

Luster

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth has a matte or low-luster appearance. It is designed primarily for functionality and absorbency rather than visual appeal. Terry cloth focuses on its practical use, making it less shiny or lustrous than velvet.
• Velvet: Velvet is known for its luxurious and lustrous appearance. It has a soft sheen or shimmer that adds to its visual appeal. The pile structure and the materials used in velvet production contribute to its characteristic luster, making it an ideal choice for creating opulent and eye-catching items.

Weight

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is generally lighter in weight compared to velvet. Its construction using cotton fibers and looped piles results in a lightweight, breathable fabric. This makes terry cloth suitable for items that require ease of movement and comfort, such as towels, bathrobes, and washcloths.
• Velvet: Velvet is typically heavier than terry cloth due to its dense pile construction. The closely packed fibers give velvet a substantial weight, which adds to its luxurious and high-quality feel.
  The velvet weight contributes to its draping ability and ability to create a sense of richness in various applications.

Heat Retention

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is known for its ability to retain heat. The looped pile structure traps air and provides insulation, which helps to keep the body warm. This makes terry cloth suitable for items like bathrobes or blankets intended to provide warmth and comfort.
• Velvet: Due to its dense pile and closely woven construction, Velvet offers some heat retention. However, it is not as efficient in retaining heat as terry cloth. Velvet fabrics may provide moderate insulation but are less suitable for keeping the body warm.

Availability

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is widely available and commonly used in various applications. It is a popular fabric choice for towels, bathrobes, and other personal care items, making it easily accessible in stores and online. Terry cloth can be found in different colors, patterns, and qualities to suit various preferences and budgets.
• Velvet: Velvet is considered a more specialized fabric and may be relatively less readily available than terry cloth. It is commonly used in high-end fashion, upholstery, and home decor.
  While velvet can be found in select retail stores, it may be more widely sourced from specialty fabric shops or ordered online. The availability of velvet may depend on the specific type, material, and quality desired.

Usage Comfort

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is known for its high usage comfort. The looped pile structure provides a soft and cushioned feel against the skin, making it cozy and comfortable. Due to their softness and absorbency, Terry cloth items, such as towels and bathrobes, offer a pleasant tactile experience.
• Velvet: Velvet is also recognized for its comfort, albeit differently. Velvet’s plush pile creates a luxurious, velvety texture that feels smooth and gentle. It provides a sense of indulgence and elegance, adding comfort and sophistication to clothing, upholstery, and other applications.

Cleaning

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is generally easy to clean. It is often machine washable, and its durability allows it to withstand regular laundering without significant damage. Regular washing with mild detergent helps to maintain its softness and absorbency. Terry cloth can be tumble-dried or air-dried, making it convenient to clean and maintain.
• Velvet: Cleaning velvet requires more delicate care compared to terry cloth. Depending on the type of velvet and any accompanying instructions, velvet may require dry cleaning or gentle hand washing.
  It is essential to avoid excessive agitation, wringing, or rubbing to prevent damage to the pile. During cleaning, special care must be taken to maintain the fabric’s texture and luster.

Historical Significance

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth does not hold significant historical significance. However, the invention and widespread use of Terry Cloth revolutionized the textile industry. Its practicality and absorbency made it a preferred choice for personal care items, particularly towels, contributing to improved hygiene and comfort in everyday life.
• Velvet: On the other hand, Velvet has a rich historical significance. It dates back centuries and has been associated with royalty, luxury, and wealth throughout different cultures. Velvet has been used in various historical periods for royal garments, ceremonial robes, and opulent home decor. Its historical significance is tied to its exquisite texture and regal allure.

Common Applications

• Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is ordinary in products requiring moisture absorption and practicality. It is commonly used for towels, bathrobes, washcloths, spa accessories, and baby products. Its absorbent and soft texture makes it suitable for items that come into direct contact with the skin and require efficient moisture management.
• Velvet: Velvet is versatile and finds application in a wide range of items. It is commonly used in fashion, including evening wear, dresses, suits, and accessories like handbags and shoes.
  Velvet is also famous for upholstery, adding a touch of elegance to furniture pieces. It is used in drapery, decorative cushions, and other home decor items to create a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance.

Terry Cloth Vs Velvet: Comparison Table

Aspect	Terry Cloth	Velvet
Texture	Looped, absorbent pile	Dense, plush pile
Material	Mostly made of cotton	Silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers
Weaving Technique	Two sets of wrap yarn create uncut loops on the pile	Plain weave or satin weave construction
Absorbency	Highly absorbent, suitable for moisture absorption and drying	Less absorbent, more focused on aesthetics
Appearance	Coarse texture, rougher feel	Smooth, soft surface with a slight sheen
Common Uses	Towels, bathrobes, washcloths, spa accessories	Upholstery, clothing, drapery, accessories
Functionality	Absorbs and holds moisture effectively	Adds luxury and elegance to items
Drying Speed	Dries quickly due to looped pile surface	It takes longer to dry due to the dense pile
Manufacturing	Two sets of warp yarns used in production	Various weaving techniques employed
Softness	Soft and comfortable to the touch	Luxuriously soft and velvety
Weight	Generally lighter in weight	It can be heavier and denser
Moisture-Wicking	Effective at wicking away moisture	Less effective at moisture management
Cost	Generally more affordable	Often more expensive due to the luxurious nature
Care Instructions	Machine washable, easy to maintain	It may require special care; dry cleaning is recommended for some
Durability	Durable and long-lasting	Durability can vary depending on the fabric used
Versatility	Primarily used in items requiring moisture absorption	Versatile for decorative and fashion-forward applications
Luster	Less lustrous appearance	Exhibits a gentle sheen
Weight	Generally lighter in weight	It can be heavier and denser
Heat Retention	It provides warmth and insulation	It can provide some insulation, but less effective
Availability	Widely available in various colors and designs	Available in a range of colors and designs
Usage Comfort	Soft and comfortable against the skin	It offers a luxurious and plush feel
Cleaning	Easily washable, quick to dry	It may require more delicate cleaning methods
Historical Significance	Developed for practical purposes	Historically associated with luxury and opulence
Common Applications	Bathrooms, spas, sports activities	Upholstered furniture, evening wear

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Terry cloth and velvet are distinct fabrics with unique characteristics and applications. Terry cloth excels in practicality, absorbency, and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for personal care and hygiene items.

On the other hand, velvet offers a luxurious and elegant feel, making it ideal for high-end fashion, upholstery, and decorative purposes.

Considering factors such as comfort, cleaning requirements, historical significance, and typical applications, one can make informed decisions about choosing the fabric that best suits their needs.

Both fabrics have their merits and contribute to the diverse world of textiles.