Velvet is a soft and smooth textile constituting the epitome of luxury. The delicate feel and shiny appearance have it made very popular for centuries.
Most probably velvet originates from the Far East and finds its way to Europe. It was introduced to Baghdad by Kashmiri merchants, then Cairo became the biggest producer with a great part of production being exported to Venice and then it spread to Europe. The unique properties of velvet along with the depth of dye-color feel soon distinguished it as the ideal material for ecclesiastic vestments, royalty, and aristocrats.
Velvet is woven on a special loom (double cloth) creating two parts of the material at the same time which are later cut to create the pile effect.
Velvet is habitually made from natural silk and is considered as one of the most expensive fabrics ever made. Pure silk velvet is rare today and costly that is why most silk velvet now is a combination of silk and rayon. Other natural and synthetic fibers can be used to produce velvet such as Cotton, Microfiber, Nylon, Polyester, Viscose.
The use of different fibers result in different types of Velvet:
Crushed Velvet is a glossy velvet having a crushed/wrinkled look that is achieved either by twisting the fabric when wet or by pressing the fabric in different directions.
Embossed Velvet is a printed fabric whose pattern is created by a heat stamp pressured on the velvet.
Plain velvet is usually made of cotton, and it is heavier, less shiny and stretchy than silk or synthetic velvet.
Stretch Velvet, as the name implies, is very stretchy, soft, and smooth.
Chiffon Velvet is very lightweight so it can drape is many ways.
Devoré or burnout Velvet is the one that has velvet in some areas on a sheer background. The velvet pattern is created by dissolving part of the velvet following a specific pattern with a caustic solution.
Today velvet is still a synonym of luxury. Its high-end appearance and luxurious feel classify it as a premium garment linked to appearances at prestigious events. However, different versions of it have allowed every one of us -who is not a royalty- to enjoy it as an optimum loungewear and an extremely ‘comfy’ textile, as it is automatically combined with cozy and soft casual apparel, such as tracksuits, sweaters, shirts, skirts, blouses, jackets, and pants as well. A plush textile that is extremely stretchy, as it is knitted while being very warm, comfortable, soft drape with an astonishing sheen.
Velvet is not just a trend that has been established over the centuries. This exquisite textile is a feeling and more of a statement that brings out the luxurious part of us.
There is no way you go wrong with its royal silky-smooth vibe!
Contact us to find the velvet that best suits your needs.
