peluche

Peluche is a term used in Spanish and French to refer to a soft, fur-like fabric and, by extension, to a stuffed toy made from that material. In English, the corresponding term is plush. The word conveys both the textile used to create the toy and the toy itself, as in plush animals or plush toys.

The peluche fabric is a cut-pile textile, typically made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, sometimes blended with acrylic or nylon. Mohair or cotton variants exist for specialty products. The pile can range from short to long, giving different levels of softness and sheen. The fabric is usually woven or knitted, cut to create a plush surface, and finished to enhance its tactile qualities.

Most peluche toys are produced by sewing together pieces of plush fabric, stuffing the resulting shapes with soft material such as polyester fiberfill or foam, and adding facial features, seams, and other details. Some modern versions include electronic components or motion features, but safety-conscious designs avoid small parts for young children.

Historically, plush fabrics gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with plush-covered toys and stuffed animals becoming widely produced. The teddy bear, popularized in the early 1900s, is among the emblematic plush creations associated with peluche. Today, peluche remains a central category in the toy and home-fabric industries, encompassing a broad range of animals, characters, and decorative objects.

Care and safety guidance emphasize following manufacturer instructions, washing on appropriate cycles or hand washing when advised, and avoiding small parts with infants or toddlers. Standard toy-safety regulations in many regions govern the construction and labeling of plush products.