Velour Vs Fleece: What’s the Difference?

Velour and fleece are two popular fabrics known for their warmth and coziness. Velour, with its plush and luxurious texture, offers a smooth and velvety surface, creating a visually appealing and comfortable experience.

On the other hand, fleece, made from polyester fibers, is renowned for its excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Its fuzzy texture and lightweight nature make it a go-to choice for cold-weather garments and outdoor gear.

While velour exudes elegance and softness, fleece excels in functionality and practicality. Understanding the characteristics and differences between velour and fleece can help individuals choose the fabric that best suits their needs and preferences.

Key Differences Between Velour and Fleece

Velour and fleece are both fabric materials used in clothing and various other applications, but they have distinct differences. Here are the key differences between velour and fleece:

Fabric Type

• Velour: Velour is typically made from cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, such as polyester. This combination of fibers gives velour its soft and luxurious feel. The cotton content adds breathability, while the synthetic fibers enhance durability and stretch.
• Fleece: Fleece is made from polyester fibers that are tightly knitted or woven together. Polyester is a synthetic material known for its insulating properties. Fleece fabric is lightweight and offers excellent warmth, making it suitable for cold weather conditions.

Surface Texture

• Velour: Velour has a smooth and plush surface texture. Its pile is cut short and evenly distributed, creating a velvety appearance. The smoothness of velour gives it a luxurious and silky touch, making it highly desirable for clothing and upholstery.
• Fleece: Fleece has a fuzzy surface texture on both sides. It is characterized by its soft and fluffy feel. The texture of fleece adds to its coziness and warmth, making it a popular choice for blankets, jackets, and other cold-weather garments.

Appearance

• Velour: Velour has a luxurious and velvety appearance. Its smooth surface reflects light, giving it a subtle sheen. The dense pile and smooth texture of velour create a visually appealing fabric that is often associated with elegance and sophistication.
• Fleece: Fleece has a cozy and inviting appearance. Its fuzzy texture and matte finish give it a more casual and relaxed look. Fleece is often available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it versatile for various styles and designs.

Drying Time

• Velour: Velour has a longer drying time compared to fleece. Due to its composition and plush texture, velour tends to absorb moisture and retain it for a longer period. This slower drying process can be a drawback in situations where quick drying is desired.
• Fleece: Fleece has a quick drying time. It is a moisture-wicking fabric that efficiently draws moisture away from the body and allows it to evaporate. This moisture-wicking property of fleece makes it a suitable choice for activewear and outdoor gear.

Moisture-wicking

• Velour: Velour does not have inherent moisture-wicking properties. It tends to absorb moisture, which can make it feel damp and less comfortable in situations where perspiration or moisture exposure occurs.
• Fleece: Fleece is known for its moisture-wicking capabilities. The polyester fibers in fleece are hydrophobic, meaning they repel moisture and allow it to evaporate quickly. This moisture-wicking ability keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities or in humid conditions.

Insulation

• Velour: Velour provides limited insulation compared to fleece. While it offers some warmth, its looser weave and smoother surface texture do not trap air as effectively as fleece. Velour is more suitable for moderate temperature conditions rather than extreme cold.
• Fleece: Fleece is renowned for its excellent insulation properties. The tightly knitted or woven polyester fibers create air pockets that trap heat, providing exceptional warmth. Fleece is a preferred choice for cold weather garments and outdoor gear where insulation is crucial.

Common Uses

• Velour: Velour is commonly used in clothing items such as tracksuits, robes, loungewear, and upholstery. Its luxurious appearance and softness make it popular for creating comfortable and stylish garments.
• Fleece: Fleece finds widespread use in various applications, including jackets, blankets, hats, scarves, and outdoor gear. Its warmth, lightweight nature, and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for cold-weather activities and performance wear.

Sensory Appeal

• Velour: Velour offers a sensory appeal with its smooth and gentle drape. The softness and plushness of velour against the skin provide a cozy and comforting experience, making it a sought-after fabric for loungewear and luxurious garments.
• Fleece: Fleece has a soft and warm-to-the-touch feel. While not as smooth as velour, its fuzzy texture adds to the sensory appeal, providing a comforting and inviting sensation when worn or touched.

Sheen

• Velour: Velour has a noticeable sheen due to its smooth surface and the way it reflects light. This sheen contributes to its luxurious appearance and adds a touch of elegance to garments and home decor items made from velour.
• Fleece: Fleece has a matte appearance, lacking the sheen present in velour. Its surface does not reflect light as much, giving it a more casual and understated look.

Pile Length

• Velour: Velour typically has a short and even pile length. The pile refers to the upright loops or fibers on the surface of the fabric. The short pile of velour contributes to its velvety texture and luxurious feel.
• Fleece: Fleece does not have a pile. Instead, it has a fuzzy texture throughout the fabric, with the fibers evenly distributed. This absence of a pile gives fleece its characteristic softness and cozy appeal.

Weight

• Velour: Velour fabric tends to be relatively heavier compared to fleece. The combination of cotton and synthetic fibers, along with its denser pile, adds weight to velour garments and textiles.
• Fleece: Fleece is lightweight in nature. The polyester fibers used in fleece are inherently light, making it a comfortable option for lightweight outerwear, blankets, and other items where weight is a consideration.

Durability

• Velour: Velour fabric has moderate durability. While it can withstand regular use and occasional washing, it may be more prone to wear and tear compared to fleece. The delicate nature of the fabric requires careful handling to maintain its appearance and longevity.
• Fleece: Fleece is known for its durability. The tightly knitted or woven polyester fibers make fleece resistant to abrasion and stretching. It can withstand frequent washing and maintains its shape and structure over time, making it a durable choice for various applications.

Breathability

• Velour: Velour fabric tends to be less breathable compared to fleece. The denser weave and smoother surface of velour restrict airflow, resulting in reduced breathability. This makes velour garments suitable for cooler weather or indoor use.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric is more breathable than velour. The nature of the polyester fibers allows for better air circulation, promoting breathability and moisture management. Fleece is often used in active and outdoor wear to keep the wearer comfortable during physical activities.

Cost

• Velour: The cost of velour fabric can vary depending on factors such as the quality of materials, production methods, and brand. Generally, velour fabrics tend to be more expensive compared to fleece due to their luxurious appearance and associated manufacturing processes.
• Fleece: Fleece is generally more affordable compared to velour. The use of synthetic polyester fibers and the simpler manufacturing process contribute to its lower cost. Fleece is widely available at various price points, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Maintenance

• Velour: Velour fabric requires delicate handling and special care. It is recommended to follow specific washing instructions to preserve its appearance and texture. Velour garments may need to be ironed or steamed to maintain their smooth and plush look.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric is relatively easy to maintain. It is machine washable and can withstand regular laundering without losing its softness or shape. Fleece garments typically do not require ironing and can be air-dried or tumble-dried at low temperatures.

Moisture Absorption

• Velour: Velour fabric has a tendency to absorb moisture. When exposed to water or perspiration, velour can become damp and may take longer to dry. It is less effective in wicking away moisture from the body compared to fleece.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric has low moisture absorption properties. The hydrophobic nature of polyester fibers used in fleece prevents moisture from being absorbed into the fabric. Fleece quickly wicks away moisture, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities or in humid conditions.

Resistance to Wrinkling

• Velour: Velour fabric is prone to wrinkling. Its soft and plush texture can develop creases and wrinkles, especially when folded or packed. Velour garments often require steaming or ironing to restore their smooth appearance.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric is resistant to wrinkling. The nature of polyester fibers used in fleece allows the fabric to maintain its shape and structure even after being folded or compressed. Fleece garments generally require minimal effort to remove any minor wrinkles.

Stretchability

• Velour: Velour fabric typically has limited stretchability. The blend of cotton and synthetic fibers used in velour provides some degree of stretch, but it is generally not as elastic as other fabrics like spandex or elastane.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric has a moderate degree of stretchability. The inherent flexibility of polyester fibers allows fleece to stretch and move with the body, providing comfort and ease of movement.

Color Retention

• Velour: Velour fabric has good color retention properties. The fibers used in velour are often dyed before being woven or knitted, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. Velour garments maintain their color even after repeated washings and prolonged use.
• Fleece: Fleece fabric also has good color retention. The polyester fibers used in fleece are resistant to fading and maintain their color saturation over time. Fleece garments tend to retain their original colors even with frequent washing and exposure to sunlight.

Use in Outdoor Gear

• Velour: Velour is not commonly used in outdoor gear due to its moisture absorption and slower drying time. It may not provide the necessary moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties required for outdoor activities or in wet conditions.
• Fleece: Fleece is widely used in outdoor gear. Its moisture-wicking properties, insulation, and quick-drying capabilities make it suitable for various outdoor activities. Fleece jackets, pants, and accessories are popular choices for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Velour Vs Fleece: Comparison Table

Feature	Velour	Fleece
Fabric Type	Cotton or blend of cotton and synthetic fibers	Polyester
Surface Texture	Smooth and plush	Fuzzy
Appearance	Luxurious and velvety	Cozy and inviting
Drying Time	Longer drying time	Quick drying
Moisture-wicking	Absorbs moisture	Moisture-wicking
Insulation	Less effective at retaining heat	Excellent insulation
Common Uses	Tracksuits, robes, loungewear	Jackets, blankets, hats, scarves
Sensory Appeal	Silky and gentle drape	Soft and warm to the touch
Sheen	Shiny and smooth	Matte appearance
Pile Length	Short and even	No pile
Weight	Relatively heavier	Lightweight
Durability	Moderate	Durable
Breathability	Less breathable	More breathable
Cost	Varies	Varies
Maintenance	Requires delicate handling	Easy to care for
Moisture Absorption	Absorbs moisture	Repels moisture
Resistance to Wrinkling	Prone to wrinkling	Resistant to wrinkling
Stretchability	Limited stretch	Some stretchability
Color Retention	Good color retention	Good color retention
Use in Outdoor Gear	Limited suitability	Ideal for outdoor gear

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Both velour and fleece have their unique qualities and applications. Velour’s luxurious appearance and softness make it a desirable choice for stylish garments and upholstery.

However, fleece shines in its insulation, moisture-wicking, and durability, making it a practical option for outdoor activities and cold-weather wear.

Velour offers a smooth and plush sensory experience, while fleece provides a cozy and warm-to-the-touch feel. Understanding the distinctions between these fabrics allows individuals to make informed decisions based on their desired attributes and intended uses.

Whether seeking elegance or functionality, velour and fleece each have their place in the world of fabrics and textiles.