Velvet

Velvet is a luxurious fabric known for its soft, elegant, glossy surface and distinctive feel. For centuries, velvet has represented elegance and luxury, becoming an essential and exclusive material in the fashion and textile industries.

Velvet: Definition and Origin

What exactly is velvet?

Velvet is a fabric characterized by a distinctive, dense, and short pile created by extra woven threads. This pile, which is typically between one and three millimeters high, gives velvet its unique texture.

Velvet has always had significant importance for nobility and the wealthy: in earlier times, it was reserved only for aristocrats to wear such valuable and exclusive fabrics.

The history of velvet dates back to ancient times, where it was first made in China and Persia.

In Europe, velvet became popular in the Middle Ages, especially in Italy, where cities like Venice, Florence, and Genoa became centers of velvet production.

During the Renaissance, velvet experienced a golden age, often used for lavish garments and luxurious home furnishings. Velvet was commonly used to create cushions, upholstery, curtains, and elaborate wall hangings.

Later, Italy's velvet monopoly was broken, and elaborate velvet fabrics were produced across Europe, including in France, England, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Originally made from silk, velvet is now also produced from other materials like cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers such as polyester.

Production and Types of Velvet

The production of velvet is a complex process, where a base fabric is supplemented by an additional thread system. This extra thread system can consist of warp or weft threads, resulting in different types of velvet.

This intricate weaving technique is why velvet has always been considered a high-quality and expensive material.

Base Fabric: This forms the foundation into which the pile is later incorporated.
Additional Thread System: An additional thread system is introduced over the base fabric. In the case of warp velvet, warp threads are used, and for weft velvet, weft threads are used. These threads are woven in such a way that they form loops or tufts that protrude above the base fabric.
Pile Formation: These loops or tufts are then cut to create the pile, giving velvet its soft, velvety surface. The pile height can vary but is usually between one and three millimeters.
Finishing: After the pile is cut, the velvet fabric undergoes various finishing processes to refine its surface texture and enhance its shine. This may involve shearing, pressing, or special treatments that make the pile even and soft.
Dyeing: In the final step, the velvet is dyed if this hasn’t already occurred during production. The dyeing process gives velvet its deep, intense colours, which can shimmer differently depending on the light.

Types of Velvet

Key types of velvet include:

Warp velvet: Created with an additional warp thread system that forms loops, which are later cut to create the pile. Genuine warp velvet is particularly soft and luxurious.
Weft velvet: Also known as regular velvet, this type is created using an additional weft thread system. This velvet is often more robust than warp velvet.
Panne velvet: A shiny variant of velvet where the pile is flattened or pressed to create a reflective surface. Panne velvet is elastic and ideal for festive clothing.
Stretch velvet: This variant is especially stretchy and is often used for form-fitting garments.

Characteristics of Velvet

Velvet is renowned for its luxurious appearance and soft, pleasant texture. The short pile gives the fabric an elegant sheen that changes depending on how the light hits it.

Depending on the material used, the fabric density and drape of the velvet vary: there are sturdier, more robust options as well as fine, flowing velvet fabrics.

Caring for velvet requires special attention. Due to its delicate surface, velvet should not be tumble-dried or ironed to avoid damaging the pile. Instead, it is recommended to gently steam velvet fabrics.

When washing, it’s essential to follow the care instructions based on the material to preserve the fabric's structure and colour.

Uses of Velvet

Velvet is used in many areas.

In the fashion industry, velvet fabrics are popular for evening gowns, blazers, skirts, dresses, and accessories. The combination of velvet and silk is particularly favoured, as it adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication.

Velvet is also a classic in interior design: velvet curtains, cushion covers, and upholstered furniture create a warm, stylish, and elegant atmosphere.

You can find more precious and luxurious materials in our women's and men's collections in our Iris von Arnim Online Shop.